As we enter the holiday season perhaps you are beginning to think about gift ideas for your favorite athlete or being asked what you would like as a gift this year.  What’s not to like in giving or receiving gifts?  In speaking with some of my athletes and family members, here are the top favorites I have compiled.  

Swim

• Neoprene buoyancy swim shorts – Ideal for those easy, active recovery swims.
• Snorkel – Perfect tool when doing drills and kick sets without a board to help an athlete think about the proper mechanics.
• Swim cords – Great gift to help keep those swim muscles engaged when traveling or you don’t have access to a pool.  Also an effective way to warm-up before swim sessions  & races.
• Swim band – Fun item to have in the swimmer’s toolbox to build strength and improve aquatic posture.  See this D3 triathlon Minute video on how to make one.
• Swim parka – As the temps drop & days get shorter give the gift of warmth.
• Swim bag – Great gift for the swimmer who has all the “toys” but nothing in which to carry them.

Bike

• Bike lights – We all want to be more visible on the road, both day and night.
• Reflective vest/jacket – More visible to drivers than Rudolph’s red nose!
• Lobster gloves – Best piece of winter apparel I own!  A perfect way to keep the hands toasty on those chilly winter rides. 
• Skull cap – Ideal base layer to prevent heat loss and keep your noggin warm.
• Bike fit – Give the lasting gift of a professional fit from your local bike store.
• Thermal cycling jacket – A must have for anyone planning to log outdoor winter miles.
• Smart trainer app – Make indoor trainer rides more interactive with a subscription to Rouvy, Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest, etc. 

Run

• Headlamp – As the days get shorter this is a must-have for year-round runners.
• Traction – Icespikes* (among other brands) provide more secure and safer footing while running through the winter months.  *D3 Athletes save 20%.
• Gloves – Any athlete can use a great pair of gloves to keep their hands warm on cold winter runs.
• Armband/waistband lights or reflective bands – Keep your favorite athlete more visible on the dark morning and evening runs.

Random

• Triathlete Magazine subscription
• Endurance – Excellent read on Ernest Shackleton’s incredible & fateful Arctic expedition.
• Gift card for massage therapy – Every athlete will appreciate the gift of some TLC.
• D3 off-season training plan – Get a step ahead of your competition for 2021!
  

I hope you find many Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.  Enjoy this holiday season.

D3 Coach Brad Seng knows that challenging days and subpar workouts are inevitably a part of the triathlon landscape, as are the times when you’re feeling great and everything clicks. He believes there are lessons to be learned from experiencing both. Sometimes having to fight for a workout is just what’s needed to achieve an important breakthrough in mental conditioning.

Coach Brad's credentials include:

• USA Triathlon Certified Level II
• USA Triathlon Certified Youth & Junior
• Training Peaks Level 2 Certified Coach
• NESTA Certified Sports Nutritionist (National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association)