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!
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?
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
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!
kookyrunner says
I also have a hard time sleeping in, but I think I could do it if it meant breakfast in bed, lol
Marcia says
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.
kookyrunner says
Ohh reflexology sounds so good – I’ve never tried that before!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I am off for my mani pedi tomorrow aaah bliss 🙂
kookyrunner says
That’s awesome! Enjoy 🙂
jennifer says
I my gosh, I rarely get massages (time and $) but had a deep tissue one this week and I feel fantastic 🙂
kookyrunner says
Same here! Massages can be a little pricy, but I do think it’s a nice treat every now and then!
Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says
OMG you have the best friends! That’s awesome that they treated you with a spa gift card!
kookyrunner says
I know – I’m a lucky girl! They are all so sweet!
Kimberly Hatting says
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.
kookyrunner says
Same here. I might get a pedicure about once a year, lol
Steff says
Sleep! I think sleep is the best way a runner can be pampered! Happy weekend!
kookyrunner says
Definitely agree. We could all use more sleep, thats for sure!
Coco says
For me, I love when my husb spoils me by being my race sherpa – takes so much stress out of race day.
kookyrunner says
Ahh that’s a good one, and so very appreciated on race day!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
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.
kookyrunner says
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!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
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? 🙂
kookyrunner says
I also have a hard time sleeping in unless I am sick 🙁
A back rub is an awesome way to pamper yourself!
Debbie says
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! ?
kookyrunner says
Thanks! Definitely share the list with loved ones to give them some ideas!
Alaina @ The Simple Peach says
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!
kookyrunner says
That’s true! Sometimes a day off with no plans is awesome!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
Alex gives the best massages 😀 I constantly have him work on me!
kookyrunner says
Awwe, that’s so sweet!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I’ll take all of those!
kookyrunner says
LOL, me too!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
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!
kookyrunner says
LOL, yup send it right on over to your boyfriend, just tell him “hint, hint”!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
Love all of this, especially breakfast in bed…I can’t remember the last time that happened! I’m forwarding this to my husband 😉
kookyrunner says
LOL yup, definitely send to your husband!
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers says
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!
kookyrunner says
Money is a great gift for any occassion lol!
Gina says
I’m getting a pedicure right now now’!! Absolute bliss! These are absolutely ALL the things I love!! Yes and yes!!
kookyrunner says
Lucky you! I need to get one soon so that I can wear sandals and not scare people, lol
Marsha says
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.
kookyrunner says
I need to do better about getting massages and pedicures!
Rachel says
You had me at “picture of adorable kitten…”
I want to sleep in. When do I get to do that??!
kookyrunner says
LoL, yeah that kitten was pretty cute! Maybe you can sleep in after you rock your race this weekend!
Angie @ Jack + Noosa says
Me right after reading your post– copy link and text to hubby. ???
kookyrunner says
LOL, great idea! Glad you enjoyed the blog!
San says
Oh, breakfast in bed is a good one! 🙂
kookyrunner says
I think we often forget about that one!
Madhuri says
Amen to all of them!! Breakfast and coffee in bed – best way to pamper me.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Madhuri!
Zenaida Arroyo says
These are all awesome ideas! I love the massage and pedicure ideas even more.
kookyrunner says
Now if only I would get massages and pedicures more often!
Farrah says
I don’t even run and I’d love any and all of these! 😛
kookyrunner says
LOL, they are all great ways to pamper yourself!
Melanie says
As a mother, I’d take sleeping in and breakfast in bed ANY DAY!!!!
kookyrunner says
I figured all the moms would love that one!