What to ask Santa for

Monday, December 05, 2011 · Mike Davis

December is upon us and that means it’s time to tell Santa what we want for Christmas. Of course all I want is peace on earth! Well, maybe I wouldn’t mind some other stuff, but in reality I’m in pretty good shape. My wife would tell you that I’m hard to shop for as I don’t really need anything. As some of you know I collect model trains, so that’s always an idea. As a runner and someone that works out, I could always use some workout equipment. Not really, as I have actually scaled back what I need for a good workout and I have enough running gear to last me a good while. I am not trendy, so keeping up with style is not imperative.

Enough about me let me give you a few ideas for your list to Santa. This list will consist of perfect helpers in your running/workout training. A few gadgets can provide a great deal of help with both running and working out.

Bands

Bands are great to attach to an unmovable object and loop around your ankle. This will strengthen your hips and legs. You can also hook a band around a pole shoulder height and use it for upper body strengthening. Bands have many uses and are a perfect workout tool.

Headlamp

Running after dark has much potential for danger and a headlamp is an excellent way to see in front of you. Fairly cheap and easy to use, a definite must have for every runner.

GPS Watch

Okay, Santa may have to dig a little deeper for this toy, but it will quickly become your favorite. Great for helping you with your pace and distance calculations. Many models, but I prefer any of the ones Garman makes.

Yaktrax

If you are going to be out running this winter, these are a great gift for Santa to put in your stocking. They will help keep you on your feet and not on your butt!

Pull-up Bar

Yeah, no doubt you will not include this on your Christmas letter to Santa! I hear it all the time; I hate pull-ups, can’t even do one, so on and so on… Pull-ups are one of the three best exercises a person can do and even if you start out by hanging on the bar and maybe flinch, you are going to get better.

The final and number one piece of equipment that you should as Santa to deliver to you for being a good runner this years is a: Core Ball! Some call it a stability ball, but either way there are many uses for a core ball that will provide great benefits to every part of your workout. You can do a whole workout with nothing but a core ball. If you have guest over and need an extra chair, you can even use it for that purpose. Tell Santa to get you a core ball! You might also tell him to save room in his sack by not inflating it. This will give him more room for the other stuff you want!

So there are some great ideas to include on your list to Santa. Because each of you has been such good runners this year, I can’t help but believe you will get whatever you want! See you on the road…

mike