Santa's gifts to athletes

Sometimes my family loves the fact that I am a triathlete (sometimes they don't. See other posts on, for example, late dinner, up early on weekends, vactions must have fitness centers, etc and etc). One of the times they love it is on gift giving occassions. I am sooooo easy to shop for.

There's always a new gadget, thingie or trend to try. Stuff breaks and wears out (worn out body parts are hard to find on line, however). There are books and magazines and videos, and Lordy, we triathletes certainly know how to stimulate an economy.

I got my "big" present earlier in the year with the purchase of my new Specialized carbon fiber bike (I adore it). Which takes up most of Christmas, anniversary, and birthday for a few years (Valentine's is off limits. The only true holiday where women are not expected to cook. Therefore sacred). But there are a lot of little giflts left, oh, so many to get and give the athlete.

Here's what came from Santa (or family and friends) for me this year that I can use as an athlete:

*Reflective bands for my wrist and ankle. Cheap and very practical. For those winter dark runs.

*New carbon Look pedals and new fiberglass S series road bike shoes. OK, shoes are not carbon, I can't seem to get my hands around shelling out over $300 for carbon shoes at my speed and level, but nearly good enough. Took me an hour and a college degree or two to figure out how to install pedals and cleats, etc.

*iTunes gift cards. Always great for loading more songs on the 'pod to while away the weary hours on the road and in the pool. Especially since the Beatles are now on iTunes--all you need is love, baby.

*Gift certificate to sporting goods store. Here comes new wicking shirts and socks and other cool stuff.

*New Garmim Forerunner 310. OK, I'm using up my second college degree on this one, so far I have learned to charge it up. The owner's manual is on DVD. I'm excited because this one is allegedly waterproof so no need to wear a New York streeter's line of watches on my wrist on my next tri--this one supposedly does everything but pump up your bike tires, and it might do that too. Stay tuned for reviews and comments. It's also so much smaller than my old Dick Tracy Garmin.

*Hammer Gels. Doesn't every girl long for that in her stocking?

*Doorway chin up bar: arms and abs, look out. I'm coming after you. Hope to set that up tonight. Which is why I'm blogging today. Tomorrow my arms may be too sore.

Now, patient spouse got from Santa a Road ID (excellent product--Santa also purchased wristband ones for our adult children too because when you go out anywhere without your ID, this baby can be a lifesaver) and a warm Descent bike jacket so he can no longer complain that it's too cold to ride the bikes. In addition, his big gift was a gently used Specialized carbon fiber bike--well, parts of one, he has purchased the frame and wheels and a few other components but we seem to still be missing the crankset and chain....hopefully those will be bought soon and a complete bike will emerge from all the boxes before the spring thaw.

I can't wait to try out all my goodies (hopefully the weather will improve a bit this weekend and I can see if my college degree assembled pedals/cleats fit together). These kinds of gifts last all year long.

Truthfully, someone asked me yesterday if I had gotten all I asked for from Santa. I said yes, because all I really want and need is good health and a wonderful family. I have been fortunate to be granted both of those, although I realize the good health thing is a gift I have to nuture and watch out for as much as I can from my end. I promise to do that.

I hope you and yours had a great holiday, and are looking forward to a happy and healthy New Year. Good health and a wonderful family to you all.