by Dr. Jeffrey Ross

This year for your favorite runner we have lots of presents you might like to surprise them with for the Holidays. We start with the really cool ones, then give you some ideas for "stocking stuffers." Have fun choosing!

First let's start with some of those neat watches that I like so much. The Nike Triax watch "S" Series is one you might want to look at. The Stamina has a 100-lap memory priced at $149 and the Speed has a 50 lap memory priced at $135. Both are ergonomic. They're really sleek, and make a very impressive gift.

Now here's something to really ponder. the Fitsense Speedometer, which calculates speed, distance and calories, on a four section grid screen. This is really cutting-edge stuff, folks. If you're in to weight watching, think about how much fun you can have with this toy! The Fitsense Speedometer is priced at $199.99, and the heart rate strap that can attach is an extra $69.99.

Now if you really want to get high tech for you computer nerds, how about a Netlink for online training? Try that one on for size. You can run, check out all the vitals, and then plug in your data to an on line program. Not bad huh? All for $129.99. I'm sure you'll get some smiles (and maybe something more) for this present. This is my favorite pick for the year.

Speaking of watches, as the expression goes, "Timex takes a licking and keeps on ticking!" Well Timex has the Rush Watch for Women priced at $47.95, the Rush VO-2 which calculates pulse, and has a 50 lap memory with splits. (Someone show me how to do all these functions - I'm still trying to figure our my heart monitor watch!) This watch however is user-friendly, it has a large face for easy to read numbers. So for all of you (including myself) 40 year olds and older who need reading glasses they took good are of us!

Now for the "fashion hogs," let's get into clothes. One that I introduced last year and that has made further improvements is the Illumi Nite series. The vest priced at $59.99, the shorts at $41.99 and the jacket priced at $84.99 all have Teflon fabric protector and are reflective, which make them great for night time wear. Especially when the daylight ends so early at this time of year. The reflective technology of SutaLiteDish have reflectors that act like millions of mirrors working together to reflect light back to its originating source. the reflectors are embedded in the fabric weave, allowing a silhouette image to be reflected by car's headlights. They also have breatheable mesh sides. This is a great gift for the runner who cannot get up early enough in the morning, or who has to get to work early, and can only run at night or early on weekends. That's me on both accounts!!! So protect your loved ones (dogs included) with some "mirror wear." At least they won't look like deer in the headlights.

If you're soft and silky, try the Asics Cascata tights and long sleeves. This has to be the softest material I have ever felt. It's made of a Micromattique (that's French of course) polyester priced at $54.99. You'll feel all warm, toasty, and snuggly on those cold Texas days and nights. Probably not bad to wear by the fireplace at night either.

For shoes, the one that I would pick for Santa coming down the chimney for that extra shock absorption (remember he weighs about 300 pounds) is the Nike Shox. If you haven't seen these you have to take a look at them. At first I thought they were designed for running on the moon. They are the top of the line shock-absorbant neutral shoe. These new Shox are even softer than last year's model. The Shox R4+ is priced at $140. So for the heavy hitter runner significant other, surprise them with new one!

Now for my favorite section of Dr. Santa Ross' gift list the stuffers! Drum roll please, maestro! A really great item that is very practical is the Ultimate Access slanted bottle holster. It has a zippered mesh pack, and breathable padded cool mesh back. It weighs 8 oz. and has a fluid capacity of 20 fl oz. This is great for trail runs, triathlons, marathons, and all year hiking, priced at $19.99. Probably the most practical gift I've seen. For you camels, a must!

Now here's one I not only like, I bought one and ran in it this morning. A Wear It Proudly USA (picuted, above) pair of running shorts, by In Sport. Lined with Cool Max and priced at $31.99, this is the gift for the patriotic. Think of the use you'll get for all those marathons both here in the U.S. as well as abroad. So show your colors runners!

For you runners (again like myself) who worry about chafing in the winter and particularly we men who suffer T-shirt bleeds, the Nip Guards are the answer. This will definitely help prevent chaffing and bleeding. And the best part is they do not hurt when you take them off. Think of all that Petroleum Jelly you can avoid? Thank God!

Speaking of chafing another favorite stuffer is the Body Glide speed stick. This is convenient, non-oily or messy, and can be carried anywhere. Your body will appreciate the favor!

For you Gu fans, try the Carb Boom, It's an all-natural carbohydrate replacer. Similar to Gu in size and convenience, it comes in Apple Cinnamon (my favorite flavor for oatmeal) and comes in 1.4 oz. Same price too.

Another practical item is the Reflective Shoe Pocket. With reflective stitch webbing, you can keep money and keys in it, plus your I.D. This is something I most strongly advise. This is a safety precaution item, and a few years ago I wrote about its importance. So listen to Dr. Santa - don't be naughty, be nice!

And now for the last item on Dr. Santa's list (maestro, drum roll again please), for all you Mam's and Dad's to be's or already are - the Baby Jogger now in black with get this - a first time shock absorber. Priced at $318.95, your kid will be styling along the running trails. Think of the looks he'she will get, never mind the ones you'll get too!

So to all a Happy Hannukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Ramadan, and to all have fun choosing the right runner's present. I pray we will all find peace, and happy trails to run upon.