My Favorite Recovery Tools for Runners

Disclosure: The products from The Stick, NOW Foods, and Moji were received complimentary to review and share. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own.

It’s been 7 years since I started training for my first ever 5K, and now at the end of the week I will be running my 7^th marathon. There’s a lot of miles in there which means a lot of sore muscles. Runners will try everything to get rid of soreness and prevent injury. While I don’t always use them as much as I should, I do have a whole basket full of various foam rollers and recovery devices that I have acquired over the years. If you have heard about foam rolling or maybe even purchased one but don’t know how to use it, I love this article on foam-rolling from Runner’s World showing you how to use a roller for different muscles with videos so you can see exactly what to do. Since we are entering the start of fall racing season, it is a good time to talk about my favorite recovery tools. Don’t be like me, and DO YOUR PREHAB and foam roll often! I have linked these products, but most of these can be found on Amazon or at your local running store.

1 . The Stick, price varies

The Stick is a classic massage tool that has been around since 1988. I bought a travel stick years ago and also received a full-size version when I was at the Runner’s World Half & Festival last year. It’s made of a flexible plastic and has a rod with spindles that roll over the muscles to release myofascial and inactivate trigger points. You can read more about how it works here.

I really like using mine for my constantly tight calves, but it can be used all over the body. It also is waterproof and can be placed in the dishwasher for cleaning/sanitizing which is a cool feature. The only downside of The Stick is that some of the longer versions may be too big to fit into a bag for travel or taking places. I own the fuchsia Sprinter Stick which is a firmer, shorter stick that is great for legs (which is mainly what I use it for!) and retails for $34.95.

2. Moji Foot Massager Pro, $39.95

Any photos with my foot looked weird, so this is all you get!

I have been using the Moji Foot Massager Pro since I received a complimentary one from Moji after trying it at the Chicago Marathon expo in 2016. These are also a hot item at Charm City Run, and I have sold many to people after they tried it out in store. Sure you can use a lacrosse or tennis ball to roll your feet, but the Moji Foot Massager Pro is a totally upgraded experience and worth the price. It has high-tech stainless steel balls which you roll your foot over to break up scar tissue and dig into your foot muscles. 

Having all the small spheres really massages your whole entire foot with you controlling the pressure. People suffering from Plantar Fasciitis or foot pain really like this tool! One of my favorite parts is that I keep mine in the freezer for an icy massage, and pop it out every so often to roll my feet over it while I’m sitting at my computer. It feels AMAZING. 

3. R8 from ROLL Recovery, $129.00

The R8 is that thing that looks like a torture device. It is actually a magical recovery tool that gives your muscles a deep tissue massage. I can’t afford a massage every month so this was a good investment. It is expensive (ask for it as a gift, maybe?), but it WORKS. I love deep pressure, but if you are not a fan of that this may take some getting used to. It is TSA-approved (although you might get some questions) and a registered medical device made with stainless steel hardware and soft TPU. Again it can reduce inflammation and really provide myofascial release. I have the older version, but now there is a newer, updated version. 

I place the R8 parallel to my legs and then flip it down so it gets pressure along all sides. You can use it sitting, standing, or laying down.  I like this because I am not rolling around on the floor doing work, rather the R8 is doing all the work, and I am just guiding it along my tight muscles. It hurts so good.

4. NOW® Solutions Joint & Muscle Cream, $14.99 (also available on Amazon!)

This is a newer addition to my recovery arsenal. The NOW® Solutions Joint & Muscle Cream was in my goodie bag from my trip to the NOW Foods headquarters in May. It is made for active individuals to use topically around active joints and muscles. The cream is not super thick and contains Glucosamine (found in joint cartilage and used to keep joints healthy as a supplement) along with Boswellia, Capsacin, and natural Methyl Salicylate for skin care. 

My chemistry background comes out now because capsaicin is a chili pepper extract which has pain-relieving properties and makes this cream feel similar to icy hot. That being said, WARNING: do not apply this cream to your legs and then touch your eyes or face. The hot feeling does last a long time also so be warned, but it does make my sore legs feel nice. NOW® Solutions Joint & Muscle Cream is a great affordable and natural product for runners.

5. The Original Worm, $24.00 or $32.00 based on size

The Original Worm is a portable massager that is a mash up between a foam roller and therapy balls. It’s a neoprene case surrounding 4 rubber balls (and looks like a worm!). This also release trigger points and can give you full-body therapeutic relief. 

While the Original Worm is great for legs and feet as well, I mostly use this for my back pain and neck pain. It’s similar to using lacrosse balls but more stable if I use it against a wall for my shoulders and low back. It also is a great release if I place it under my neck with a yoga block or pillow for my head. The biggest plus to this is that it’s super portable and smaller so it’s great for travel and is what I find throwing into my bag most for a weekend trip.

6. MojiHeat Massage Roller, $69.99

Moji makes another appearance on this list with my most recent recovery tool addition of the MojiHeat massage Roller. When Moji reached out about me reviewing this I was excited because of how much I like the Moji Foot Massager Pro, but was skeptical that this would be another unnecessary variation on a roller. This roller is denser, weighing 3 lbs and 13" long, with a textured outside and combines massage therapy with heat therapy. 

This roller comes apart into two pieces which then are popped into your microwave for 3 minutes. Once your massage roller is heated you twist it back together into one piece and use like a regular massage roller except you are receiving the therapeutic benefits of heat (which is great for recovery). It's made for larger muscle relief but just half could be used for ease when travelling. When I first used this and took it out of the microwave it didn’t feel very warm, but once I started using it I realized it was heating a little bit more after the microwave and felt AMAZING on my legs. The MojiHeat massage roller will hold heat for up to 30 minutes. Especially in the winter, I see myself reaching for the MojiHeat Massage Roller more often for recovery or even as a way to warm up my muscles before a chilly run!

What is your favorite recovery tool? Do you use a foam roller or massage roller?

This post was linked up with the Weekly Wrap hosted by Hoho Runs and Taking the Long Way Home. 

Copper Mug Cocktails feat. the Dockside Mule Recipe

Disclosure: I was sent 2 mugs complimentary of Moscow Muled in exchange for a review without any other compensation. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Summertime for me is sunshine, hanging out on someones rooftop deck or patio, my toes in the sand, ice cream on a hot day, sweaty runs, and a cold drink in my hand. Between Moscow Mules and Palomas, I am set for summer. Moscow Mules are the perfect summer drink with refreshing ginger beer and lime juice, and my boyfriend makes them all the time.  I even drink them with a little club soda instead of vodka for a delicious mocktail version. You can even make a hydrating Moscow mule version with Nuun Hydration! The one thing missing from my summer cocktails was a fancy copper mug set. 

That's why I was really excited when Jessica from Moscow Muled reached out about trying out their copper mugs. Besides being a fan a of cocktails, I am a fan of small businesses and especially ones involving ladies! Jessica and her partner couldn't find any high-quality nickel-lined copper mugs that they liked so they made their own as part of a side passion project. 

These beautiful 16 ounce copper mugs  (which retail for $12.50 each) are made of 100% pure high-grade and food-safe copper and are lined with nickel. This provides important health and functional benefits because copper is a heavy metal that can react with acidic fluids (such as citrus juices such as lime juice in a Moscow Mule) and can cause copper to leach into the the drink. This is sometime I never would have thought about when buying my own mugs! The nickel lining not only prevents unintentional copper ingestion, but also increases the strength and durability of the mug because copper is a soft metal than can be damaged with repeated use.

Copper mugs are traditional for mules and similar cocktails in bars which not only look nice but also actually keep drinks cold because the copper transfers for the temperature of the drink to the mug itself. I don't really have time for cleaning, but these mugs are easy to clean by just gently hand-washing and drying right away. Like any copper, these mugs will develop a patina over time, but Moscow Muled also includes directions for keeping their mugs shiny and removing any patina, if that is what you prefer. 

As I mentioned previously, I love a cold Moscow Mule on a summer afternoon or evening. Here is a classic Moscow Mule recipe that came with the copper mugs that I tested out.  It's easy and delicious to make! 

Of course I was excited to come up with my own copper mug cocktail. I wanted to keep it refreshing so I decided to make a version of a mule with one of my favorite juices from Gundalow Juice. Their Dockside Sunrise juice is a blend of juices including pineapple, ginger, and even a touch of jalapeno which gives this drink some tartness and a little kick! I also happen to be a fan of Tito's vodka but you can substitute whatever your vodka of choice is. If you do not have any Dockside Sunrise on hand using regular pineapple juice with the ginger beer instead of club soda would be a close match.  

I think I know what my new drink of choice will be as the summer winds down! 

Moscow Muled can be found on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter @moscowmuled. More information on their copper mugs and ordering information is available on their website. 

What is your favorite summertime cocktail or mocktail?