Waconia XC Holiday Gift Guide 2024
Tis the Season for parents wracking their brains…”What do my kids need this year?” Well no need to fret folks, below you will find a procured list of running essentials that are sure to bring a smile to the face of any Waconia XC athlete. Please Note: I’m a huge fan of “buy nice or buy twice”…meaning I don’t like CRAP & most of the items on this list have been used by me personally throughout the years of putting in miles and exploring various mountain landscapes throughout the earth. This stuff is nice, will work as advertised, and will last…well it will last as long as your kid can NOT lose it! #BAM #hackya
You Will find 4 Sections of Gift Ideas: 1) Accessories 2) Books 3) Fit Check & the bonus 4) Hallelujah!
Section One - Accessories
#1 - Gloves/Mittens (All Season)
Craft Hybrid Weather Glove* - $40 PRODUCT LINK
*I own 2 pairs of these little miracles…highly suggest the Silver/Black…reflective little buggers are bright & cars at night will see you! Although nothing on this list is “in order of favorite”…these gloves would be my #1 choice of accessories included throughout this gift guide.
#2 - Eye Protection/Shades/Sunnies
Goodr - $25 to 40 Product Link
Notes: I seriously own more sunglasses than I care to share…everything from $300 “Photocromatic” high end Smiths to my OG Goodrs…honestly Goodrs are my “go to” when the dust settles. FYI - WacXC takes ZERO responsibility for the mild inappropriatness of the names that the rather funny people of Goodr give to their product line. (must be a fun workplace environment)
#3 - Running Socks (nothing beats good socks)
Darn Tough - $18 to 21 Product LINK
Did someone say LIFETIME WARRANTY…YEP!! I’ve used the same 3 pairs of running socks the last 3 years…I’ve sent in each pair once and they replace them FOR FREE…it works! (and I don’t care what the rest of the XC staff says…I don’t talk my socks too much) Want to look good, like Coach Gilbert good…I suggest Bolt Micro Crew long Socks baby #BAM
#4 - Running Shorts *speaking of looking good…this is a Coach Bullis Gift Suggestion
Halloway Retro Shorts $Priceless Product Link
Nothing says “2003 called and they want their shorts back” than the Coach Bullis Signature line of Halloway Retro “running” shorts…you will be the talk of the meet when wearing a pair of these bad boys to the awards ceremony.
#5 - Buff/Neck Gaiter (Multifunctional)
BUFF $22 to 26 Product Link
Always in my pocket and actually I use it more of a hat/headband more than a neck gaiter…this is why they call them “Multifunctional”…its actually my fav winter running “hat” and in the summer I use them for sun protection!!
#6 - Headlamp
Black Diamond Cosmo 350-R Rechargeable Headlamp $55 Product Link
Safety Safety Safety Safety…find your footing and traffic NEEDS to see you during the low light training hours! Plus…probs the best reading light money can buy! #nerdalert
#7 - Running Smart Watch
Garmin Forerunning 165 $200/250 Product Link
Hey if Coach Heinley wears the Garmin 165..case closed! (and goes to show you can teach an old dog new tricks) BUT seriously a GPS Fitness Tracking watch is invaluable to ANY level of runner who is looking to improve…we use and will continue to use heart rate to monitor our athletes throughout the season! SERIOUS NOTE - they have a “Music” version of this watch, but I WILL NEVER EVER suggest or recommend a product that puts ANYONE out on a training run with music blaring in their ears…IT IS VERY UNSAFE practice and outdoor runners NEED to be fully aware of their surroundings when training.
Section Two - Good Running Reads (Books)
#1 - Brave Enough by Jessie Diggins AMAZON LINK
US Olympic Cross Country Ski Gold Medalist Jesse Diggins tells her story…MN native, ran XC for Stillwater, and just a genuine hard working girl from the midwest who created her own greatness…I would love for the girls on our team to read this book! A very strong message about what it takes to be great, a reminder that what you do “when no one is watching” is important, and that EVERYONE quietly struggles with secret personal hardships. (Mom, Dad, sisters, brothers would all enjoy this one)
#2 - Running with the Buffalos by Chris Leer AMAZON LINK
Spend a year inside University of Colorado Buffalo Men’s XC team…don’t know if anyone has noticed, but we have a group of young men here in Waconia who are trying to reestablish our guys team as contenders in the XC world. (they have work cut out for them, but this might be some good old mental floss to help hone in on their goal) This book is AWESOME and so fun to experience a first hand account from the “inside looking out” on what it feels like to be a team.
#3 - Auto Repair for Dummies AMAZON LINK
I happened to be browsing the Coach Bullis home library the other day and happened upon this little gem. This book is perfect for the aspiring future Industrial Art teachers or any parents out there looking for a “change of pace” in regards to career path.
Section Three - Fit Check “Longs”
Every distance runner need a good solid Pant/Jacket combo…a good set of “longs”! These are the 2 foundation pieces that a true runner needs in order to head out for miles throughout the entire year. Note: this is NOT extreme cold weather/winter gear, but with some simple add ons (merino wool, synthetic base layers) the Guys & Girls combos below would be the “go to” 365 days a year. Rain, snow or shine…your kid would/should have something in their arsenal similar to the products below. (oh and always have these packed in their bags for track & xc practice)
The Ladies Combo
Top - Lululemon - Women’s Cross Chill Performance Jacket Product Link
Bottom - Lululemon - Fast and Free Thermal Tight 28” (Fleece Leggings)* Product Link
*yes I did include the more “winter Fast & Free”, but my wife SWEARS by these tights for cold weather and the regular “Fast & Free” in the warmer months…my wife Valerie wears/buys Lulu because it is simply GOOD QUALITY equipment & not so much as a fashion statement.
The Guys Combo
Top - CRAFT ADV Essence Hydro Jacket Product Link
Bottom - CRAFT PRO Hydro Pants 2 Product Link
Note: Full disclosure…I don’t currently use this particular set…I have an Arcteryx brand wind pro combo that is no longer available, but the specs on the Craft line up nicely. PLUS…Craft is Bomber & I can stand behind their equipment.
Section Four “Hallelujah” - The BEST for Last!!
The last product on this years Holiday Gift Guide needs NO introduction…it is not a matter of IF you are going to purchase, but more of trying to decide HOW MANY are going to order…enjoy!