I walked into Walmart the other night to get a winter coat. My coat from last year does not fit anymore…in a good way. It’s going to Good Will, along with other wintery clothes that don’t fit me anymore either. I was surprised that already, Walmart is all set up for Christmas. That was fast. It was just Halloween. What happened to Thanksgiving? I know it’s been like this for the past few years, but it always surprises me the first time I walk into a Christmas-ready store.
I love Christmas. And I love buying presents for other people…when I know what they want…and I have money….
However, I’m not the easiest person to buy for, and I am a real source of frustration for my hubby and family. I never know what to ask for. I don’t wear jewelry, I don’t like other people buying me clothes, and when I need electronic stuff, I usually need it right there and then. My hobbies have never required gifty stuff that other people could buy for me.
This year though is different because I’ve discovered Triathlon! And I now have a Christmas wish list as long as my arm. Of course, we don’t really have the money to support my Triathlon habit, but hey, if I put it out to the universe, who knows? Maybe we’ll win the lottery and I can get some toys for my new obsession.
So here goes (from smallish to bigger):
Things I want for Christmas but will probably cave and buy before then:
- Full-length warm weather running tights, an Under Armour Warm Weather running shirt and maybe a vest.
- Medicine ball, stability ball, Bosu ball, bands and weights, so I can do my trainer workout at home. The Bosu ball can wait until Christmas, but the other two will probably be in the house well before Thanksgiving (as will the workout gear for outside cold weather running).
- New goggles. Mine have seen better days.
Things I want for Christmas and can wait for, even if I am impatient:
- A Garmin, BodyBugg, Heart Rate Monitor. I have to do more research here but I want a gadget that can measure how far, how fast and how hard I’m going, be it on the road, on the bike or in the pool. Suggestions for the best device of this type kindly accepted. Keep in mind I am on a budget.
- A wetsuit. This season I swam pool triathlons because I didn’t have a wetsuit. My first open water swim tri will be in early June next season when the NY water is still pretty chilly. I’ll need one before then. Christmas will be a good time for one, you think?
- Another pair of running shoes. I love my Asics, but I know I should have at least another pair.
- A foam roller of my very own. I’m absolutely in love with the foam roller at the trainer. If I could figure out a way, I’d sneak it out of her studio under my sweatshirt.
- Triathlon wear. I want cool tri/bike shorts and tops and all that fun stuff. I’ll be sending family members to Lululemon with a list I think!
- Entrance fees to as many races as I can handle next year!
- Bike gloves and other cool bike gear. Anytime I go into the Carl Hart bike store, I end up drooling over all the bikes and cool equipment. Hey, if I’m going to do this, I want to do it in style!
- And last but not least, a road bike. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive. But I want a bike that’s the right bike for what I’m doing and fitted to my body so I can get the best ride. Then maybe I’ll even like the bike training part of the race.
And from me for Christmas, I’d like:
- A 10-minute mile running pace.
- To be really dedicated to my training so next race season is super fun.
- To join a local training team to push the envelope and make new tri friends.
- To lose that last 20 pounds that’s hanging on so I’m more efficient when I race.
And there you have it. My Christmas list for Dec. 25, 2009, for now. I’m sure I’ll think of other fun things I need as well. It’s the longest one I’ve had in many, many years. Come to think of it, I probably should have posted this back in June, so hubby would have had some time to save up. 
What’s on your fitness Holiday Wish List?
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Hey Diane,
Great list and what is the real plus is the gift you are giving back to all of us and that would be YOU! I hope you realize and never lose (well, yes, please lose till you reach your goal)sight of the fact that by doing all you are doing to stay in shape is extending your life and that makes me very golly.
I’ll take some jewelry, some hot looking boots, a trip to Paris….oh, this is about you,
elizabeth
Wow! Now THAT’S a list. I love it… well thought out, categorized, and annotated. Beautiful.
Isn’t it great to have such a fun/cool/healthy habit??
I think my Christmas list is more like the last part of yours:
- a faster mile
- losing a handful of pounds (15 or so??)
And this is mostly because I can’t wait. I go out and buy what I want. Patience? Hmmm… not so much.
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I am getting a wetsuit of my own from Santa and I am sooooo excited. I highly recommend one as they make it so much easier.
Your lists are great but if I can offer some advice, honestly…most of it you dont need. The truth is, unless you are looking to shed enough time off to be an AG’er, there are things you can do without, especially on a budget. For example, a fitted road bike is well over $1,000 (at least in NJ) and many accessories aren’t necessary. I also don’t think a Garmin or Polar is absolutely necessary. Although I do love my Polar and have toyed with thoughts of a Garmin now that I am getting serious about running, I have done just as well with my simple waterproof watch and MapMyRun. I hope I am not hurting your feelings, I just wanted to share my thoughts.
I AM THE SAME WAY!!! For years, people were frustrated at me around xmas, becuase i wanted anything. TILL…. I discovered triathlons. So things I learned to save money and toys I like.
HRM – I have a Garmin 305, $125.99, what I like about it is that it has GPS and you can download and see exactly where you rode or run on google earth. Includes reports of speed, elevation, pace, and so much more. You wont leave home for training without it.
Bike: Bikes are like cars, when the 2010 models come out, the 2009 go on clearance. This is about to start. So you can pick up last years model sometimes 50% off, and if you live in a snowbelt state, when no one is riding in the winter, there will be a lot more selection of clearance bikes
Wetsuit: Xterra hold many sales for a longjohn wetsuit for $99.
Shoes: I just learned last month that shoes are like bikes, so when the 2010 come out the 2009 will be discounted.
Foam roller: $25 at Target
I hope this helps Santa for you!!!
Tri Diesel,
Thank you so much for the suggestions. Santa will be so happy to have details! It makes his job much easier since he is not triathlon-obsessed.
Jillian,
You are not hurting my feelings! So far, I’ve done just fine without all the training toys too, so I know I don’t “need” them. That’s why it’s a wish list. And it is fun to actually want something for Christmas.
And when we’re ready for the toys, Tri Diesel has some great savings suggestions here!!!
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I’ll start with that.
Or is the trick to act even if you don’t fully believe?
To make it real: any suggestions on what sort of shoes to get to walk on the boardwalk? Any old sneakers? I won’t be running, that’s for sure – And any low-tech at-home strenghth-training equipment that you can recommend? Or is it all just stretches and sit-ups?
Kate,
Start doing something even if you don’t think you are ready. If you start walking even a little bit each day, you’d be surprised at how fast you’ll build up to longer distances and how good you’ll feel.
For sneakers, look for shoes right now designed for walking. Maybe stop by a running store to let them fit your feet and tell you which sneakers would be best.
For strength training equipment, I recommend a medicine ball (start with a three or four pounder) and tension bands. Next time I see you, I can show you some exercises to try!
Of course, sit-ups and stretching work too!