Gear Bags are great for runners.
Often it's easier for the runner to drive to their favorite running spot rather than running there.
And of course there are times when they need to pack their bag to take with them when they head out on the morning of their race.
But don't leave the duffle bag empty.
This is another prime opportunity to impress them with your savvy perceptive skills and keen awareness.
Fill it with all sorts of cool running stuff.
Don't think they won't notice...
they'll be duly impressed.
-Gear Bag -Towels -- Super soft, absorbent towels in hand towel and standard bath size are great to dry off after a run, and you can personalize it by custom embroidering it with their name or initials or even a little running figure.
Another plus is that your runner can sit on the towel in the car driving home.
It's more comfortable than sitting sweaty on the seat.
-Blister Kit -- For less than $10.
00, you can get a blister kit to throw in the gear bag.
Then it is ready and available if they need it.
-Chap Stick/Lip Balm - Obviously these come in all kinds of flavors, and have SPF (sun protection factor) in a lot of them too, which is nice to protect your runner's exposed lips from the drying and burning rays of the sun, as well as from the cold, winter winds.
-Power Bars and Gels - Sporting goods stores will carry all the different energy gels and goos and power bars.
If you don't know what makes them special, and how they function, I'll give you a little insight here.
Athletes are burning calories (energy) at a very high rate when they are working out or practicing or playing.
The energy bars and gels are a way for your athlete to get a quick shot of energy that is easily accessible for the body to use immediately, part way through a run or game or set or match.
-Water Bottle with Built In Filter - The great thing about water bottles is that they come in so many different colors and styles and materials.
You want one that is BPA free, and if you can get one with the built in filter, it will reduce chemicals and bacteria, and make the water taste better.
-Batteries - Spare batteries are always nice for all of the electronics and gadgets.
I always carry a spare AAA battery for my mp3 audio player.
In the gear bag, you should have not only batteries for the mp3 player, but for the flashers and safety lights, and any other gear and gadgets they carry.
Most will probably take AA and AAA, but it depends on what kinds of electronic "toys" your runner likes, what sizes of batteries they will need.
-BodyGlide -- BodyGlide is an anti-chafing glide-on substance that comes in a stick, like deodorant.
A lot of athletes, especially runners will have spots on their body that are more susceptible to chafing due to the continuous repetitive movements, mile after mile.
-After Bite-- This is an easy-to-carry anti-itch stick for mosquito and bug bites.
-Shoe Laces -First Aid Kit - For obvious reasons...
-Hand Sanitizer - There will be times when your runner doesn't have ready access to soap and water to wash their hands, and a little bottle of hand sanitizer will do the trick.
-Sun Block -If you get your runner an unscented natural one, you're less likely to get one that irritates their skin.
And they make anti-sweat formulas also so that as your runner sweats, the sunscreen won't run down into their eyes and irritate and burn.
We certainly don't want that.
-Ice Packs -Warm Packs -Pocket Warmers -- These hand warmers are great for athletes out in cold or chilly weather.
-Pain Relieving Ointment (Ben Gay or Icy Hot, etc.
)