Run Tampa

Best Gift for the Runner or Walker on Your List

Even if that runner already has an older MP3 player, maybe it's time for a new one. David gave me the newest iPod Nano for my birthday a couple of months ago; I didn't think I needed a new one because my old one - one of the first ones - worked fine. But, I LOVE my new one. It takes great video, and that is so handy in races. If I want to shoot videos at a race, I have a great digital camera for that, but I don't carry that when I race; I do, always, have my iPod. This has enabled me to take videos of myself and friends at start lines and immediately following races. I even took videos during the Marine Corps Marathon with my Nano.

Another nice touch is that all iPods can be engraved.

This iPod is amazing. I've even downloaded TV episodes onto it. Here is an idea: Get your special someone an iPod, and download a variety of podcasts. I like to listen to NPR's "Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me" and "The Sunday Puzzle." I also listen to "This American Life." Of course you would want to download a variety of running podcasts as well as a variety of great running music.

Another idea is to create several playlists. Make one labeled FAST, with really upbeat music and one labeled LONG RUN with at least an hour's worth of slower tempo music that would be a pleasure to listen to during a long run.

Also, purchase a couple of great audio books on iTunes or from Audible.com, and download them onto the iPod. Do this, and that special friend will truly know how much you care.

Here are some ideas of books that a runner would like: What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami, 50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days by Dean Karnazes, and Lance Armstrong's It's Not About the Bike.

Shop Amazon on Run Tampa

Well, yesterday was cyber Monday.If you are like my family, you are all either running around doing holiday shopping, or you are doing it online. I do much of my shopping online as do my kids. I find that it's easier to get what I want, and I usually end up paying less, even with shipping. And it saves time, which means more time for running.

Today, I wanted to take a moment to urge you to make any purchases that you plan to make through Amazon through this site. I am sure you have noticed the Amazon ads on my page. If you click on one of those, you will be taken to Amazon's site. Then, if you make a purchase, Run Tampa gets a small fee for being the portal through which you accessed their site. I would not ask you to do this if it cost you more, but it doesn't cost you a penny more than if you purchased by going straight to their site.

And you can purchase ANY product that Amazon carries. In the middle column, you'll notice an Amazon ad that says 'Search Amazon' at the top. Type in any item, and you'll see that item. Click on it, and you will go to Amazon's site where you'll have access to everything that can be purchased through Amazon.

This would be a great way of showing your appreciation for this site. Run Tampa is just one person, me, and the only income it produces is from the business directory and from purchases through Amazon. That's right. While I take many, many pictures, I do not charge for that, and I do not sell them. If you are in a photo, and you would like to get it printed, you can email me, and I will send you the high resolution photo as an attachment. No charge. Then you can forward that to Walgreen's, CVS, or Walmart to have it printed.

The most useful element of this site, I imagine, is the interactive race calendar. Do you realize that I do not charge race directors for listing their races and linking them to the registration page? And the race directors do not pay me to take photos at their race or to publish them here. It is all free publicity for them.

I hope this site is a service to the running community. By purchasing through Amazon through this site, you are supporting Run Tampa and ensuring that Run Tampa will continue.

In my next post I'll be writing about the single best gift for a runner, in my opinion, and that is an iPod Nano.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Runners

Okay, if you are like me and haven't finished your shopping, like me, you are probably getting a bit stressed. I hope not. I thought this would be a good time to provide some ideas of gifts for runners, so here is my list.

• At the more expensive end, every runner enjoys buying running shoes, and anyone who does a lot of running will go through a pair in only three months, maybe less. Also, consider that experts recommend having at least two pair and swapping them out for a variety of reasons.
• If the person you're buying for ever runs off road, then a pair of trail shoes might be just the ticket. If you don't know what kind, just get the off road version of the model they wear on road.
• If the person likes to be different or  is the person who already 'has everything,' try a pair of Vibrum Five Fingers shoes. They are the closest thing to barefoot I've ever seen, and while they probably don't have the necessary cushioning for running, they would be fun to have - a great conversation piece - for yoga classes and the like. Locally, Tampa Bay Outfitters carries them in South Tampa. Google them to get a description.