Marathon training

[PrettyCandles]

Dh has just started trainig to run his first marathon. I think he'll be running a half-marathon in Feb, and a full marathon a couple of months later.

What can I give him for Xmas that would be appropriate?

(He's not a gadgety sort of guy - I asked him if he'd like a heart-rate monitor thingy, and he looked at me as though I'd sprouted another head. But I wondered whether some sort of pedometer or...well, I don't know...that's why I need to ask you lot!)

you can get wick-away running tops with an ipod pocket

or maybe a tyre with a rope to tie round his waist?

i bought dh a running top and several pairs of running socks. (last of the true romantics). to my absolute knowledge, none of them have left the wardrobe.

it might be better to suggest a few things to him and gauge his response - or if all else fails, a year's subscription to 'runner's world'.

His MP3 player hasn't left the drawer since a few weeks after he got it. Besides, I think he believes that running with headphones is dangerous.

I mentioned a magazine I'd seen, and his response was very dismissive - why pay for a magazine when there's so much available online, free?

Clothes? Yeah, men!

So far the tyre on a rope sounds good!

What about a pedometer? Or is there something that keeps track of your pace and can be programmed to remind you when to change according to your training schedule?

Closer to the day I'll get him some vaseline .

Oooh - I've had a very silly idea!

You know the picture plasters you can get for children? I wonder whether there are plasters with pictures of nipples on them, or at least smileys or something similar. Perfect for preventing Jogger's Nipple.

I have Runners World mag and its very good - used tesco vouchers. Lots of fitness and diet advice, and info on runs - it is good! Proper socks are good - not just tesco sports socks for example. 1000 mile etc stop blisters and rubbing - make adifference. A good wick running top. High vis jacket for winter running - JJb.

There is a new running 4cd out- sounded quite good.

Sorry, I didn't quite understand about the socks. Is 1000 mile a make?

hi - yes that is the name of the make - 1000 mile (guaranteed no blisters etc for this far - don't ask me how they know!) - they worked for me - expensive though - about £12. Got mine in 'GO outdoors - those big shops like a warehouse.

are you still looking for ideas?

a satnav watch is great, but expensive. i wear the garmin forerunner 405 www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0012XO4R4/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=471057153&pf_rd_s=lpo-to p-stripe&pfrdt=201&pfrdi=B0012XIB00&pfrdm=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pfrdr=153GBWNXJYYDP8V16WB0 but i'm sure there are cheaper options out there

agree that runners world would be a good one - we have a subscription

if he runs at night you could go for a high-vis jacket or gilet? www.sweatshop.co.uk/details.cfm?ProdID=4709

ah bolleaux it appears i have forgotten how to do links

garmin p-stripe&pfrdt=201&pfrdi=B0012XIB00&pfrdm=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pfrdr=153GBWNXJYYDP8V16WB0

gilet www.sweatshop.co.uk/details.cfm?ProdID=4709

I'd second the garmin forerunner. Very useful for interval training, knowing how far and at what speed you rain etc.

I love my 1000 mile socks. No blisters ever.
(and I've run a marathon!)
Maybe hat and gloves for those winter training runs in January? I have ronhill ones and they are pretty good.