"Holidays are about creating cherished memories with loved ones & finding magic in the simplest moments."
~ Jeremiah Say
Not to sound cliché but, yes, here we are again. Another year is behind us. And what can I say about 2024? It was epic. Some very high highs. And some very low lows. But as always, we made it through. Looking back, there is a lot to celebrate. And so much to be grateful for. First, and foremost, our health. Despite some broken bones and a few torn ligaments, no need to go into detail on these but, thankfully, everyone is back in one piece and doing what they love again. Praise be. Rosie finished her first year at Boulder with flying colors back in May and headed back out for her second year in August after working at my favorite coffee shop all summer. I swear I had nothing to do with this. Grace wrapped up her junior year at WHS and promptly began her college search. At this point, her applications are now officially out and the waiting game has begun. Side note, next fall Jeff and I will empty nesters and I'm not happy about it. Just putting that out there now. I'll probably be talking about this a lot next year. But I digress. I added three marathons to my run resume this year. Boston in April. That was an absolutely beautiful blowout. The Old Colony Marathon, which I did about a month later just to get the shitty taste of the Boston experience out of my mouth. Thankfully, that worked. And then Hartford, CT this past October, which was wonderful. As it is every year, coaching at LHS has been an absolute joy and the Lex girls track and cross country teams exceeded expectations across the board. Both teams are young and in the process of building something that people will undoubtedly begin to notice. Again, I'll probably be talking about this a lot more next year as well. I began a partnership with Six Minute Mile, mainly as their resident DJ, adding a weekly song to their Friday newsletter. But also writing product reviews for things like headphones and running shoes. They are such a cool group of dudes and I'm so pumped that I get to work with them each week. Beyond that, I spent a lot of quality time training and racing with my Whirlaway teammates, sharing coffee with friends and family, soaking up my girls as much as possible (which is stupidly hard to do at ages 18 and 20) and trying to appreciate all the little things in life like good music and lazy Sunday afternoons. All in, I can't complain. Let's move on, shall we? The gift guide and the giveaway are really what we're here for. I get it. For the past couple months I've been seeking out gifts for my annual guide and goodies to add to my winter giveaway. Below you'll find the items I am most excited about and that I feel are worth sharing. You'll see some repeat items from last year or new items by the same company. And that's obviously because I either love said items or love the company they come from. And why wouldn't I suggest items that I love? Hopefully you'll find something for your friend, runner, aunt, cousin, teammate, coach or even yourself on this list. Check them all out and then head down and enter the RWM WINTER GIVEAWAY! So many goodies in this one. Ok, that's it from me. Merry, merry!
********** RWM HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE **********
Ororo Daybreak Women's Colorblock Heated Anorak - Yes, an Ororo product is on the list again. And for as long as I'm posting this gift guide, they likely always will be. Because they make really cool, high quality, HEATED clothing. I really shouldn't have to say much more than this. If you run cold, literally or physically or both, or you live in a colder climate an Ororo jacket is life changing. Stay warm while you're skiing, coaching, playing hockey, walking the dog, doing absolutely nothing. You don't need a reason to want to be warm. I get it. We all do.
Retail price:$189.99
The Feathers Fuel Bag by Sewn By Infa - When you go to a race you inevitably pack a bag full of gels, fluids, bars, etc. Basically anything that you might want to eat before, during and/or after a race. And how nice to have them all in one place, right? The Feathers Fuel bag was inspired by legendary sports nutritionist, Meghann Featherstone. She touts high carbs for healthy running and fuels with bagels and graham crackers among many other things. Sewn By Infa owner, Courtney, took this concept and ran. Pun intended. Give this bag to the runner in your life who throws 100 things in their bag but always has a hard time finding what they need because they are scattered all over the place. Grab one for yourself, too. Because who doesn't need this?
Retail Price:$40
Handmade Mugs by Noble Pine Designs - Picture yourself sitting by the fire with a hot cup of coffee in a handmade mug given to you by your bestie. Please and thank you. These mugs are beautiful and each one is unique. Mountain scenes, winter forests, snowy foxes. There are so many to choose from and owner, Lily Noble, has something for everyone. They are both dishwasher and microwave safe which is wonderful. Support a small-batch, local pottery artist this season and give someone a gift that warms the heart and soul. Coffee? Tea? Hot Chocolate? Yes. Fill it up.
Retail Price:$40-$60
Paradis Sport Natural Fiber Bikini - Paradis undies were on my list last year. They make it back on again this year with their incredible new line of natural fiber bikinis. The company, owned by two amazing, badass women, just launched these babies in four new, Alaska inspired colors. They are hands down the most comfortable under layer I've ever worn for running and beyond. They're high performance and moisture-wicking and made with soft, lightweight, breathable fabric. These just feel so good on. The active woman in your life really shouldn't live without a three pack of these in her wardrobe.
Retail price:$105 (but currently on sale for $89 as of 12/6)
Landgrove Coffee - Holiday Blend - If you are going to gift coffee, and I always do, make sure it's the best coffee. And Landgrove coffee, in my humble opinion, is the best coffee. Depending on the blend, the beans are organic, small batch, fair trade and/or purchased direct. They are roasted by the Binninger family out in Troy, Idaho. And yes, they are all involved in the process. Here's a thought....grab some as a gift and get yourself a monthly subscription so this amazing coffee is delivered straight to your door. You're welcome.
Retail price: $17/lb
Retail Value: $91 (but currently on sale for $45 as of 12/6)
Retail Value:$14.40 & $19.95 at Amazon.com
❄️❄️❄️❄️ RWM WINTER GIVEAWAY ❄️❄️❄️❄️
And then last, but definitely not least, the annual RWM WINTER GIVEAWAY! I love giving away products that I have tried myself and thus completely stand by and that are designed by companies that I believe in and want to support. Trust me when I tell you that you will be the favorite aunt, sister, daughter, friend if you win this baby and share it with someone you love. That said, I won't say a word if you want to keep it all for yourself. You've earned it, dammit. As I did last year, I'm going to hold this giveaway over at RWM on Instagram as it's easier to keep track of all the entries in one place. All you have to do to enter is "like" the post. Yep, that's it. You can receive a bonus entry for each individual company that you follow in addition to your "like" entry. Huge thanks to all of the companies that contributed to this amazing giveaway. The vest will be shipped directly from Ororo. The undies will be shipped directly from Paradis Sport. The Fuel Goods Runnerbox will be shipped directly from Fuel Goods. Everything else comes from me. Retail value of this prize package is over $500.00. US residents only for this one. Good luck! Winner will be chosen by random.org on 12/13.
Winter Giveaway Details:
1 Ororo Heated Vest (choose Quilted or Classic style)
2 lbs of Landgrove Coffee
1 Landgrove Coffee Trucker hat
1 3 Pack of Paradis Natural Fiber Bikinis
1 Fuel Goods Runnerbox Holiday Gift Box
1 Noble Pine Designs Heart mug
1 Sewn By Infa coupon for 25% off any item
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