Monday, December 8, 2014

Stocking Stuffers for Runners {+ Awesome Giveaway}

"Are we doing stockings this year?" Mark asked.

I was putting the finishing touches on the mantle, my favorite thing to decorate for the holidays. There was a reindeer basket overflowing with fragrant potpurri and a string of frosted cranberries that ran along the length. Two silver snowflakes held knitted stockings and, from the arm of a snowman, hung a third stocking. They were empty — for now — a fact confirmed by a curious Miles.

"Yes. Of course we are," I said as I toyed with the cranberries.

I should admit that, for me, stocking stuffers are easy. I buy Mark copious amounts of Reese's trees and a sample size cologne. Miles gets a Tootsie Roll bank (family tradition) and an ornament. All it takes is one trip to Target.

For Mark, it means another round of presents — not that either of us mind, though maybe I shouldn't speak for him. I like to receive gifts, he likes to give them and all it really takes is a trip to my favorite running store. As I told him this year, he wouldn't even have to browse — he just had to talk to my favorite girls and they could do it for him.

But for those looking to get stocking stuffers for their favorite runners, here are my top picks.

Note: I don't want to see any eye rolling — below will be one of the raddest Healthy Strides giveaways ever. 

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Pro Compression socks. Where fashion meets function, these socks are a staple in my running wardrobe. I wear the trainers for everyday runs and workouts, and the marathon socks come out for long runs and recovery. When it's cold, the tall socks double as a way to keep my lower extremities warm and my feet dry. And they are cute.

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So, so, so cute.

Remember that you can save 40 percent on marathon socks and sleeves with the code BLG14. And the trainers are such a good — deal $25 for two pairs, which means the recipient will be doubly as happy or you can keep one for yourself. I won't tell.

Nuun. Even though training might be winding down for a lot of people, Nuun is never out of season. I drink my favorite (non-caffeinated) flavors year-round, whether I'm running on the treadmill, teaching a class or just trying to keep myself hydrated. And, at the office, I'm drinking Nuun All-Day. It has zero sugar, less than 8 calories per tab, and an all-natural blend of 17 vitamins and minerals. It comes in 4 flavors: Grapefruit Orange, Tangerine Lime, Blueberry Pomegranate, and Grape Raspberry. A tube of Nuun — or four — will easily fit in a stocking.

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NAAWK. Tell me this: Have you ever actually used an entire tube of lip balm before losing it? Yeah. Me neither. If I don't lose it, someone either takes it or it gets washed in my pants. It's why I bought six — yes, six — tubes of my favorite lip balm, NAAWK, before the season started. I keep one in my car, one in my purse, one in my desk and one in my gym bag. I also have spares around the house for when Mark's "lips hurt real bad." (Name that movie quote!) Why NAAWK? "NAAWK is a lifestyle driven brand that meets the needs of an active, outdoor enthusiast. NAAWK sun care products are specifically designed with this environment in mind, offering the best skin and sun care products available," the website reads. And, for me, I just think they are awesome.

Road ID. Safety — there's no better gift than that. A Road ID bracelet is a $20 insurance policy in the event that something happens when your runner is out on the road. Pick out a new style or give a gift card and you'll give yourself peace of mind.

Now ... for the details on the giveaway.

  • There will be three winners.
  • Winner No. 1 will receive a pair of Pro Compression marathon socks or sleeves and a $30 gift card to Road ID.
  • Winner No. 2 will receive a mixed four-pack of Nuun All-Day and a $20 Road ID gift card.
  • Winner No. 3 will receive a gift pack from NAAWK, including continuous spray sun screen, travel-size hand and body lotion, zinc stick and lip balm; and a $20 Road ID gift card. 
  • Winners will be selected by a random generator. The first name selected will receive the Pro Compression prize, the second name will receive the Nuun and the third will receive the Naawk. 
  • Pro Compression, Nuun and NAAWK are providing prizes for this giveaway, and the Road ID gifts were ordered by me with referral credits. I was not compensated for this post. 

59 comments:

  1. I would love to see a pair of PRO Compression socks in my stocking! (Thanks for a great giveaway, too!)

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  2. Awesome giveaway! I love all the products you listed :)

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  3. Great giveaway! I'm hoping I'll find more of my favorite running fuel in my stocking this year. :)

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  4. Hubby and I don't really do gifts, but I would LOVE the new SNOW PRO Compression Socks in the mailbox ;)

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  5. I would love to see a cold weather hat and/or headband in my stocking and some holiday themed running socks or sleeves.

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  6. Love this giveaway. I have become a Nuun devotee because of your blog!

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  7. Awesome giveaway! We don't do stockings for the adults (my husband is the world's worst gift-giver, and his head would just explode if I told him he had to fill a big sock with a variety of presents) but I would LOVE some Nuun and Gu's, a running related book, maybe, and a new pair of headphones!

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  8. Who doesn't want more than coal in their stocking?! I think that fuel is a totally easy stocking stuffer that makes runners happy. Also some Body Glide. An iTunes gift card? Yes please.

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  9. A FitBit is my number one item on my list this year, but I'd love more PRO socks and some other running treats!

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  10. This is why I'm glad my husband found your blog and started reading! Let's hope some of these ideas rub off on him ;)

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  11. Love the socks and Nuun is the best!!!!

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  12. I love my stocking...it is my favorite part of Christmas! I don't even care what is in it, I just love opening all those little things!

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  13. I would love to see an iTunes gift card - my running playlist needs an update! Also, the movie quote is from Napoleon Dynamite! :)

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  14. I just told Kyle I want to try the Nuun All Day since I haven't really been running, I feel like I can't drink the normal Nuun as I feel like maybe all the electrolytes aren't necessary. But reallly hoping for some Nuun All Day in there! We'll see if he gets the hint :)

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  15. I totally need a new road id :)

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  16. I would love those compression socks!

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  17. would love to win compression socks - they're on my xmas list!

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  18. I want shot blocks and a balaclava in my stocking this year!

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  19. I asked for a sample pack of Picky Bars in my stocking, but I'd love to get any of these things too.

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  20. Some new goggles would be nice for this swimmer!

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  21. Stocking? I'm obsessed with fleece headbands lately.

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  22. a new fitbit band or some running gear

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  23. Compression sleeves and running gear.

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  24. With two runners to fill stockings for this is a great giveaway

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  25. Pro compression socks would be awesome!

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  26. Running shoes - you can nver have too many!

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  27. Socks or Road ID! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

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  28. I would love to see a gift card for a massage in my stocking :) Or a pair of socks, lol.

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  29. I would love to see any and all running gear in my stocking!

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  30. Em Mahr - I'd definitely like to see some compression socks and a good headband for when I run in my stocking this year

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  31. I think I might see running socks or running store gift card in my stocking.

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  32. Hmmm... In my stocking I would like to see a box of dark coffee k-cups :) OR, running-related, a race entry!!!
    Amy @ http://www.livinglifetruth.com/

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  33. In my stocking I would love to see a new workout arm band...mine is from the first generation iPhone...I have been stuffing my iPhone 6 in, upside down...ugh...that think stinks!

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  34. I'd love to see some new running socks in my stocking!

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  35. All of it! Besides, you can never have too many socks...as a bedside RN *and* a runner, I go through socks and compression like crazy!

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  36. definitely socks! compression socks are great (if only my mileage was high enough to justify wearing them all the time!)

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  37. Compression socks of course

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  38. Love those small size samples from sephora. Or lip balm. Always need a back up!

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  39. gaaaah I'm totally losing my lip balm every freaking where! ha! But seriously though...I'm in NEED of some compression socks. Running on three years, three marathons, and I still don't have a pair. What?! poor runner... Just happened across your blog via Blonde Ponytial. Love it!

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  40. Love the snowflake ProCompressions!

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  41. I would love an iTunes giftcard and new running socks! :)

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  42. Love Pro Compression socks and have been wanting to try out Nuun. Hooray!

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  43. I am in charge of "stuffing the stockings" at my house - so I know I get what I want! And nuun will be in it for sure!

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  44. I want Nuun in my stocking because I am almost out.

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  45. I want a kansas city starbucks mug :-)

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  46. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free.
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