Today I am linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Angelena Marie from Angelena Marie: Happy, Healthy & Balanced, Michelle at Fruition Fitness and Nicole from Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday!
Let’s talk about foam rolling. As a runner, foam rolling is uber important. Our muscles take a beating, especially during long runs, and foam rolling can help alleviate those sore and achy muscles. I purchased my foam roller from Amazon a few years ago. This is the one I have:
Yes, it’s pretty large but it actually works well when you want to use the foam roller on your lower back or the back of your legs. If anything, I can use it as a lightsaber in my free time, lol.
You might be asking, what are the benefits of foam rolling? There are several:
* Increase your flexibility and mobility
* Speed up your recovery time in-between runs/workouts
* Increases overall blood flow
I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t use my foam roller as much as I should. Ideally, I should be using it after each run, but I normally only use it 2-3 times a week. I’m definitely NOT a foam rolling expert, so when I started foam rolling last year I got much of my information from a few blogs that I read every week. These bloggers are great and I know that they would only provide trustworthy information, so I felt totally comfortable using them as my “foam rolling” resources! Here are the three most helpful links (in my opinion)!
Rolling, Rolling, Rolling from Fitfulfocus
Foam Rolling Basics for Runners from Sublimely Fit
Foam Rolling from be the change
I hope these resources will help you with your foam rolling!
How often do you use your foam roller? Do you think that it helps you as a runner?
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
My foam roller and I have a love hate relationship but I keep going back for more 🙂
kookyrunner says
Haha same here! I have more of a hate-hate relationship with my foam roller currently.
Lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says
I see these rollers and have always wondered why and how they could be effective. Thanks for the introduction!
kookyrunner says
No problem. I won’t lie – it hurts but very effective!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
My foam roller and I have a love-hate relationship. I use a Trigger Point roller and it can be somewhat cruel to my fascia! But so effective and I used it a lot during marathon training.
kookyrunner says
Oh I’ve heard about the Trigger Point roller – that sounds painful! I also have a love-hate relationship with my foam roller – more like hate-hate actually!
Annmarie says
I have that same foam roller! I have to admit though, I don’t do it as often as I should- thanks for linking up and for sharing <3
kookyrunner says
So funny!! I thought I was the only one with that huge foam roller, LOL. Thanks for hosting the linkup 🙂
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says
Foam rolling is the best and the worst! As much as it hurts I make it part of my routine everytime I finish a run, it helps so much.
kookyrunner says
That’s really the hardest part. When I think about how much it hurts, I don’t want to do it, even though I know I need to do it LOL
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Right now, I’m only consistent about foam rolling after long runs. I need to do it more often. Thanks for linking up and for including my post 🙂
kookyrunner says
No problem! I love your post on foam rolling and knew I had to include it. Thanks for hosting the linkup!
vicki says
Foam rolling is so helpful… I am not as consistent as I should be with it. Thanks for the great links!
kookyrunner says
No problem and happy to share!
Diane @runninrocker says
I have never tried an actual foam roller. I bought one of the stick kind but have only tried it once or twice BUT I know I desperately need it – especially after a race!
kookyrunner says
Foam rolling is one of those things where you hate it when you’re doing it but you feel so much better after!