Tri University: Affordable Triathlon Gifts that Won’t Make Your Family Groan
Here's how to build a holiday wish list your parents won't balk at.
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Every month Kristin Goett dishes out advice for the U23 crowd (and the U23 at heart) in her Tri University column.
It’s that time of year. The season when glittering lights, rosy cheeks, and holiday cheer are bursting at the seams of society. It’s the time of year when you’re simultaneously grateful for what you have, but kinda sorta also wanna ask for more stuff.
Unless you have the coolest parents ever, asking for a smart trainer, new bike, or high-tech watch probably won’t go over so well. Fear not! Below is a compilation of totally reasonable and highly useful tri items to put on your holiday list.
Swim Stuff!
Let’s get this party started.
TriSlide
“I love to chafe in my wetsuit!” said nobody ever. Keep uncomfortable chafing at bay with TriSlide. One can of this liquid gold (or wetsuit lube, same thing) will last you more than one season and will save your skin from wetsuit hickeys.
Amazon.com, $15
Resistance Bands
Pools, schmools. Who needs ‘em when you’ve got resistance bands? It can be tough to make it to the pool (read: find the motivation to go) during the dark days of winter. Using these resistance bands looped around a stable object can help with swim form, strength, and flexibility.
Swimoutlet.com, $9
Bike Gear!
Toodling around on your bike is lots of fun. It’s even more fun when you’re being safe thanks to some new gear.
Bike lights
Bike lights are critical whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned cyclist. Any opportunity to make yourself more visible to cars is one you should take! Both front and back lights are suggested—here are some that won’t wreck a stingy budget.
Amazon.com, $16
Flat Kit
You know what’s even cooler than a bike? A bike with a flat kit! A cyclist should never head out on the roads without a repair set (I highly recommend knowing how to use it, too). This critical kit is affordable and has the added bonus of keeping you safe and prepared—two things parents love.
Amazon.com, $20
Run Things!
One of the best parts of running is looking fresh and hip in a perfectly coordinated run outfit. We all know running clothes can be expensive, and maybe Mom doesn’t have the best taste (she did have a perm from ’82 to ’85 after all…). These two ideas are foolproof and will keep you looking and feeling “so fly,” as the kids say.
Goodr Sunglasses
Goodr sunglasses are durable, fashionable, and lightweight. Score! The incredible inventory of styles and designs gives you plenty of options to pass along to Santa. Best of all, they’re super cheap and last for miles of running adventures.
Amazon.com, $25
Foot Massage Kit
Unfortunately, this kit is not a neatly packaged masseuse who gives you a foot rub, but it’s pretty dang close. The kit offers two trigger-point massage balls and one trigger-point foot roller to help you loosen up your arches and relax key tendons in the ankle.
Amazon.com, $15
Now that you’ve got some wallet-friendly ideas…on your mark, get set—make those holiday lists!