Category

Gift Guides

Category

A prior edition of my gift guide focused on safety. This one is all about the essentials: stuff all runners (and other distance athletes) need. While we don’t all come up with the same solutions, we all face similar problems. Whether it’s too much humidity or extra clothes in winter, chafe happens. For men, there’s the dreaded nipple chafing (though chafe happens in some much less pleasant places, from what I’m told). For the vast majority of women, there’s also bra chafing and that problem when your thighs get chatty with each other. Then there’s the grumbly in your tumbly, which might demand food immediately, but then want to chuck it right back up if you’re still running. Finally, there are the things you always need but don’t always remember you need. Here’s my roundup:

Nip Chafing in the Bud

A container of Happie Toes
Happie Toes between my happy toes

See what I did there? Or not. (Maybe it was funnier in my head.) Squirrels Nut Butter. It’s a miracle. It’s the Alice in Wonderland version of a body slide product: not too waxy, not too melty. You have a variety of options including a stick (less messy), tin (reusable?), and a compostable tube. There’s also a vegan version. As long as you’re shopping for what they call “adventure lube,” you might as well get some Happie Toes, which is a lovely product to moisturize and protect your feet. I like to put a little bit on my feet before bed.

If your chafing is of the covered-by-your-undies variety, there’s nothing better than Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. Yes, friends, this is a diaper rash cream. It comes in a variety of formulas and package sizes, all of which are equally good as far as I’m concerned. I tend to buy the smaller package, which is less cost-effective but more likely to be carry-on friendly. BONUS: you can buy this at the drugstore or grocery store, making it a thoughtful buy if you’re shopping at the last minute.

Especially pertinent during winter: chapped lips. (In case you’re not a runner, running often requires you to use both your nose and your mouth to breathe, and in the winter that’s a recipe for painful chopped lips.) Of course you can also get sunburned lips if you go out in nice weather with bare lips. Yucky. Most folks are not picky about their lip balms, and I’ve got one stashed in each of my running belts/bags, so this is potentially another good “oops forgot to shop but thought about it” stocking stuffer, as there are all sorts of options at the drugstore. Avoid the oversized cutesy containers, and “pot” or tin style packaging (harder to use while running). My absolute favorite–it’s a splurge at more than $20–is Fresh Sugar Lip Balm. https://www.fresh.com/us/lip-care/sugar-lip-balm-H00006232.html It is also available at Ulta, Sephora, and a variety of other retailers.

Snacks For Days!

Okay so technically not a snack, but Run Gum is definitely something your run-love needs. Think all the caffeine of a cup of coffee to make you go, but NOT the part of the coffee that makes you, um, “go.” Also way more portable than coffee in terms of carrying stuff with you when you go for a run. Like it’s light enough to stuff in even the smallest pocket, or tape to the back of your bib. (You can even recycle the gum and the package if you buy a Terracycle box.) I’m still completely confused as to how it works, but you can click here to shop Run Gum on my groupshop. Otherwise, check out www.rungum.com or look for it at Target and Walmart.

Bain holding Run Gum, a Honey Stinger waffle, and a water bottle from The Feed
Runners love snacks!

When I first started running, there were not many options for gel, which we called “goo” (based on a similar-sounding brand name). You’re supposed to consume 8 oz. of water with most of them, which was hard to do, and so many of them just made icky lumps in my tummy. One brand made gels in flavors I found delicious, but which inevitably made me puke later. Then I found Honey Stinger (and I’m now a proud member of the Hive!). Honey Stinger makes honey-based gels that I found WAY easier to eat and digest. I’m also a huge fan of the Honey Stinger waffle as a pre-race snack (there are gluten-free ones too!), especially where it might be an hour or more between when I leave home/hotel and when my corral gets near the starting line. Pro tip: use medical tape to put the waffle on the back of your bib to avoid mashing it up. Honey Stinger makes a full line of hydration products, chews, and some super yummy nut bars. Check your local running store or head to https://honeystinger.com/

If you’re not sure what your run-love likes, or they are new to sports and don’t know what they like, head to The Feed and buy them a gift card. I’ve been Fueled By The Feed for about a year (see forthcoming post on their awesomeness). The Feed carries a wide range of brands (including Run Gum and Honey Stinger) and you can shop by brand or type of product. Several categories have a budget-friendly sampler pack where you can try the top sellers (say, the top nine hydration products). Once you’ve made a purchase, The Feed will send you discounts for the products you’ve purchased, and suggest others that you may like. In addition to fuel and supplements, The Feed also carries a selection of gear, and issues a series of customizable water bottles.

Things You Always Need (But Don’t Always Remember You Need)

The genuine article has the Buff logo on it–proof of quality and brand!

There are cheap fabric-tubes that brands give away, and then there is Buff. If you’ve seen the TV show Survivor, you’ve seen each tribe with a distinctive Buff design that they wear as a hat, headband, tube top, and more. I’ve written all about Buff before (check out my review here), including the fantastic UV-protection Buff (all about that here), and the half-sized Buff (I love that too). I prefer a full-sized Buff for any event where I need to tame my mane, as I make it into a cap under my hat or visor; a half-size when I run with a ponytail; and the headband for hot yoga. Buff also makes other functional protective products, including a balaclava.

Gloves. At bigger races, runners often line up quite some time before the race actually starts. This is practical–if 20,000 people all wait until 6:50 to try to get in line, the race cannot start at 7:00–but also annoying when it is cold outside. Many runners wear “tosser” clothes to the start line, with the intent to peel off their top layer of sweatpants, jackets, gloves, etc. either at the stating line or during the first mile. (Larger races have volunteers collect tosser items, which are then laundered and donated to charity partners. Since many runners buy tosser shirts and sweats at Goodwill, you can think of this as recycling?) While many runners wear very nice insulated gloves for long winter runs, few runners keep their gloves much past the starting line from spring through fall. Those 99 cent stretchy gloves you find at Target or the dollar stores? Fantastic tosser gloves. (If your run-love is a social media maven, they can snip the tip off of one index finger so their phone will work.) Also great are the oversized oatmeal-colored cotton gardening gloves from the hardware store.

NoSo patches shaped like cheese and the Oregon flag, and an X shape with Starry Night-inspired art
My first NoSo purchase

NoSo Patches. I had no idea I needed these until I found them. You know how fancy outdoor fabrics, or even nylon camping gear, sometimes hits a bad snag? I have a lovely winter Columbia jacket, the kind with an outer shell and a zip-in fleece, and there’s nothing wrong with it…but it has developed a small chafed spot that’s turning into a hole. (To be fair, I got this jacket in 2002.) My inner environmentalist wasn’t excited about tossing a jacket that still has a lot of use left in it, and my ever-present fussbudget couldn’t find one I liked better anyway. NoSo was born of a similar incident (the founder tore a brand new jacket). I love that it is a woman-owned company and that the products exist to help you use your gear for longer. Just like the name says, you don’t sew the patches–they stick on, and you set them with heat. My jacked only needs one patch (I picked an X-shaped patch inspired by “Starry Night” since my jacket is blue and grey) but I bought four. Just in case. https://nosopatches.com/

Jacket patched with NoSo patches
Pro Tip: do not hold the hair dryer too close to the jacket or you may create more holes…

What Is YOUR “Must Have” Essential?

Are you a runner or other distance athlete, or buying gifts for someone who is? What’s on your list?

So far, my holiday gift guides have all revolved around running, sports, and fitness. But what do you get for your favorite person who is owned by a cat? Obviously, something for the cat.

Gifts the Human and Cat Can Enjoy Together

Anything from Purrfect Play. https://purrfectplay.com/ My old cat, Mr. Potter, preferred the wool ping pong balls (they are solid, not hollow). I remember once when Mom was visiting, they played a game for hours: Mom would roll the ball into Mr. Potter’s cardboard box, and Mr. Potter would roll it back out again. My current master, Professor Nick Sterling, rather prefers the wool dust bunnies. There’s usually one under the bed, and one under the dining room table, thought which is where changes every so often. I don’t have a doggo, but I assume the products for puppers are equally awesome. Purrfect Play specializes in toys made of natural materials that are made in the USA. Basically Pam is terrific, her products are quality, and she gives 5% back to animal shelters. So you pretty much cannot go wrong. Support a small business and get the kitty in your life (or your friend’s) some toys.

Professor Nick Sterling, Space Kitty Express customer

Gifts for the Cat Who Just Needs to Get Stoned

Anything from Space Kitty Express. https://spacekittyexpress.com/ Got a cat? You need some Space Kitty Express toys. Especially if your cat doesn’t seem to care for catnip. Before I got Mr. Potter, I assumed all cats liked catnip. Nope, not him. Not regular catnip. Not organic catnip. I even went so far as to get fresh catnip for Mr. Potter, and his response was to pick it out of the bowl and throw it on the floor while berating me for trying to make him eat vegetables. But then my friend Cherylanne and her cat Phasma turned me on to Space Kitty Express. Professor Nick Sterling is partial to silvervine, which I use to refill his Kick Stick, though he also likes the special blend. I also like to give him silvervine sticks, in the hopes he will stop stealing my pens. (Not yet. I’m optimistic though.) He also enjoys the refillable fuzzy mice, while I enjoy one less toy that will end up in the garbage when it loses its scent (because I just refill the mouse, and the Professor acts like it is brand new. If you have any doubt that there are acceptable alternatives to catnip, just check out the Space Kitty Express instagram feed. (Pro tip: that’s also a great place to go if you are having a bad day.) Another small business that deserves your love.

Professor Nick Sterling is definitely innocent.

Gifts for the Discerning Decorator

The Scratchy Ramp. https://scratchypaw.com/product/scratchy-ramp/ Mr. Potter LOVED to scratch, and he took great pains to extensively “personalize” the first sofa I had. (This is why I chose denim slipcovers–easy to mend with old jeans, and automatic shabby chic cred, right?) I thought I’d try to make Professor Nick Sterling at home in the new house by getting him a ramp (he previously used a stack of boxes as stairs up to the bed) but he was NOT at all interested in using this ramp to get up to the bed, so I thought it was going to be a fail. Turns out he just needed to be incentivized to scratch on it (I sprinkled it with some catnip alternatives from Space Kitty Express). I also learned he prefers horizontal scratching (whereas Mr. Potter preferred vertical scratching). Currently the ramp is flattened out and held aloft by a cube storage unit from Target in front of a window, great for birb-watching and hissing-out the neighborhood cats. It’s scratched on daily and shows no wear after a year. The new model has a replaceable carpet deck. They also have a 30-day return period, so if your cat hates it (unlikely), you can send it back. I don’t know if it is still going on, but I saw there was two-for-one sale last week, so you might look.

Professor Nick Sterling has decided that collar are canceled, but he has a lovely bowtie collection.

Gifts for Felines with Cattitude

The handsomest cats wear bow ties. Try Business Catual https://www.businesscatual.com/ or Sweet Pickles Designs http://www.sweetpicklesdesigns.com/ for a variety of fetching kitty bow ties. (You can probably put them on a smaller dog too. I won’t tell.) Bonus: both are based here in Portland, Oregon. For kitty’s sake, please choose a breakaway collar. If your cat is exceptionally clever, he may invite you to play a game of hide and seek with collar and bow-tie as the “hider” and you as the “seeker.”

Gifts for the Cat Who Has Everything

A charitable endowment. If the cat already has everything, you can also donate cash or presents to your local animal shelter. I’m currently partial to the East Bay SPCA because that’s where I met Professor Nick Sterling, but there are any number of pet, cat, and kitten rescues that could use your help. Many keep a wish list on Amazon. You can also check your local pet shop for a pet “gifting tree” or other opportunities to donate goods to a local shelter or rescue operation.

Got Cats?

What are your best finds for the owned-by-a-cat-people in your life? Bonus points if your recommendation is from a small business!

In past years, I’ve dutifully logged every sale and deal, and provided a handy link for every single brand. This year, new plan. First, I’m going to assume that you have sufficient Google-fu to find any brand’s website on your own. Second, rather than constantly update this post when I get new info, I’m just going to drop new deals in the comments. Third, I’m not dividing companies into categories this year (since more and more of them are branching out into overlapping categories); the whole list is alphabetic by company name. Also, many emails I received did not indicate when the discount and/or code expires. I’ve shared all the information I have. Finally, don’t neglect your local running store or athletic outlet. Oh, and don’t forget to look back at the Safety Edition. Ready?

Bain’s Favorites

Addaday. Th BioZoom percussion device comes in three flavors: Biozoom Jr. ($149) weighs less than one pound and is perfect for keeping in your gym bag or taking on the road; Biozoom Edge with bluetooth ($149) has two more speeds and two more attachments than the Jr., and the longest battery life of the series; Biozooom with bluetooth ($229 but until the end of this week $194.55) with 20 speeds and five attachments, has the most to offer. I own the original (no bluetooth) and I am sosososo in love with it. Game. Changer. Addaday also makes other recovery devices, including electrical muscle stiumlation pads and an oscillating sphere. For Black Friday, everyhing is 20% off! Disclosure: I am a proud member of Team Addaday 2021. I’m not required to post about the BioZoom in my blog, but I honestly love it. https://www.addaday.com/

Core. A meditation training device and app with guided meditations, ambient sounds, and more. Save $20 on the Premium Bundle (Core + a year of the app) with code TrainWithBain. Disclosure: I’m a Core ambassador. That’s how I have a discount code to share with you.

Honey Stinger. Fuel your run with honey-based gels, waffles, and more. FREESTING for free shipping on orders over $50. I haven’t seen a Black Friday sale announcement yet, but can’t leave out my best fuel. Disclosure: I’m a proud member of the Honey Stinger Hive.

Lebert Fitness. 35% off the Lebert HIIT System with code BLACK35. All through November 28. Pre-purchase the new limited edition sets for 20% off: Frank Medrano (Equalizer XXL and paralellettes), Jay Maryniak (Equalizer XL and paralellettes), Carmel Rodriguez (white Equalizers) with code HOME through November 30. Use this link to let them know I sent you: http://www.easywebautomation.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=1687416 Disclosure: that’s an affiliate link. If you use it, it lets Lebert know I sent you. it does not affect your prices or access to discounts.

Run Gum. You can still use the referral link on the “Deals & Discounts” page for $5 off your first order. But you can also get 25% off everything, and a free headband if you spend $30, through Cyber Monday. Disclosure: I’m on the Run Gum Run Squad. Basically that means I love my Run Gum.

Black Friday to Cyber Monday Deals and Discounts

2XU. Compression gear. 30% off almost everything with code CYBER30 until December 1. Daily deals starting Thursday.

ACE (American Council on Exercise). 50% off all specialist programs.

Actionhouse. Sign up for FREE workouts, and get a 50% off coupon to use on gear on Black Friday

Athletes for Yoga. Get both Hit Reset AND Work In for $33 with free shipping through November 30. (While you’re there, grab a membership for yourself—the bite-sized, focused yoga routines can help every athlete.)

Balega. My favorite anti-blister socks. Lots of colors and styles. Buy 3, get one free with BALHOL3FOR1. Free shipping for orders over $25.

Bolder Athletic Wear. BOGO with code WAREHOUSE. Also, buy a pair of leggings from the new collection, get an item from the warehouse collection for free.

Bombas. Socks, tee shirts, and more. One donated for each one purchased. 20% with code Cheer20

Buff. Only Buff brand is a real Buff—it is a trademark!—the others are cheap imitations with fabric of a lesser quality. Shop the website for 25% off selected styles

Centr. This is the Chris Hemsworth app so good for both the eye candy and the workout. A one-year subscription is $95.99 (regularly $359.99) through December 2. New subscribers only.

The Clymb. Brand name gear for outdoors, posh slippers, and more. 25% off with code MY25 through November 29.

Do You Yoga. Get a full year of access for $72 https://start.doyou.com/bf20-jvrx/ (that’s 60% off, and it looks like you get to keep the discount for life)

Dropps. Laundry soap, fabric softener, dishwasher soap that leaves no trace: arrives in the mail in recyclable cardboard. 30% off sitewide, GIVETHANKS. A portion of sales supports No Kid Hungry.

Feetures. Socks for running and more. 20% off site-wide, no code needed.

FitBit. Sure, mine’s cracked, but I can’t convince myself to replace it, even with the latest Charge model at $50 off. Various percentages off through Monday.

Fitness Mentors. 30% off all CEU courses with code BlackFriday30

Go Think. Thoughtfully crafted sunscreen, baby products, sport products, and food transport. HOLIDAY30 for 30% off through November 27.

Handful. Oregon-based women’s sportswear. They make my favorite front-close bra. If you happen to wear XS, you can score on the sale items. 30% off with code FIVESTAR through November 30.

Ink n Burn. 20-50% off 200 different designs.

Inside Tracker. 25% off with 25OFFALL

Intelliroll. Modified foam roller designed by a chiropractor. (I use this one to target my cranky hip-related lower torso muscles.) 25% off sitewide with code SAVEBIG through December 1.

Jaybird. Vista model headphones are $99 (that’s $80 off)

JumpSport. Save 20% with code THANKS2020 (not good on backyard trampoline models)

Legend Bracelets. Bracelets to inspire and protect the environment. 40% off (no code)

Manduka. Yoga gear. 20% off orders of $125 or more through December 1.

Mark Bell Sling Shot. The Sling Shot push-up band, thigh loop, and more are all on sale.

Marmot. Outdoor clothing and more. 30% off site-wide, with extra 50% or more off clearance. No code.

Mazé Method. Yoga with one of my favorite, most well-respected, highly-trained teachers. 40% off online courses with Countdownto2021

Meas Active. Women’s activewear. 30% off no code needed

MyoStorm. Meteor heated, vibrating, massage ball. $30 off through Friday.

Oofos. Most comfortable recovery footwear on the planet, and sandals that are NOT flip-flops so they won’t eat your feet. 20% already discounted styles, code HOLIDAY20

Orange Mud. Hydration packs and vests, and the one-of-a-kind transition wrap. 30% off with code BF2020

Picky Bars. 30% off site-wide through Monday. An extra 30% off your first Picky Club with code BFS2020

Piloxing. Get certified to teach any of the PIloxing methods, hybrid models using boxing, pilates, and more. 40-50% off

PRO Compression. My favorite recovery socks (but you can wear them while you run, too!). 62% sitewide, so Marathon and Elite styles come out to just $19/pair! Use code BFDEAL through December 5. Free shipping over $49 too

P.volve. Take 50% off all workout kits with code BF50.

Rabbit. Clothing for runners. Spend up to $100 get 20% off; spend $100 or more to get 30% off; and spend $400 or more for 40% off.

R.I.P.P.E.D. 50% off the last Rumble instructor training of 2020 with code RnR50 (includes CEUs)

Rollga. Body-friendly foam roller and yoga tool in one. BFCM10 for $10 off through December 1 (may not be combined with other offers).

Rumi Spice. Veteran-owned business improving the lives of others through yummy spices like saffron and more. Spend $100, get 30% off with code BF30. Spend $25, get 25% off with code BF25. Codes good through December 1.

Ryka. Women’s athletic footwear. 25% off and free shipping with code PINKFRIDAY

Runderwear. The entire site is 25% off with discounts up to 50%.

Sadie Nardini/Fierce Yoga. 50% off most yoga courses, both the ones for personal home practice AND the teacher trainings (good for CEUs/Yoga Alliance)

She-Fit. Leggings and the ultimate in adjustable sports bras with serious staying power. Up to 50% off, no code needed.

Skora. 20% off all shoes with HOLIDAY20 and 50% off clothing with APPAREL50

SLS3. Compression and recovery gear. 50% off clothing and accessories with code BF50. Save $100 on compression recover boots with code Boots. Free US shipping, too.

Solo Stove. Portable fire options for warmth and for cooking with a lifetime warranty. 25% off their ultimate bundle

SOS rehydrate. Hydration product in a variety of flavors. 30% off with code CYBER30 through December 1.

Spartan Races. 30% off all races + the Spartan Pass — Trifecta with code BF30, plus up to 50% off merch.

Sports Basement. My favorite SF Bay Area sporting goods store both for the in-store experience (great prices, knowledgeable staff) and for supporting all the race companies. A variety of deals on various brands, with shipping or pick-up options available.

Star Cycle PORTLAND. Cycle studio in Portland, Oregon. Purchase a $100 gift card, get $25 credit in your account, through November 29. (limit 4)

Stroops. Premium resistance bands, anchors, attachments, and education. Stroops are portable, making them a great choice if you don’t have a permanent work-out room or home gym. Site-wide sale up to 50% off through Monday, no code.

Stryd. Shoe device that helps runners measure power to improve their run. $20 off with code IWillBeReady through November 30

Sweaty Betty. Athletic clothing for women. 30% off 5-star products with code CHEERS

Sweet Spot Skirts. Based in Vancouver, WA this company makes adjustable and reversible skirts to wear over leggings. Great for when you want to wear leggings, but feel a little exposed (or just want to look cute). I own three. 20% off with FUNLIFESTYLE

Terrapin Events. $10 off the Ugly Sweater 5k, 10k, and Half AND the Back On Track 30 Day Challenge (January 2021) through end of day Friday.

Thorlos. Socks! 25% off everything and free shipping, through December 2.

Toe Sox. 30% off everything.

Trigger Point. SMFR tools from The Grid roller to foam balls and more, plus education on how to use it. 25% off with code HOLIDAY25

TRX. Suspension trainers, slam balls, battle ropes, and more. 20% off site-wide, no code needed

Xen Strength. Yoga with weights! Get 35% off a yearly membership with code XENFOUNDER through December 4. 7-day free trial.

Yoga Download. Spin the wheel on the website to reveal your own “mystery” discount.

Yoga International. 30% off selected courses for home practice and for teachers. Use code COURSE30 through November 29.

Yoga Medicine.50% off all Yoga Medicine online courses with code FLASH50 through midnight, December 2.

Yoga Society. Yoga wear and practice gear. 40% off site-wide, no code needed

Zumba Wear. Clothing inspired by designs for Zumba. Various deals on an assortment workout and athleisurewear, no code needed. Try code TrainBain for an additional discount.

Added End of Day, Thanksgiving

RunSmart Online. Save up to 50% off programs (Run Smart Prime, Base Six Bootcamp, etc.), and $20 off a year subscription.

SissFit. 40% off all .pdf guides with code TURKEY40 through Monday.

The BioMechanics Method. 50% off all CEC courses through November 29

Pro Hair Ties. THANKS20 for an extra 20%  off, expires November 27.

Oxygen Magazine. “Oxygen Pass” $34.30 (usually $49/year) or “Active Pass” $69.30 (usually $99/year). Code applies automatically, but in case it does not for you, code is Cyber Week 2020VeloPress. 30% off all titles, ends November 30

Added Friday, Noonish

Alchemy 365. Streaming fitness service. Get your first 3 months for $4.99/month with code LETSGO

Brazyn Life. Foam rollers that pack flat for travel. 20% off with code HEALTHYHOLIDAYS20

Booty Bands. Workout bands, thick ones (not the flimsy kind). $20 off with code 20BF

Fitletic. Running belts to hold your gadgets. 30% off sitewide with HOLIDAY30

Hammer Nutrition. A variety of deals, plus use code FFS20 and get 2 HEED singles in all-NEW Cherry Bomb flavor, a $3.80 value, FREE with your purchase.

Injinji. Toe socks for athletes and runners. 20% with code SOCKUP

Latinos Run. 50% the entire store with code BLACKFRIDAY

Lil Buff Protein. Personal sized cakes and frostings packed with protein. 20% off with code BF20

Marmot. Clothes for playing outside. 30% off everything, 50% off clearance items. No code.

Melt Method. SMFR techniques that use softer tools and anatomy (science!) to release stuck tissues. Up to 40% off site wide, plus a six month subscription to Melt on  Demand plus a Starter Kit for $69.99

The North Face. 50% off the UX Down Parka. No code.

Nuun. Hydration products. Spend $30, use code TURKEY 20 for 20% off. Spend $50, save 30% with code TURKEY30. Spend $70, save 40% with code TURKEY40.

PRIDE Socks. 25% off with code rainbowfriday

RAD Roller. SMFR tools and education. 25% off with code CYBERWEEKEND

Roll Recovery. Amazing gadget for rolling and compression, plus foot roller, and more. 10% off with cod ROLL2020

RooSport. Magnetic pockets to hold stuff when you run, power banks, loungers. 40% off with code Black40

Runderwear. 50% off site wide, no code

Skora. 50% off apparel with code APPAREL50

Soflete. 50% off the gym duffle, 30% off tee shirts, no code needed

Suunto. Superior sports watches from Finland. Up to 60% off, see website

Tailwind Nutrition. Fuel for your entire day of running. Save 20% off everything, no code needed

Ultima Replenisher. 30% off  GIVETHANKS30 ends Monday.

Yoga U. Continuing education for yoga students and yoga teachers. Save 10% on one course with Code YOGA10. Save 25% on two courses with Code YOGA25. Save 40% on three or more courses with Code YOGA40. All discounts apply to 3-part recorded online courses

6 Pack Bags. Stylish totes for meal prep, with built-in compartments that are perfect to safely carry meals—cold packs, too. 50% off with code BLACKFRIDAY50

32 Degrees. Up to 75% off site wide, no code needed

Charge Running. Coach-led LIVE runs, or you can access the recorded ones. $1 for your first month.

Your Turn: What Did I Miss? What’s New?

Got details? Drop a comment with any intel you have, or updates on what I’ve shared. (Maybe Cyber Monday deals get better? Who knows?) What are you planning to get for the athletes in your life? Need to drop a hint to a clueless relative?

Oh, and if you are a brand ambassador, please feel free to share your discount codes–but let us know you’re repping the brand.

Last Updated: November 20, 2022

The holidays are coming, in case your email inbox isn’t jammed full of pre-Black Friday offers or you otherwise somehow missed it. Wondering what to get the runners in your life to show them you care? Let’s start with essential safety gear. Bonus: all of these suggestions work for cyclists and others who might be outdoors at night. Many of these brands are offering the same or similar deals at your local running and cycling shops, so shop local if you can.

Be Safe, Be Seen

NoxGear Tracer 360 vest
Best High-Visibility Product

NoxGear Tracer. My favorite way to be seen, hands down. The original (as far as I know!) product is the Tracer360 vest, and personally I think everyone who runs at night should own one. Essentially it is a lightweight, minimal “vest” that you wear over your regular running clothes. (More of a belt that has loops that go over your shoulders–doesn’t add bulk.) The shoulder straps light up, and there are both solid color and flashing pattern options.

Tracer2 and TracerLamp in their boxes
Now rechargeable!

The newer model, Tracer2, is lighter because it doesn’t use batteries. This vest is rechargeable using the included USB-C cable. There is also a brand new TracerLamp that you click into the front buckle on the Tracer2.

When it’s dark outside, there’s no way you’ll be missed. Oh, and if you’re out walking the dog? Get your pup a LightHound. Save 35% on your order at https://www.noxgear.com/ref/TrainWithBain/ (I am an ambassador and this is an affiliate link).

ProViz. A few years ago I won one of these jackets in an online contest, and I still cannot believe my luck. The fabric seems like a grey/silver until light shines on it and then BOOM! it lights up like someone plugged it into a socket. (sturdy and long-lasting too, so think of this as an investment in your night wardrobe forever.) No photo I take will do it justice, so I highly recommend you go look at their website. ProViz makes sport-specific safety clothing for runners and cyclists, and also has a line of general activewear including fleece lined visibility gear for less sweaty endeavours. The 2020 Black Friday deal was 20% off everything; I bet they do similar each year. https://www.provizsports.com/en-us/

Knuckle Lights. Useful for all situations where you might run in the dark, from casual night jogs to ultrarunning events. Knuckle lights strap to your hands, just like the name indicates, and increase your visibility in two ways: (1) your literal visibility to others (traffic, cyclists, other runners, etc.) and (2) your visibility in the sense that you can better see the path in front of you. There’s a money-back satisfaction guarantee, and a five-year warranty, so you’ve pretty much got nothing to lose. I’m proud to share the love, since Knuckle Lights is based in Oregon. https://knucklelights.com/

Brilliant Reflective by 3M. If the runner in your life is picky about gear, or likes maximum options, you can help them make the gear they already own and love reflective. Brilliant Reflective Strips come in both stick on (temporary, pull back off) and iron on (more of a permanent solution) options. This is one of the least expensive ways to up your visibility, and you can add it to your clothing, bike helmet, or even your bike! There are multiple varieties and colors too. https://brilliantreflective.com/

a stick of safety skin
Image from the Safety Skin website

Safety Skin. We all know that one guy who runs in shorts and a tank top, year round, regardless of weather or temperature. If that’s you or the runner in your life, Safety Skin is for you. Safety Skin is basically a deodorant-like stick with a wax base that you put directly onto your skin. This makes it easy to put a reflective strip anywhere on your body, regardless of whether you’ve got clothing there. There’s a sunblock option too. https://www.safetyskinproducts.com/

Other Options. When looking at winter running or cycling gear, keep an eye out for gear with reflective properties. Most major brands have at least one line of tights, pants, shorts, etc. that has a reflective strip or pattern on it. Gear can also have reflective properties, for example on a SPI belt or an Amphipod hand-held bottle. Staying seen is one of the top ways to avoid getting hit!

Be Safe, Carry ID

I’ve looked around, and there is really no substitute at all for a Road ID. It’s superior to carrying just your phone since most phones screen lock, and even better than a drivers license since the Road ID can get crucial medical or allergy information to responders that your state-issued ID cannot. I’m so in love with the Road ID that I personally own three or four (I have one that was specific to the original FitBit, obviously I’m not using that one anymore…). No one likes to think about it, but what happens if you are out on a run, by yourself, and something awful happens–you get hit by a car, you have a heart attack or a stroke? Road ID helps make sure first responders and emergency personnel can help you appropriately. I’m a wrist ID person, though I’ve used the velcro on the bands to connect my Road ID to my running vest. I bought one for my Dad, I bought one for the family dog. If your arm party is already strong, you can get a Road ID to attach to your running watch, your Apple watch, or your shoe. My favorite part of Road ID is the connectivity part: in the event I am unable to assist first responders, there is a code on the ID they can use to access my essential medical details (which I keep updated) and my emergency contact list. The cost for this is minimal, even for the low mileage I run each year. Peace of mind for all of my family, too. Did I mention the engraving is guaranteed for life? Road ID also has an app that allows people YOU select to follow you in real time, which is super useful if you have an accident and can’t tell your family which hospital you are headed to. Current sale is 20% off, and up to 80% off of the clearance items. https://www.roadid.com/

Be Safe, Stay Connected

Wearsafe Tag. If you find yourself in an unsafe situation or suddenly needing help, the Wearsafe Tag is your best friend. When you get the tag, you download an app and set up your contacts list. If you find yourself needing help, you just push the button on the tag. The app alerts your contacts that something is wrong and sends them a live audio feed. Your contacts can use the app’s group chat feature to coordinate a response–which might mean going to you directly, or might mean calling 911. The tag vibrates to let you know someone has seen your alert, and you can press the button again to let them know you’re okay–the app will turn blue to alert them you’re okay. It’s easy to strap or clip the tag to your running gear. If you have a friend who runs alone and you worry, this is the perfect gift. https://wearsafe.com/

Be Safe, Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Shokz (fka Aftershokz). Regardless of whether you’re running at night or during the day, the number one thing you can do to promote your own safety is to stay aware of your surroundings. Unfortunately, many runners go out wearing noise-canceling headphones that impede their ability to hear what is going on around them, from other runners to approaching cyclists to cars. (Really, it just takes one bicycle-runner collision to really mess up your body.) I’ve been a huge fan of Shokz for a long time. Instead of buds that sit in your ears and block out other sound, Shokz sit outside of your ears and use bone-conduction technology. This means you can hear everything going on around you. Fun fact: there are also waterproof Shokz that swimmers can use! I also have the OpenComm, which is the same idea but with a boom mic; it’s been great during pandemic work Teams calls, and I find it improves sound quality when I’m teaching over Zoom. Sign up for their email list to learn about discounts. https://shokz.com/

Be Helpful: What’s Your Go-to Gift for Runner (and Athlete) Safety?

Drop me your favorites! What’s the best gadget, piece of clothing, or product that helps keep you safe while you’re out? What do you secretly hope to find under the tree, in your stocking, or waiting for you wherever your presents appear?