9 Gifts to Wow Walkers

By Susan Rich

Don’t let a few raindrops slow you down. If the idea of sloshing through soggy leaves saps your energy, find an activity that you and your family can tackle together. Investing in your health — even if that means buying specialized gear — is the best gift you can give yourself this holiday season. And, it’s the perfect way to get a jump start on your New Year’s resolution — the one that says 2008 is definitely the year you’ll get back in shape.

Moxie Medallions It takes moxie to finish a marathon, guts to endure treatment for a life-threatening illness, and sometimes raw determination just to live day-to-day. Bend, OR-based Moxie Metal offers a shimmery line of stainless steel pendants that are hand-stamped with a personalized message meant to commemorate your success in tackling life’s greatest challenges. www.moxiemetalinc.com
Yoga Sandals “Spread your toes” is a favorite yoga teacher mantra for a reason: Separating your toes improves your balance, flexibility, and alignment. Worn around the house or on errands, these therapeutic sandals retrain your feet to do just that while also helping to relieve painful foot conditions. Available for online purchase only. www.gaiam.com
Plus-sized Walking Wear Eugene, OR-based Sporthill gets an A+ from Walk About for launching a line of clothing designed for plus-sized women athletes. Choose the Synergy Tee, the Ridge II Knicker, or the Ultra Short, all available in 1X-4X. www.sporthill.com
Zip Into Something Dry Before you zip out the door, slip on the Rapid Descent Zip Hoodie (TL6619) by Columbia Sportswear. Perfect for layering, the hoodie is mad with 100% Omni-Dry Flat Face fleece, a material that has moisture-wicking properties. The lightweight jacket is also stretchable, breathable, quick-dry, and repels odor. www.columbia.com
Good Gloves for Gear Geeks Gloves: The new gadget. The latest hand-warmer from 180s is designed to keep your fingers cozy and nimble enough to use your mobile phone, Blackberry, or iPod without removing your gloves. Check out the form-fitting Tec Touch™Gloves. www.180s.com
Cozy Top Slip on this top, made of a creamy, suede-like material, and you won’t know what to do next: Snuggle up under a blanket watching old movies, go for a brisk walk, or hang out with friends sipping chai tea. The Woman’s Long-Sleeved Running Top, made by Oiselle (pronounced Wa-Zell) is a perfect base layer or all-day choice if you’re going casual. Style #20207. www.oisellerunning.com
Hankerin’ for a Hat? Whether you are Nordic walking or snowshoeing you’re sure to get noticed in your World Beanie, made by Shred Alert, based in Hood River, OR. Made Of Malden Polertec® classic fleece with the Shred Alert original flag band and adjustable cord and lock sizing. www.shredalert.com
Snowshoes for Snow Days Learn more about this family friendly activity on page 10 of this issue, and then choose a pair — or several — of snowshoes from Tubbs, one of the leaders in snowshoe technology. www.tubbssnowshoes.com
Grab a Pole and Go Shoes? Check! Poles? Check! In Nordic walking, every step you take can burn more calories and reduce your risk of joint injury. Long popular in Europe, Nordic walking is slowly catching on here in the US. Check out Fittretk’s complete line of Nordic walking poles, then hit the bricks. www.fittrek.com