Happy Friday! I’m linking up for Friday Five 2.0 with Rachel from Running on Happy and Lacey and Meranda from Fairytales and Fitness.
Today’s topic is pampering – how fun! Let’s face it, we all need a little pampering! Sometimes when you’re training for a race, it’s easy to get into a routine to make sure that you get in all of your workouts. It’s rare that runners will “treat” themselves during this time. If you see the runner in your life training hard, why not surprise them with a treat? Here are a few ways to pamper a runner!
Breakfast in Bed
Runners normally designate one day on the weekend for their “long run”. On the day that your runner doesn’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn, why not serve them breakfast in bed? This is a sweet gesture that allows the runner to get some extra rest AND enjoy a yummy meal in bed!
Massage
I don’t know a runner that doesn’t love a massage. After the NYC Marathon, my best friends all chipped in and purchased a spa gift certificate for me. It was honestly the sweetest thing ever! I used the gift certificate to get a deep tissue massage – it was like heaven! After logging SO many miles in training, and then the marathon, it was just nice to lay down and have an awesome massage.
Money is probably the most universal gift, but always appreciated! Just think of all the things a runner could purchase – a race registration, airline ticket for a raceation, a new running outfit, a new GPS watch, sneakers, etc. The possibilities are endless. If you would prefer a gift card, get one to a local running store, like Fleet Feet or Jack Rabbit!
Pedicure
All I can say is God bless anyone that has to give a runner a pedicure! Luckily I have never lost a toenail (knock on wood), but I definitely have calluses on my feet. I’m guessing that other runners also have calluses and/or missing toenails. A pedicure can really help make your feet softer and as a bonus, sometimes the salon will throw in a short foot massage!
Source
Sleeping In
This actually goes hand in hand with breakfast in bed. For runners with kids, sleeping in is considered a luxury. An extra hour, or two, of sleep can make the world of difference to a runner. In fact, runners need rest, especially when training! Rest helps aid in muscle recovery, which is essential when you’re logging lots of miles!
What other ways would you pamper a runner?
Breakfast in bed is a great one! I have a hard time sleeping in, but naps are very much appreciated. And yes, runners sure can find alot of running-related products to buy!
I also have a hard time sleeping in, but I think I could do it if it meant breakfast in bed, lol
The main reason I could never sleep is in the dang dog! When he gets up I have no choice. Haha! I’d love any kind of foot pampering there is. I had reflexology a few times and that is amazing.
Ohh reflexology sounds so good – I’ve never tried that before!
I am off for my mani pedi tomorrow aaah bliss 🙂
That’s awesome! Enjoy 🙂
I my gosh, I rarely get massages (time and $) but had a deep tissue one this week and I feel fantastic 🙂
Same here! Massages can be a little pricy, but I do think it’s a nice treat every now and then!
OMG you have the best friends! That’s awesome that they treated you with a spa gift card!
I know – I’m a lucky girl! They are all so sweet!
Yes to pedicures! Although, I don’t pamper my feet as frequently as I should (in a salon setting), I try to take care of my feet and keep the toe nails looking nice.
Same here. I might get a pedicure about once a year, lol
Sleep! I think sleep is the best way a runner can be pampered! Happy weekend!
Definitely agree. We could all use more sleep, thats for sure!
For me, I love when my husb spoils me by being my race sherpa – takes so much stress out of race day.
Ahh that’s a good one, and so very appreciated on race day!
I’m a regular pedicure kind of gal, but last time I splurged and got one at the salon where I get my hair colored. Oh. my. god. It was incredible and well worth the splurge. I may need to do it again. Best reward ever.
I also reward myself with gear–hence all the new InkNBurn lately.
Something about pampering our feet just feels so good! I usually only get a pedicure about once a year, so I need to do better, lol
InkBurn has some awesome stuff!
Unfortunately I’m a morning person and never sleep in. And I don’t even work. So while I adore breakfast in bed, it doesn’t happen. My husband will offer to make breakfast for me, but by that time I’ve usually already eaten . . . several hours ago.
Offer to walk the dogs & not begrudgingly. Or watch the kids. Ditto. A back rub or foot massage at home wouldn’t be turned away, either. A really cool race entry? 🙂
I also have a hard time sleeping in unless I am sick 🙁
A back rub is an awesome way to pamper yourself!
All of those things just make me go “ahhhhhh.” Great list! I think I’ll share it with my family as it gets closer to my birthday! ?
Thanks! Definitely share the list with loved ones to give them some ideas!
For me it’s not so much about being able to sleep in as much as it is wanting a relaxed morning where I don’t have an agenda. Love the breakfast in bed idea! What a treat!
That’s true! Sometimes a day off with no plans is awesome!
Alex gives the best massages 😀 I constantly have him work on me!
Awwe, that’s so sweet!
I’ll take all of those!
LOL, me too!
You’re right, I would love all of these things, especially a pedicure and breakfast in bed! I’ll have to send this to my boyfriend LOL!
LOL, yup send it right on over to your boyfriend, just tell him “hint, hint”!
Love all of this, especially breakfast in bed…I can’t remember the last time that happened! I’m forwarding this to my husband 😉
LOL yup, definitely send to your husband!
Ha, I love that you included money on this list – that’s so true. I always ask my dad for money on my bday so I can buy sneakers or a wetsuit or some other piece of running/tri equipment!
Money is a great gift for any occassion lol!
I’m getting a pedicure right now now’!! Absolute bliss! These are absolutely ALL the things I love!! Yes and yes!!
Lucky you! I need to get one soon so that I can wear sandals and not scare people, lol
Great ones! I love to have a massage and try to get one about once a month. I often get a pedicure before a big race.
I need to do better about getting massages and pedicures!
You had me at “picture of adorable kitten…”
I want to sleep in. When do I get to do that??!
LoL, yeah that kitten was pretty cute! Maybe you can sleep in after you rock your race this weekend!
Me right after reading your post– copy link and text to hubby. ???
LOL, great idea! Glad you enjoyed the blog!
Oh, breakfast in bed is a good one! 🙂
I think we often forget about that one!
Amen to all of them!! Breakfast and coffee in bed – best way to pamper me.
Thanks Madhuri!
These are all awesome ideas! I love the massage and pedicure ideas even more.
Now if only I would get massages and pedicures more often!
I don’t even run and I’d love any and all of these! 😛
LOL, they are all great ways to pamper yourself!
As a mother, I’d take sleeping in and breakfast in bed ANY DAY!!!!
I figured all the moms would love that one!