.png)
What Runners Really Want This Holiday Season (It’s Not What You Think)
- Kate Mihevc Edwards PT, DPT
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever tried to buy a gift for a runner, you’ve probably thought, “Do they need shoes? Maybe a fancy GPS watch?”
Let me save you some time: most runners either already bought those things for themselves… or they’re super picky and you’re going to guess wrong.
What runners actually want, what keeps us going through cold mornings, comeback seasons, and life chaos is a little more grounded. Think: movement that feels good. Recovery tools that don’t collect dust. Help staying healthy when motivation is low. And gifts that remind us why we even do this in the first place.
So here’s your holiday gift guide, minus the hype, plus the stuff that actually matters.
1. Give Them a Gait Analysis (aka, Clarity)
Forget gear for a second. If your runner is constantly nursing something hip, knee, ankle or just feels “off” when they run, they probably don’t need another foam roller. They need to understand how they move.
A gait analysis (virtual or in person) with Precision Performance can literally change the way someone runs. We’re talking fewer injuries, better form, and more efficient miles. And no it’s not just for elites. It’s for anyone who wants to stop guessing and start running smarter. Plus the PTs at Precision are RUNsource experts!
2. Strength Classes or PT Vouchers
Runners are notorious for skipping strength work… until they’re injured. Fix that. A class pack, a movement screen, or a few PT sessions can be the difference between training consistently and sitting on the sidelines in February.
We see it all the time: runners with strong habits stay healthy longer. Those who avoid strength work? They cycle through the same injuries every year. Let’s break that loop.
3. The RUNsource App (Seriously, This One’s a Win)
RUNsource is loaded with tools runners actually use:
Short strength sessions you can do between Zoom calls
Guided meditations for when the stress hits hard
Mobility flows and restorative yoga (because lying on the floor is training sometimes)
Running plans for beginners or runners coming back from injury
Information and guidance about staying injury free or coming back from injury
You can ask questions about common running issues and get real, vetted guidance
It’s like having a coach, a doctor, PT, strength coach and yoga teacher in your pocket. Give someone access, or better yet, get it for yourself.
4. From the Fast Bananas Shop: Gifts That Actually Land
Here’s what runners will actually smile about unwrapping:
🖍️ "Be Slow. Get Fast." Coloring Book: Perfect for recovery days, taper weeks, or when their body says “no” but their brain is still in training mode.
☕ Coffee Mugs: Every runner has a morning ritual. These mugs are smart, funny, and guaranteed to become part of someone’s pre-run caffeine routine. Bonus: ideal stocking stuffer.
👕 Clothing: Soft, smart, and made for people who love running and want to feel like themselves on and off the track.
5. Real Support for Runners Coming Back from Injury
If your runner is coming off an injury or burnout year, give them a reset. A PT consult. RUNsource yoga flows. A simple self-care bundle. A few tools that say: “I know you’re rebuilding, and I support that.”
The best gifts for runners aren’t always flashy. They’re thoughtful. Supportive. Useful. The kind of stuff that helps us keep going—even when training gets messy, motivation dips, or life throws the usual curveballs.
Give your runner something they’ll actually use. Something that helps them feel strong, grounded, and glad they’re still in this sport.
Comments