The HAX Holiday Gift Guide

Our coaches' top picks for the runner in your life (you included!)

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🎁 In Today's Issue:

Hammer & Axe Holiday Gift Guide

We asked our coaches to pull together their top picks for runners who want practical, reliable gear they can use in training. These aren’t gimmicks or trends - our coaches actually use these items in their daily routines! Whether you’re shopping for yourself or the runner in your life, this guide keeps it simple with quality, coach-tested choices.

For more gift ideas, check out our coaches’ Faves pages (linked below each coach)!

Drew Hunter

As a dad, Drew swears by the Thule Glide 3 as the best run stroller on the market. Eventually, he wants to go after the stroller mile world record in this thing. If you have kids and still want some speed, look no further. Great on roads or for off-roading on crushed gravel trails.

Emily Durgin

A seasoned competitor on the roads, Emily has her shoe rotation dialed — and this one is a staple. The Adidas Adizero Boston 13 is her choice for tempos, threshold sessions, and long runs. It’s lighter than a traditional trainer but still durable enough to handle extended miles at faster paces. If you’re looking for a shoe that feels snappy without giving up stability and support, give this one a look.

Austen Dalquist

For Austen, the Tracksmith Strata collection is at the top of his gear lineup. His recommendations for fellow runners: the Strata singlet and half tights. Built with high-quality, lightweight technical fabric, this kit delivers on both comfort and performance. It’s a reliable choice for any hard effort — from big workouts to race-day.

Anthony Camerieri

For the data-driven runner, Anthony recommends the COROS Heart Rate Monitor. Worn on the upper arm, it’s more comfortable than a traditional chest strap while still delivering highly accurate readings. Anthony uses it daily to track effort across easy runs, workouts, and cross-training — making it a reliable tool for consistent training feedback.

Brogan Austin

Brogan says this is the “softest comfy shirt” he owns. Doesn’t get better than that.

Joey Berriatua

The Mobo Board is one of Joey’s go-to tools for building stability and control from the ground up. It strengthens the feet and helps you integrate that strength through the entire kinetic chain for better durability and performance. For runners dealing with foot issues or aiming to reinforce mechanics for higher mileage, it’s a simple, effective addition to the routine.

Katie Camarena

Katie’s top pick is the SUUNTO Race S, a fully featured, highly customizable watch. It offers 95+ sport modes, training and recovery insights, sleep tracking, HRV, offline maps, weather, and music controls. The battery life is insane and reaches a full charge in about two hours. Perfect for runners who want dependable data and a durable, all-in-one training tool.

Reed Fischer

As a pro marathoner, Reed has tried plenty of gels over the years, yet this one stands out as his top pick. It’s easy to open while running hard, has a neutral flavor that holds up over long efforts without upsetting the stomach, and delivers one of the best carb-per-dollar values on the market.

Jacob Hunter

Jacob’s essential pick is the Bandit running belt — a low-profile way to carry gels, snacks, and your phone without disrupting your stride. Managing diabetes makes accessible storage especially important for him, but the belt is just as useful for any runner who needs to fuel on the go or prefers to keep their phone handy for navigation.

Savannah Shaw

For a quick, tasty, and reliable fuel choice, Savannah reaches for Skratch Labs Energy Chews. They’re a great source of fast-acting carbs that are gentle on the stomach. A dependable option for workouts, long runs, and on race-day.

For The Runner Who Wants More…

No matter who you’re shopping for, pairing one of these picks with a Hammer & Axe coach is a strong place to start. If you or someone on your list wants to run faster in 2026, combining great gear with expert guidance is the perfect formula to level up.

Coach Emily - Work with her 1:1 through Hammer & Axe!

Joy, Purpose, Patience

In this week’s episode of The HAX Show, we sat down with HAX coach and pro runner Emily Durgin. She talks through her journey from Team New Balance Boston to Under Armour Dark Sky, to now to training in Boulder under Marc and Joan Hunter with Adidas. Emily shares an honest look at burnout, patience, and finding longevity in the sport — offering insight that resonates with marathoners, young athletes, and fans alike. Tune in for a thoughtful and enjoyable conversation.