Christmas 2016 is fast approaching, so here is a collection of gift ideas for any obstacle course racers or mud runners in your life. Or if you're after something for yourself, maybe slyly send your family or friends to this page with some not so subtle hints ;)
Training Books
There are some great OCR training books out there, including newly released "The Essentials of Obstacle Race Training" by David Magida and Melissa Rodriguez:
Or for those just starting out in the sport, check out the classics "Obstacle Race Training" by Margaret Schlachter and "Down and Dirty" by Matt B. Davis.
Alternatively, why not get that special someone a 2017 subscription to the Obstacle Race Magazine (ORM).
Training and Race Attire
An obstacle course racer can never have enough training or race gear. Whether it's more compression wear, merino socks, or neoprene rash vests, I'm sure it would be a much appreciated gift.
For compression gear, some good places to check out are subsports.co.uk, virusperformance.co.uk or skins.
For socks, I swear by Injinji 2.0 toe socks:
They're not cheap, but the anti-blister properties of them, the quick drying wicking material, and the comfort and durability make them ideal for OCR
The Rat Race Store is another good place to visit for potential gifts, as often has good deals on various clothing and accessories.
Training Aids
Help your fellow obstacle course racer get better in the new year by getting them some tools to help in their training. A doorway pull up bar, ab roller, wreck bag, or maybe just a small grip strength training stocking filler like this:
If they have a pull up bar, rig or somewhere to hang things from, help them get to the next level by getting them some rig attachments (small ropes, nunchuks, etc) to practice with. You can either make these yourself, or buy them ready-made from somewhere like the mudstacle store.
Personal Training Courses
Still on the topic of training, why not get them a voucher for one of the many obstacle gyms around the UK (The Obstacle Gym, The PT Barn, or Cliff Lakes OCR to name a few).
No obstacle gyms nearby? Then check out one of the many online courses. My preference is Obstacle Course Training by Ryan Atkins, Jon Albon and Matt Murphy.
Can't really argue with training plans and tips from some of the best OCR athletes in the world.
Bespoke OCR Gifts
Got loads of old race tech tees clogging up your wardrobe? Why not get them made into the gift of a bespoke teddy bear or duvet. Check out Flithy Stitches on Facebook.
Filthy Stitches - bears, cushions, and blankets made from old race t-shirts
Alternatively, why not get them a nice shiny new medal hanger for them to hang their hard earned bling. One possible place to check for this is from DMSsupplier.
Race Vouchers
Many of the different event series offer season passes or gift vouchers. The Rat Race season pass in particular is a brilliant deal, and can save you a lot of money if you're planning to enter several of their races.
Toughest is a great race series, and definitely would go down well as a gift.
If you're more after getting someone individual race vouchers, then check out the vouchers offered by Toughest.
Action Camera
The GoPro Hero4 (arguably the current leader in action cameras)
Recording your races and putting together exciting highlight videos is great fun. So if your gift budget is a bit more, then splash out on an action camera. There are cheaper alternatives out there, though the leader in this field is of course the various GoPro models.
GPS Watch
Top of the range GPS watch - the Garmin Fenix 3
A good watch for recording your training and races can go a long way. And of course, if your run isn't logged on Strava then it never happened, right?
Many watches nowadays have quick find GPS, built in heart rate monitors, and various other statistics tracking. They vary in price and features dramatically, mid-range would be the likes of the Garmin Forerunner 235 or TomTom Runner Cardio, and top end would be the Garmin Fenix 3.
KitBrix
A single KitBrix bag
KitBrix bags are super durable, incredibly waterproof, and can be attached together to make larger even more useful luggage. Ideal for carrying and separating all your wet and dirty clothes after an obstacle course race.
Dryrobe
Get someone the ingenious invention of the Dryrobe, and stop them from getting cold after races.
After a cold, wet and gruelling race, look around and you'll no doubt see many smug racers looking warm and cozy in their dryrobes. You can give the gift of smugness this Xmas by getting that someone special this ingenious all weather changing robe.
Merry Christmas!
I hope that has given you some inspiration for potential gifts to get your fellow obstacle course racer; or given you some ideas for what to ask Santa for yourself!
If you have any other gift ideas I would love to hear them, so feel to add them in the comments below.