holiday gift guide: triathlete

I’m a liiiiiittle late to the holiday gift guide game, but if you’re anything like me, two days from Christmas, you still have 80 percent of your shopping left, so perhaps this will come in handy. (Where did December go?! Bah!) Bouncing off Hyedi’s great gifts for runners and all of Rita’s incredible gift ideas, here are my top 10 gifts for your favorite triathlete.

1. Garmin Forerunner 910XT. This is the GPS device for any triathlete. Its coolest features: detailed swim data (stroke count and pool length) and swapping between sports – including T1 + T2 – with the push of a button. If Nick and I weren’t always training together, I’d steal his 🙂

2. Swim paddles + pull floats. Because straight-up laps in a 25-yard pool get boring and who doesn’t love swimming with toys? Remember life-size alligator floaties? or the ones that looked like tractor tires? Swim paddles and pull buoys are like that… kinda. I’m currently using swim paddles similar to these Speedos and a TYR pull float.

3. Wetsuit. Living and training in Minnesota means open water swimming isn’t exactly the warmest, especially in the early season. Triathletes stay warm – and more buoyant! – in a wetsuit, both during training and at wetsuit-legal races. A few options… the insane $1,200 TYR Freak of Nature, six-pack abs not included; QuintanaRoo Hydrofull (I’m not crazy about the pink, but it’s a cool suit); and the XTERRA Vortex Fullsuit, which can usually be found on sale for about half-price.

4. Tri kit. Triathletes train a lot, and if the one in your life is anything like me, her/his gear is always smelly + sweaty, and the washer runs almost daily. Extend time between loads with a new tri kit. My favorite: the SOAS Racing tri kit. For the guys: check out Louis Garneau’s pro shorts and pro jersey. Nick’s a fan.

5. Aero helmet. These helmets are hilarious, and I always tell Nick he should wear it backward. I’m also all about flashy on the bike, so I love Rudy Project helmets, especially this hot pink one. It also looks pretty bad ass on guys!

6. Gear bag. Triathlon requires a ridiculous amount of gear (Nick had EIGHT bags at Ironman Florida race day). Carry much of it in a gear bag. My current fave: TYR’s transition bag. Why I like it: It has a large zipper compartment so you can see all your gear, and it has plenty of smaller pockets to hold everything (i.e., nutrition, Garmin, shoes, goggles, etc.).

7. Race entries. Between your bike, 17 pairs of shoes, helmets, a wetsuit and tri shorts, triathlon is a spendy sport. Throw in multiple race entries each season, and… yikes. Ask your triathlete what her/his 2013 race calendar includes and gift an entry. Because there really is no better gift than an amazing experience.

8. Magazine subscription. There are quite a few solid triathlon magazines on the rack. A few to  check out: Triathlete, LAVA, USA Triathlon and Inside Triathlon.

9. Nutrition. Triathletes also eat a lot; during the season, I’m a bottomless pit. While I always refuel with good real food – think lean grass-fed meat, veggies + fruit, dark chocolate (obviously) – most isn’t that portable on the bike or while running (other than bananas). One of my favorite energy boosts while biking are Honey Stingers organic energy chews. They’re tasty, juicy, gluten free and, most importantly, don’t get stuck in your teeth.

10. Post-race comfy. I know I’m not the only one who wants to change out of sweaty race gear almost immediately after crossing the finish line. One of my go-tos: lululemon’s scuba hoodie. Soft, cozy, comfortable and cute. For the guy triathlete in your life, check out lululemon’s speed 1/2 zip. Also soft, comfortable and stylish.

Merriest Christmas, and happiest holidays, friends!