COACHING RUNNERS Whether you’re treating yourself to something special this holiday season or shopping for the runner in your life, we’ve got you covered! We asked our Pace of Me coaches to share their favorite running gear, recovery essentials, cozy layers, and fun finds that any runner would love to unwrap. From everyday running must-haves to splurge-worthy gifts and thoughtful stocking stuffers, here are our coach-approved picks that we’re loving for the 2026 holiday season. Happy shopping!
Price: $45 | Link to Shop
Why I love it: The colors, the message, the function! Great for running, great for everyday wear.
Price: $148 | Link to Shop
Why I love it: It’s so cozy and the perfect layer for before or after a chilly run, and it’s really cute!
Price: $16 for a set of three | Link to Shop
Why I love it: These bows are subtle but sweet. They make great ponytail holders and look just as cute on your wrist as they do in your hair. The set includes three.
Price: $18.63 | Link to Shop
Why I love it: This book is so great for anyone who loves the NYC Marathon, especially if they have kids! It’s adorable and fun, and the illustrations are wonderful and whimsical. It tells the story of the race and just makes me smile.
Price: $49.97 | Link to Shop
Why I love it: Strength and resistance training is non-negotiable for runners. Strong hips, glutes and core are what keep you healthy and running for years. I have tried a lot of bands, and these run a nylon safety cord through every tube, so if the latex ever tears, the cord catches it instead of the band whipping back at you (which has happened!!). It comes with handles, ankle straps and a door anchor.
Price: $79.99 | Link to Shop
Why I love it: The one thing that will keep me from running outside in the Chicago suburbs is ice. One freeze-thaw night can turn my whole route into a skating rink. I’ve tested a few different traction brands, and these are the ones I love. They slip right over running shoes and make icy sidewalks runnable again – with twelve carbide spikes per foot and a harness that stays stretchy down to -22°F!!
Price: 999.99 – 1,149.99 (shop around) | Link to Shop
Why I love it: Winter is base-building season, and long, cold miles can take a lot out of your legs. This is the big splurge they may never buy themselves: wireless recovery boots combining compression, vibration, and infrared light, with no hoses.
Price: $50 | Link to Shop
Why I love it: It is rechargeable, which is just amazing!!! It also keeps me safe during the dark mornings or late nights!
Price: $180 | Link to Shop
Why I love it: These headphones are hands down the best! You can hear everything around you which makes you feel SUPER safe while running. The charge lasts so long and has such high quality sound.
Price: $249 | Link to Shop
Why I love it: If you’re training for a marathon, these are the features that matter most:
Price: $48 | Link to Shop
Why I love it: Anything reflective in the winter months is a must! And on top of that it’s crafted with the intention of keeping you warm and safe at the same time.
Price: $139 | Link to Shop
Why I love it: A great on-the-go packable massage tool to help loosen muscle knots and provide relief. I bring mine on the majority of trips I go on, especially race weekends! It’s lightweight, and it’s FSA/HSA eligible.
Price: $25-50 | Link to Shop
Why I love it: Hands down the best shades for runners! Ask Jess McClain, who held hers across her 2nd place finish at the NYC Marathon! They’re the ultimate running sunglasses, and they come in so many varieties of shapes and prints.
Want to give a gift that supports your runner’s next big goal? These Pace of Me favorites put personalized coaching and team spirit under the tree.
Price: $115-285 (8-20 week options) | Link to Shop
Why we love it: Give your runner a plan built just for them, whether they’re chasing a first 5k or a marathon PR. It includes a 30-minute plan review call with their coach and our Coaching Resource Guide, and we’ll email the questionnaire to whoever you’re gifting it to.
Price: $4-55 | Link to Shop
Why we love it: Rep the Pace of Me crew on every run, from the Heart Endurance Run Hat to the cozy crewneck for post-run coffee. Stocking stuffers start with our $4 sticker.
Price: $50 for one month | Link to Shop
Why We Love It: Give the runner in your life the gift of getting stronger this holiday season with a Pace of Me Strength Training Subscription, a runner-specific program designed to build strength, improve performance, and make every mile stronger!
Whether you’re shopping for a brand-new runner, a marathoner with a big goal, or the person who simply loves a chilly morning miles-and-coffee routine, these coach-approved picks offer something useful, fun, and thoughtful.
Happy gifting, and happy running!
