With the holidays upon us, I think about all the crazy and useless gifts that I have been given over the years by very well meaning friends and family. Some functional gifts and some not. So, I thought I would present five gifts ideas that would really benefit the runner in your life. Gift Number 1. A hand held water bottle with holder. From my experience a runner can’t have too many water bottles. Sometimes, on a really long run or race, it’s even nice to have two. Really. When you go shopping, make sure the bottle and holder feels comfortable in your hand and has some type of little pouch that your favorite runner can stash money, debit card or car keys. There are a few brands that are selling a really nice bottle. Add some icing on the cake by putting five or ten dollars in the pouch before you wrap it. Gift Number 2. A box of small, round Band-Aids for your runner’s nipples. Yes, for their nibbles. I find on my long runs, the friction of the shirt irritates me. Sometimes to the point of bleeding. Not a good thing. Especially when one, afterwards, steps into a really hot shower. Ouch. Not only is this gift functional, it is also a kind gift as it will save your runner friend pain and the embarrassment that comes from a bloody shirt Gift Number 3. A Gift Certificate to your runner's favorite running store. Doesn't need to be a huge amount of money, though I suppose that wouldn't be such a bad idea. Running shoes, short, tops, nutritional supplements, socks and rain gear. The opportunities for delight are many. Not only will your runner be grateful for the gift, they will be able to purchase the type of gear that benefits and helps them the most. Gift Number 4. Race Entry. Present your runner with a coupon for the race of their choice. That type of gift would be really cool. Not only will your gift save your runner some dollars, but will also provide them a new level of motivation to get out the door and run. This type of gift would help your runner accomplish some worthy goals. Gift Number 5. Road ID. Road ID is a personal identification band that contains both contact phone numbers and medical information, while being a lifesaving piece of equipment, if by chance it would needed. Very inexpensive, but yet invaluable. Check out www.roadid.com for ordering information. Well, there you go. That's Santa Clark's list for this Holiday Season.

Local interest is building for the first race series of 2010, the Nookachamps Winter Runs on January 16. The Winter Runs consists of a half marathon, 10K and a 5K. Starting time is 10 am, which makes it really easy for local runners who need to take the ferry. The semi-flat course, combined with views of fields full of visiting Trumpeter Swans makes this a positive experience. For more information, check out http://nookachamps.com/