Are you a runner? Is your significant other a runner? Do you do Valentines Day or think it’s just another gimmick to get you to spend money on shit you don’t need?
Either way, there are things you can do for your runner friend this Valentine’s Day that won’t fill your house will unnecessary shit (I’m looking at you stuffed white teddy holding a heart that says I love you!) or break the bank.
Now folks, I appreciate the idea of me writing anything Valentine’s related may have you rolling around on the floor in fits of laugher or looking at me with that strange head tilt a Labrador gives you when he’s pretty sure you are about to give him a treat but he isn’t quite sure, but stick with me here, I promise you’ll find something to solve your Valetine’s dilemma.
To gift or not to gift, that is the question?
Actually, the more important question, is what does your gift say? Does it say, “I don’t give a shit about Valentine’s Day or making your feel special so here’s some chocolates I got a Coles when I got the newspaper” or does it say “I think you are the bomb and I don’t say that enough.”
A gift that says sentence 2 doesn’t have to break the bank but it can make you super popular with your spouse!
Time vouchers or I.O.U’s are perfect for the runner in your life and you don’t have to be super crafty or super wealthy to pull them off!
It’s super simple, grab a raffle ticket book or something similar at your local Reject Shop (I got a pack of 4 books for $2.50) or newsagent and write down a promise your partner can cash in over the course of the next year on each ticket. You could include a guilt free long run, a foot massage, a pre run carb up meal of their choice. The options are endless and only limited by your imagination and they don’t have to cost you a thing.
For your non running partner, you could cook them dinner, give them a lap dance, wash their car, don’t forget they might actually cash them in so don’t put anything on a ticket that you won’t actually do! 😉
You could even fill a jar with tickets or a new running hat and make it a lucky dip scenario.
A running trip away is a luxury most runners could only dream of. Why not surprise your running pal with a surprise trip? A weekend away on the trails in the Grampians or on the coastal trails of The Otways or Portland? Or maybe even a trip to an interstate race?
NOTE: in these COVID times, double and triple check cancellation policies on all travel!
Does your partner have a race they just keep banging on about? How they would love to do it but seem full of excuses? A race entry could also be great gift! But be warned with this one, it could backfire on you. Don’t go entering your boyfriend or girlfriend into a race that is out of their comfort zone without talking about it with them first. If you are unsure, maybe write out a card or voucher, telling them what you think they are capable of and sign up for the race once everyone is on the same page.
If you want a tangible gift for your loved one, there are no limits to the amount of gadgets and gear available. Check out my list of gear recommendations here
Good luck! If you make a collection of running vouchers let me know in the comments or over on insta, would love to hear all the ideas everyone comes up with.
💕