runner gifts Archives - Words To Run By

Inspired Endurance Holiday Gift Giveaway

I first met Marie Scholl, owner and founder of Inspired Endurance running jewelry several years ago, at the race expo for my first half marathon to be exact. Prior to seeing her boutique, it had not occurred to me wear running jewelry, but as soon as I saw the jewelry she makes, I knew I had to own a piece. Her designs are simple, beautiful and so many of her items are fully customizable, to perfectly capture your running journey and accomplishments.

Since then, my Inspired Endurance collection has grown from the original “Pandora style” race beads, which still remains on my Pandora bracelet today and personalized race tags (thank you, Marie, I will never forget a race time or date again) to my favorite Runner Girl charms.

Marie and I re-connected by chance just a few weeks ago, and I was reminded of how much I value her and her company. It was like re-connecting with an old friend. And that is exactly how Marie runs her company – like a friendship. Each time I have worked with Marie, I have been impressed with her customer service, kindness and genuine interest in my life – running and otherwise.

Not only was it good to catch up with Marie, but I am also grateful to be able to pick out a design from her site this holiday season. In browsing Inspired Endurance, I noticed that she has many new designs, as well as the classics I already love. I was immediately drawn to the Gemstone Stretch Bracelet with Running Shoe Charm. I do not have any running gemstone jewelry and the red coral is absolutely stunning, not to mention perfect for the season.

I have been wearing it non-stop since I got it, and it goes with everything – if I am wearing red or if I want a pop of color. The coral is just as beautiful as in the picture and the bracelet is stretchy, but not too tight or lose on my wrist. The running shoe charm is small and perfectly sized for me. It’s noticeable, but not too big. It is also removable so I can wear the coral without the charm or I can add additional charms in the future. Plus, it goes perfectly with the gemstone bracelet my mom gave me on the last Christmas she was here.

Marie has graciously offered to give away not one, but two of these same bracelets for the holidays. So, you get a little of Inspired Endurance and a little of my own Words to Run By design.

Enter below to win one of two bracelets or if you can’t wait, shop Inspired Endurance to make your own gemstone combination. It is affordable at just $35 and makes a great customizable gift for Christmas or a gift any time of the year.

The Inspired Endurance Holiday Gift Giveaway

One of two Red Coral Gemstone Stretch Bracelets with Running Shoe Charm. Each item comes in an Inspired Endurance Gift Box. Care instructions are included. Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only, please. Giveaway runs from 12/09/15 through 12/16/2015. Winners will be drawn and announced here and contacted via email or social media on 12/17/2015. Winners who do not respond with a mailing address by 12/19 will be re-drawn to accommodate holiday giving. Enter below, there are a lot of ways to win:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Marie at Inspired Endurance gave me this product to review and two additional products to give away. I was not compensated otherwise or asked to write a positive review. All thoughts, opinions and comments provided are my own.

Thank you to Marie and Inspired Endurance for these beautiful gifts. Good luck and Happy Holidays!

Until the next mile marker,

Winter Weather Running Accessory Gift Guide

Living in Central Ohio – which is not even as cold as it gets – I know a lot of people, including my own family, were surprised to hear I would be running outside in the winter. Personally, I can’t stand running on the treadmill and only did so when I was training for The Goofy to try to keep my body temperature as warm as possible for the Florida temps (which turned out to be unbearably hot that year anyway, but at least I was somewhat acclimated!). I used to get a lot of questions like, “Aren’t you afraid of falling on the ice?” “Won’t you get cold?” and “Don’t you have to wear a ton of clothes?” The answers characteristically, “I could do that anywhere (and probably will)” “Not once I get moving” and “It’s not about a lot of clothes, it’s about the right clothes.” Being winter, my Christmas list was soon full of cold-weather gear I would need to tackle the training season. I love running in winter and the gear that goes with it. Below is your Winter Weather Running Accessory Gift Guide for that special runner in your life!

Balega Wool Running Socks for $12 to $14 a pair – Hands down the best winter weather running gear you can get – if your feet are warm and dry, you will be too.. I love Balega. I like the Merino Enduro Quarter or the Merino Enduro Crew for winter training because they wick moisture away from your foot and provide some warmth without being too bulky. You can find them in your local running specialty shop or at Balega online.

Ponytail Hat/Cap for $22 to $40– Perfect invention for women’s winter running! I can never wear a warm hat because I wear a ponytail or bun, which doesn’t fit well with a warm hat. Now you can have both warmth and comfort! Check different styles/brands for warmth specifications. You can start with Saucony.

Functional Gloves from $32 to $55 – Keeping your hands and fingers warm is just important as your feet! I like the gloves that offer some ability to flip back to expose the fingers (either gloves or plain-skin) to allow for easy use of a Garmin, cell phone or anything else you might need your hands for while on a run. Check out what Brooks has to offer and shop around!

Headlamp from $12 – $30 – Most unrecognized winter weather running accessory ever! Perfect for running on trails, streets or if you can’t find something in your house! I wear mine all the time, especially since it gets dark by 6:00 p.m. now. You can find them at any local sporting goods store, running store or shop online at places like REI.

Balaclava for $6 to $50 – You can get them as simple or as complex as you want! Balaclava’s keep out the cold and really help with adjusting to cold air in your lungs. I really love running with one of these. Mine goes over my head, is made of simple fleece and isn’t fancy. Mine is from Columbia, but you can find these wherever winter weather accessories such as The North Face are sold.

Arm Sleeves with Thumbholes from $24 to $36 – Perfect if you are going to be layering and are not sure what to wear for the weather! I like wearing these on warmer days, especially if I am wearing outerwear like a fleece jacket. Shop online at places like Aasics.

The Gift Card – It comes in any amount and can be from any running or sporting goods store! Don’t know what to buy? This is sure to be useful for any running looking to complete their winter weather running accessory collection!

Tell me about you. What winter weather running accessory is a must-have on your gift list?

Until the next mile marker,