Pam LeBlanc's fitness-themed gifts

Sunday, November 28, 2010

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Pearl Izumi jacket: We have discovered the world's most perfect windbreaker, and it's made by Pearl Izumi. The Barrier Lite Jacket is super light and comfy, cuts the wind just fine and wads up so tiny you can stuff it in a pocket when you're not using it. ($80; Bicycle Sport Shop)

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Pearl Izumi jacket: We have discovered the world's most perfect windbreaker, and it's made by Pearl Izumi. The Barrier Lite Jacket is super light and comfy, cuts the wind just fine and wads up so tiny you can stuff it in a pocket when you're not using it. ($80; Bicycle Sport Shop)

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'The Runner's Field Manual,' by Mark Remy: What Austin runner, beginner to calloused, wouldn't sprint for a copy of this hilarious book about all things running? Learn everything from how to circumvent road kill without retching, how to make arm warmers out of old socks, why it's a bad idea to get a pedicure before a race, how to treat a bystander who has accidentally seen your feet and how to negotiate the stairs after a marathon.$17.99;Rodale

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(Alberto Martinez AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Race entry: Speaking of running, how about entry into a local race? Our favorites include the Livestrong Austin Marathon on Feb. 20 ($125; www.youraustinmarathon.com), the Zooma Half Marathon on April 16 ($75; www.zoomarun.com) and the Statesman Capitol 10,000 on March 27 ($30; www.statesman.com/cap10k).

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(Alicia Mireles AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Holiday-flavored energy: Stuff your favorite athlete's stocking with vanilla gingerbread or mint chocolate flavored Gu energy gels to keep them running into 2011. (About $1.25; local running and grocery stores)

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SPI Belt: Austin's own Kim Overton developed this snazzy belt with an expandable pocket that holds your iPhone (actually, two or three of them!), plus ID, money and keys. It doesn't bounce when you run and now comes in funky colors like red plaid. ($19.95, RunTex, Rogue Equipment, BettySport, Jack & Adam's, Austin Tricyclist, Luke's Locker or www.SPIBelt.com)

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Tikkina 2 headlamp by Petzl: Now that it gets dark early, you need lights to illuminate your way when you're trail running after dark. This compact, lightweight headlamp packs a bright punch, comes in assorted colors and easily stows in a pocket. ($20; Hill Country Running Co., REI)

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Timex IronMan Global Trainer GPS mens watch: Runners are compulsive. We want to know our pace, distance, time splits and more. This one does all that, and downloads it directly to your computer. ($275 without heart-rate monitor or $325 with heart-rate monitor; Hill Country Running Co.)

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(Laura Skelding AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Nite Beams LED arm band: Strap this band on your arm, press the button and suddenly you're as visible as a neon sign on Route 66. The band can be worn on ankle or arm, set to solid or flashing and comes in six different colors visible up to a quarter of a mile away. It's designed for runners, but suitable for cyclists riding after dark, too. ($20; www.nitebeams.com)

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Fitness DVDs: Pilates? Dancing? Core strengthening? You name it, there's a DVD for that. Consider Jillian Michaels' 'Six Week Six-pack,' Denise Austin's 'Shrink Your Fat Zones Pilates,' or, our personal fave, Dancing with the Stars' 'Ballroom Buns & Abs.' ($10-$15 each; various retailers)

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Road ID: Tell your favorite athlete you care by getting him or her a Road ID customized with vital information in case of an accident. Choose from a wristband, shoe tag or dog-tag style necklace, each with a metal tag engraved with up to seven lines of text. (About $20 for wristband; www.roadID.com)

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Shabby Apple sports bra: Shabby Apple's 'Blossom' line features an array of pieces designed to add a touch of femininity to workout wear. We love this sports bra emblazoned with a delicate bird. Snug, supportive and not too revealing. ($22; www.shabbyapple.com)

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The North Face Etip Smartphone Gloves: For those who have always wondered why you can't make your iPhone work when you're wearing gloves (and who hasn't?), we present these grippy gloves with silicone panels that let you use the touch screen on your cell phone, laptop or MP3 player. Never remove your gloves to answer calls again. ($40; Backwoods)

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PlatyPreserve collapsible wine preserver: Finally, a convenient way to carry your wine into the backcountry. (Did we just say that?) The lightweight and packable PlatyPreserve by Platypus is lined with food-grade polyethylene. Merlot with your dehydrated meal, anyone? ($12.95; Backwoods, REI)

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'Workouts in a Binder,' by Gale Bernhardt and Nick Hansen: Decide what you want to focus on (distance, speed or endurance), then pick a workout. This spiral-bound book is waterproof, so you can leave it on the pool deck for quick reference while you swim. ($29.95; Velopress)

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(Laura Skelding AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

Armpocket Sport 20: No pockets for stashing your cell phone while you run? Tuck it in this carryall, which straps to your upper arm and won't slip. A touch-through window lets you use your touch screen while you work out. Made of bamboo and recycled plastic water bottles. ($29.95; Best Buy, www.armpocket.com)

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Up Beat Workouts: Do your runs turn into slow-motion shuffles? Try the Up Beat Workouts app from iTunes, which automatically synchs your running stride to the beat of the songs on your iTunes stash. Run faster, and the app picks a song with a faster beat. Slow down, and it matches the more mellow tempo. ($2.99; iTunes)

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Kroozwood bike box: Austin artists Daniel Tackett, a carpenter and sculptor, and Thomas Renko, a painter, teamed up to create this retro-cool version of a bike box. We like the wooden one best, with its cedar slats and chrome trim. Best part? The 4-pound, 11-inch-by-14-inch box with a slide-off lid is lockable and comes with pre-drilled holes to attach it to a front or rear bike rack. ($98-$114 Ozone Bike Dept. or www.kroozwood.com)

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