Ideas for the Triathlete Christmas Eve Rush

Well, it might seem sinful to start discussing this before Thanksgiving, but Christmas is right around the corner and everyone is wondering what to get their family members! If you happen to have a triathlete in the family, the what do I get them solution gets even more complicated, especially if you don't know all that much about triathlons! Well never fear, possible readers, there are quite a few gift ideas that your triathlete will love without breaking your pocketbook!

Idea One: Headphones

Triathletes always need headphones. I personally go through around two pairs per year, between blowing out speakers (mostly by listening to books on tape where the readers voice is extremely bass) or losing them or drying them or washing them...you get the idea. Your best bets are going to either be

A) A brand you already know they love.

B) A brand that is specifically made for athletes (These are usually waterproof and designed to stick in the ears)

C) A brand with clips to wrap around the ears and keep them from falling out.

D) A brand with a built-in microphone so they can answer calls while running.

Two: Nutrition

Fueling triathletes is an expensive endeavour all in itself. The average person needs to consume around 50-100 calories every 30 minutes while cycling or risk bonking, and the average cost of a 100 calorie energy gel is around $1.50, so the costs add up quickly. Whether it be a Gu Sampler pack, a box of Clif Bars, or a new can of the latest and greatest sports drink, you can never go wrong by buying a triathlete food.

Three: Foam Rollers or a Sports Massage

Professional triathletes get weekly sports massages to work out all the aches and pains acquired while training but the average age-grouper has difficulty affording that, so foam rollers are the next best thing. They're basically a metal rod with ridged foam sheaths that slide over to allow the triathlete to massage their own muscles. They work...amazingly well. They're also around $15 at Wal-Mart, so that's an easy bet. The wife and I made the father-in-law fairly happy with one of these last year. The other option is to buy them a one-time sports massage.

Four: Phone Holders

Your triathlete probably already owns one of these but they come apart at the stitching pretty easy so everyone usually goes through a couple a year. They're $10 at Wal-Mart and they're pretty much universal for fitting phones.

Five: KT Tape Pro

Maybe I'm blowing the Love horn a tad too hard, but this stuff is amazing. Your Ironman is bound to get injured sooner or later and this stuff will help them get back on schedule. It's $17 at Wal-Mart and comes in neon reflective shades for road running.

Six: Swiftwick Socks

Triathletes also go through socks faster than anybody will believe but once your triathlete tries swiftwicks, they'll never need another pair. Swiftwicks are made from olefrin, an ultra-moisture wicking material that also has compression properties. Basically, you never have to worry about blisters while wearing these bad boys. Grab a pair (I recommend Swiftwick Aspire Ones) and they'll love you forever.

Seven: Winter Gear

Underarmor products, running tights, cycling jackets, triathletes train in the worst conditions possible to prepare for race day and we all could always use more bad weather gear! Remember, ultra-light is always better and compression is a huge plus!

Eight: Training Guides

It is said we stand on the shoulders of giants and that's very true in triathlon. Without the tried and true training methods that countless others have developed, we would never be able to achieve our ideal times. But first, we have to learn what those training methods are. So head over to Barnes and Noble and browse the sports section. Anything by Ironman is an excellent option.

Nine: Running Shoes

These are iffy, because most triathletes know more about their feet than anything else and they're usually pretty picky about their shoe types. But running shoes are ideally changed every 3 months, so new shoes are an excellent gift! Just make sure to ask or sneak a peak at their running gear before buying them!

Ten: FuelBelt

If they don't already have one, this is a great idea! I love FuelBelt products, it allows no worry on long runs about nutrition and during races it ensures that you won't be stuck with some sports drink that creates GI distress!

Those are just some ideas to keep you from being totally lost this Christmas! Happy shopping!