Coach Ange's Blog

I’ve always loved getting the best equipment to fuel my passions. As the holiday quickly approaches here are some ideas that might help guide you to buy for the sprinter or athlete on your gift list.

1. Blender

a) General Blender: try Magic Bullet that is small, compact and does the job making simple 2 or 3 ingredient smoothies such as fruit and yogurt.

b) Premium Blender: both Vitamix or Blentec will grind seeds, dark greens like broccoli or kale , flax and pumpkin seeds as well and whole frozen fruits like strawberries. Check out this recipe on my blog here.

2. Athletics Tights for training

 a) Tights for all occasions = can be purchased inexpensively at retailers, which include Costco, Wal-Mart, Sears, TJ Max. Low priced tights are perfect for layering in colder weather when one pair won’t do and baggy sweats or rain gear interferes with training.

b) Premium Athletic tights = Lulu lemon tights are hard to beat. My second choice would be Nike and Addidas and UnderArmour.

3. Water bottle

that does not leak = Nalgene is hands down the only water bottle I’ve continued to use and keep coming back to. It does not leak. The wide mouth versions are perfect to keep clean; you can freeze water in them in the summer and add an insulated cover found at the same place you purchase your water bottles. Nalgene is perfect for hot beverages, smoothies and they wash wonderfully well in the dishwasher.

4. Protein

for smoothies and protein shakes = Sunwarrior protein is a preimium vegan based brown rice powder. It comes plain, flavored vanilla and chocolate. You can also try premium Whey Protein from New Zealand but I like the variety of non whey for my smoothies.

5. Subscription to a Top Nutritional Journal

Understanding more about nutrition is one of the easiest ways to enhance a sprinters ability to get the most out of his or her training.

6. Books for Sprinters

Speed Trap and The Charlie Francis Training System are two easy to read and follow book that are available here on the site or at Amazon.com. Both will give the sprinter in your life an overview of the world of athletics and sprinting at the development and elite levels.

7. Medicine Ball

Dynamax medicine balls are made of leather and made in the USA. For the most premium brand go to www.togu.de . For some reason it’s difficult to find good medicine balls out of these two companies.

8. Massages

the best place to find quality therapy is through athletic injury clinics or from other coaches or athletes who may make personal recommendations. You can’t go wrong with gift certificates.

9.Rain Gear

It does not have to be Gortex but light weight rain gear can stop the wind and keep you warm and prevent the rain from getting you wet. Muscles perform best when they are dry and warm.

10.Personal timing device

 I have been wearing the Timex Indiglo watch for a long time and I love it. I time everything and log the results and use my watch in the water as well as its waterproof.

I wish you all Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and all the best 2016 has to offer. I hope my list of the 10 Best Gifts for Sprinters gives you some great ideas.

Cheers,

Angela