🎁 Gifts for the Teen Runner: “Running As Fast As We Can” Picks 🏃🏻♀️
Author Molly Hurford shares her fave gifts for teen runners this season
For the next few weeks, Strong Girl Publishing’s authors are taking over the newsletter to share their gift guides for the upcoming holiday season! From their own books and merch they’ve created to their favorite cycling and running gear, these gifts are perfect for the athletic women and girls in your life.
Remember—every single book and piece of clothing, mug, bottle or merch purchased from Strong Girl Publishing directly benefits the author herself, so when you buy a book or a hoodie, your author-athlete feels the love and support. And a percentage of our profits go to organizations that promote girls in sport!
Running as Fast as We Can by Molly Hurford
Juniors Krista and Elle might have been best friends once. Not anymore. But they do have one thing in common: A distaste for school sports, and need for an athletic extracurricular on their college resumes. When they both show up to the first cross-country practice of the season, it’s a surprise to both of them.
Writer and wannabe punk Krista wants nothing to do with preppy go-getter Elle, at least not anymore. But what caused the rift between the former childhood friends… and what will happen when the reason for their mutual dislike shows up with swagger?
Competitive sparks will fly, but it’s going to take the two girls finding common ground if they’re going to make it through junior year and fight back against the real enemy.
RNNR Run Hat
I am very vocal about NOT buying any athletic clothing or shoes that are sized for athletes for the holidays, since it’s—pardon my bluntness—a total crapshoot. Instead, I love something that needs no sizing, like a hat from one of my fave women-founded brands, RNNR. The hats are super fun, as are the messages behind them. LOVE the party pace hat options like this one!
Sprinting Through Setbacks: An Olympian’s Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome by Micha Powell
Commonwealth Games gold medalist Micha Powell’s memoir-slash-workbook showcases stories from Micha’s decade of professional racing experience, including vulnerable stories of growing up in the shadow of two Olympian parents, navigating injury, and finding the courage to embrace an Olympic mindset.
Micha is a world-class Canadian Olympic sprinter specializing in the 400m, currently running for New Balance. She is also a 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist. Born in Montreal to three-time Olympian Rosey Edeh and Long Jump World Record Holder Mike Powell, athletics is a part of her DNA. The collection of essays covers 10 pivotal races and the lessons learned and will include workbook-style sections so that young readers can apply Micha’s learnings to their own lives. Topics include things like finding balance, personal style, a sense of belonging, imposter syndrome, finding your spotlight, and more.
Get it here (and grab the crop top too!)
Anker Bluetooth Speaker
If your runner the one who always kicks off school bus karaoke en route to the cross-country meet? Upgrade the experience with a bluetooth speaker. I’ve had this one for a long time and it’s absolutely fantastic for the price! (And yes, I have belted out Sweet Caroline on MULTIPLE OCCASIONS using it. 🎤 Bum bum bum.)
Sprinting Through My Setbacks Workbook
You know I love a journal. And this one is GREAT. Based on prompts from Micha Powell’s SPRINTING THROUGH SETBACKS, this guided workbook and journal provides prompts, plenty of space to dream and set goals, and new ways to think about how you can sprint through your own setbacks and achieve your greatest goals. This journal is for anyone who’s out there chasing their big dreams: Maybe those dreams are on the track, maybe they’re in another part of your life. We can get there together. Each of these prompts and sample journal pages will help you get clear on your goals, dial in your routines, hone your style, and kick negative self-talk and imposter syndrome to the curb.
Best Day Ever Planner
If you prefer a more daily style of journaling, this is for you. Whether you’re a college student prepping for exams, a cyclist getting ready for Nationals, or you’re balancing those two thing (and trying to have a social life and make time for self-care at the same time!), this unique 3-month daily journal and workbook from pro downhiller Rachel Pageau will help you define your goals and optimize your day. Whether you’re using this for Q1 with your side hustle or small business, prepping for a race that’s happening in three months, or you’re working through a semester at school, the quarterly format is ideal for hitting your goals.
You’ll set yearly goals, check your month at a glance, plan out your week, and dial in each day to bring you joy—while getting everything you need done, done. Each day, you’ll be able to reflect in the morning to set your day up for success, then check back in after the day is over so you know what went well—and how to have an even better day tomorrow. This 6×9-inch edition is easy to pop in your backpack or purse so you never leave home without it!
Motivated & Mad Steel Bottle
MTBing poet Mackenzie said it in last week’s newsletter with her gift guide (read it here) but I’m saying it again: Now’s the time to embrace your inner angry feminist. It really feels hard to be a woman right now but if you’re going to be effective, you gotta be hydrated! Girlies, you can be proud to take this emotional support water bottle around everywhere you go.
Sunrise Alarm Clock
I know SO many teen runners who have early morning practices, and I also know that waking up to a blaring alarm clock… well, it sucks. So try a sunrise alarm clock instead for a slightly less aggressive wake up that might make those early mornings a teensy bit less painful.
The Athlete’s Guide to Sponsorship: An Athlete Entrepreneur’s Guide to Dreaming Big, Racing Smart & Creating a Reliable Brand for a Long, Successful Career
The book for the teen in your life who dreams of going pro… but also needs some help getting those college applications in! This book will teach athletes how to find sponsorships, from finding the right brands to approach to developing a racer resume and website to cultivating your own personal brand identity through your social media, real life and racing. If you want a thriving career in sport, this book is for you…. And parents will be thrilled by the life skills your athlete develops in the process!
