Christmas Wish List, Triathlon Style

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?