Runner's Christmas Wish List: Rest and Recovery Edition

Hey guys, how was your weekend? Did you have good weather for your long run or ride?

I ran 14 miles for the first time ever on Sunday. I was so nervous about it, but it went really well and I hardly even walked at all. Since Sunday, I've been so sore though, which is odd to me since I usually don't get very sore from running. The last time I was this sore had to have been after my half marathon in February, so I guess it's the distance? I know I've ran 11 miles twice recently and was hardly sore at all. I haven't been eating as well in the last week as I was before those runs either though, so that could be a factor. I do believe that my protein intake affects my soreness after a workout.

All the stuff and then some

Being this sore has made me think it would be a good idea to share a Christmas list of rest and recovery items for athletes. I've used several of these products after runs, bike rides, and strength exercises when I needed to work some tightness out of my muscles.

 

The Stick

The Stick - This is probably my favorite right now, it's hurts so good. With The Stick you're really able to target an area that's bothering you.  It's best used on limbs, I give each area of my legs about 20 strokes after a hard workout, and again before bed if I'm feeling tight/sore. Warning though, children will use this as a weapon, but then again, what don't they use as a weapon?

Foot Rubz - While I think the good ole tennis or golf ball does a pretty decent job, the Foot Rubz has "fingers" that can really dig into the muscles. I use this a lot as my feet often hurt. I've rolled it on my back/shoulders and thighs as well. My kids think this is a toy and I can't find it right now.

Flexible Ice Sheets - We all know that ice is one of the main staples for recovery, it's part of the old injury acronym RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). I like these ice sheets because they are flexible when frozen so you can wrap them around your ankle, or whatever other part needs it. Plus, you can put them in your kids' lunch box too. Also, it's not a big deal when your teething baby bites these because they're just filled with water and not some blue goop.



Heating Pad - Because heat is oh so soothing to achy muscles. You could also opt for those disposable versions that stick to you, allowing you to wear them discretely under your clothes.

Mojo Mini Pro - This massaging device can be used on all different body parts, I like it on my shoulders and back. The stainless steel rollers are icy cold and feel really good on tired muscles. Be careful though, I have a generic one and have had the balls come out, very dangerous with small children around.

Zensah Calf Sleeve

Foam Roller - There are many many foam rollers out there, but the Trigger Point GRID is the big dog. When I first got a foam roller, I was a little confused on how to use it, but there are a lot of helpful videos on YouTube. Like The Stick, foam rolling hurts so good, but you can target larger muscle groups and get a little deeper with the GRID.

Zensah Recovery Tight - The Zensah Recovery Tight is a unisex compression tight that targets and supports muscles in your legs aiding in recovery by increasing circulation. These are on my Christmas list this year and I'm sure with my marathon training they will come in handy. I already have a use calf sleeves and an ankle support from Zensah.

That's it. Do you have or use any of these recovery products? Are any on your wish list?