Focusing on Recovery
One of the things I've been doing to try to make my runs more pleasant is really focusing on recovery after each run. I've been known in the past to sometimes skip stretching and foam rolling because of a time crunch, but one of the biggest problems I've been dealing with on runs lately is super tight leg muscles.
So in an attempt to fix that, I'm throwing myself at the mercy of my foam roller and compression socks. It's a pretty safe bet that if its one of the days of the week that I work from home you'll find me lounging all day in my hot pink compression socks.
It's a good thing people I work with only see me from the neck up on those days because my bottom half is not nearly as styling.
Google hangout with some colleagues. Yes I was wearing my compression socks.
The other thing I've been doing is experimenting with my new foam roller. Actually, I'm not really sure I should be calling it a foam roller since it's not made of foam.
This is the enso roller from Evofit -- I was sent it recently to review since I've been so tight on runs.
This roller is a bit different because you can reconfigure it as necessary to target problem areas to get the max effect from rolling. You simple following the basic diagrams that came on the pamphlet and slide the black discs into place to hit what you want.
I've tried the back roller, which feels amazing after a long day hunched over my computer, and I've used some of the leg configurations too to target my IT bands, hips and glutes.
I'm still feeling pretty tight on a lot of my runs, but I'm hoping if I stick with my recovery plan regularly and don't let it drop after a few days like I tend to do that I'll start seeing results soon.
4 comments
This post is great timing, Im training for my first marathon in May and from the waist down I am so. tight. My comp. socks are always under my work clothes. I travel with a rolling pin. Yesterdays run was awful and of course I decided to withdraw from the marathon 9 times. BUT! like youre saying I have to keep up on the rolling and stretching and strengthening and just keep taking care of it.
ReplyDeleteDo the roller things actually work, then? I've always been hesitant to try them!
ReplyDeleteHey Jess,
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check out this new foam roller.
Regarding your regular roller, which one is your favorite?
Thanks
Daniel
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