Saturday, November 28, 2015

Holiday Gift Guide: My Top 10 Purchases in 2015

I decided to do things a little differently this year with my gift guide(s).  I wanted them to be completely unsponsored and totally honest.  So I am going to tell YOU my favorite purchases this year which may get you thinking about gifts for the runner in your life.  Over the next couple of days, I will bring you my Wishlist for the Holidays and also, my list of stocking stuffers for the Runner in your life.


Let's get to it!

1.  Hoka One One Challenger ATR


These are the best trail shoes ever!  Well, they are only the second pair I have ever owned but they are my favorite shoe of the year.  They barely beat out the Stinsons but these are super grippy with a forward rocking motion.  Super comfy!  And pink!  Yay for pink shoes!

2.  Orange Mud VP2


This beautiful piece of equipment has been my savior one too many times.  It carries two bottles of hydration plus has plenty of pockets for more.  More water, more fuel.  Place for your keys, for your phone and then some.  Best hydration carrier ever!

3.  Race Entry to the Phoenix Marathon


Yes, this was my first marathon so it will be really special always.  But the real beauty of the Phoenix marathon and the reason every second of those 26.2 miles was worth it is because the We Run Social movement was born there!  I made lifelong BRFs from that weekend and I am forever grateful!

4.  Coaching with Sole Health and Wellness


Yes, we all know that Jenn is one of my dearest friends.  Almost family.  But did you also know she is my coach?  She helped me get a 10 minute marathon PR and kept me healthy and strong throughout training.  You better believe I am using her to get me thru the LA Marathon as well!

5.  Jailbreak Pro Compression socks


If you follow any of my social channels, you know I am a Pro Compression addict!  And I don't even mean that lightly.  So when I tell you that THESE are my very favorite socks ever, you know it is a big deal.  They are almost more comfortable than other Pro socks.  Could be my imagination but I absolutely love these and wear them every chance I get.  The #Gibblers and the pure buttercup yellow are a close second!

6.  The Shrimp & Grits / Bacon Bloody at the Union Kitchen & Tap in Encinitas, CA


The Bloody Marys here have bacon in them and they use the Ballast Point Bloody Mary mix which I love and adore and it is spicy and perfect!


But the real star of the show here is the Shrimp & Grits with spicy pieces of andouille sausage throughout.  I don't know if the food stated so good because we were done with 20 miles on a 95 degree day but this stuff was YUM!

7.  VK's Cups


Have you seen these awesome cups taking the internet by storm?  Check them out on Instagram and order one for yourself.  It is pretty darn awesome to have a personalized cup that looks like it is from THERE!

8.  A Fit Athletic Gym Membership


What a blessing this has been!  We joined the gym after a 30 day trial thru Yelp.  And my husband now goes to Master Swim there 3 times a week and a spin class whenever he can squeeze it in.  I sneak in late night runs on the treadmill, wince thru some extreme stretching and zen out at yoga.  And don't forget the pool!  It is a gorgeous pool and my whole family loves it!

9.  Spandits for kids!


You know my girl loves to dress like me so when she realized that Spandits made youth sizes, she was in.  She is so excited to rock the Spandits like her mama!  And of course, that makes me very happy!



I am so excited to have discovered Pluggz footwear at Rock n Roll San Diego this year.  They are super comfortable and super stylish.  In fact, I wear these wedges to work almost every single day!  

This was a very difficult post to write because I got and bought so many awesome things this year!  But these are the things that i keep coming back to time and time again!

What are YOUR favorite purchases of 2015?  Stay tuned for MY wish list for the Holidays and my ideas for stocking stuffers for runners!

As always, I wish you Happy Feet,
SD Mom

19 comments:

  1. This is such a great list! I think some marathon entries would be on my list too as well as my blog URL and my car! Oh, and smaller scale would be my Wet Brush because I don't know how I got my crazy tangles out of my hair without it. I love Hoka's, but have never owned a pair myself. So comfortable though

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Buying your own URL is such an awesome step! Congrats!

      Delete
  2. What a fun list! Especially love that Bloody Mary. yowzers!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Smitha,
    Thanks for the gift suggestions.
    Janice

    ReplyDelete
  4. I know someone else who uses that Orange Mud hydration carrier and LOVES it. It's a little pricey, tho...

    I didn't realize that the Phoenix marathon was your first! I thought you'd been at this forever! Nice work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is very flattering! Thank you! And the OM is totally worth the price. Lasts forever and DURABLE!

      Delete
  5. I love this idea! There's so many things I could do this with - and most of them are cold weather stuff that makes living in Alaska bearable!

    ReplyDelete
  6. The Pluggz are adorable! Definitely checking these out. Love the red ones!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is a great list! My favorite purchases (running related) have been from Fabletics and my entry into my second half marathon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't tried Fabletics. What is your favorite so far?

      Delete
  8. I'm loving this gift guide!!! Thanks for the suggestions!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great guide. Love Orange Mud and can't go wrong with race entry. I also love those cups and really need to order for myself.

    ReplyDelete