When we pile in after a run at this time of year we need all the pampering and brow stroking that we can get, so much of my gift wish list this year is all about the feel good factor. So although I couldn’t do without my running belt, sports watch and all the host of gear and gadgets, I mainly want to be pampered and soothed this Christmas please.
How about these super cushioned flip flops to take the stress off tired feet and joints? Yes please. I’ve tried some on (like walking on marshmallows, seriously) but I don’t own a pair-yet. They’re just the sort of thing I’d like to pad around the house in after dragging off my trainers. And of course I’d live in them all summer long.
I do neglect my feet. I expect them to just keep doing their job with no attention at all and few things in life will put up with that. So I could use a nice foot balm. I’d definitely go for this foot cream from O’Keeffe’s because I’ve just squeezed the last bit out of a tube of this and it’s just amazing. It’s packed with glycerine will give you the softest feet ever. Next time I want to opt for this tub packaging as I find it easier to scoop up just the amount I want.
Now for a bit of tlc for my running shoes themselves. I have just sadly parted with my beloved worn out Brooks and I’m wearing a lovely bright lemon pair of Asics at the moment, so in the interests of continuing the theme, this spray is a perfect match. I am complete. Well, if it’s sticking out of my stocking, I will be.
A lemony fresh blast into the dark interior of your shoes.
doTerra Breathe Respiratory Blend
My love of essential oils knows no bounds so these are always high on my wish list. I spotted this respiratory blend (what could be better in a runner’s stocking?) which promises to promote easier breathing by clearing your airways. Even reading the list of ingredients steadies my breathing.
Ingredients:
Laurel Leaf, Eucalyptus Leaf, Peppermint Plant, Melaleuca Leaf, Lemon Peel, Cardamom Seed, Ravintsara Leaf, Ravensara Leaf essential oils
It can be added to a diffuser but I plan to rub a couple of drops together in my palms and inhale…
Another doTerra product I’m lusting after is this muscle and joint rub.
A run, a dip in the bathtub then massaging this cream on to my overworked leg muscles sounds just heavenly. A blend of Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Helichrysum, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile, and Osmanthus essential oils.
Balega Unisex Hidden Comfort Socks
As I’ve got older, and with the words of my podiatrist ringing in my ears (“Remember, your feet age just like your face does. Thinner skin, looser muscles and less padding.”), I’m always searching for the ultimate cushioned sock.
These socks pride themselves on ‘cushioning for impact resistance’, with extra cushioning mid-foot and at the heel so I’m eager to give them a try.
TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller with Free Online Instructional Videos
I’ve chosen this pressie as it’s something that, as an older runner, I know I should be doing and would definitely benefit from but…I don’t want to do it. So if I could reframe it as ‘pampering’ and some kind soul could buy me one I’d feel more inclined to use it. Foam rolling is a kind of self-massaging technique which loosens muscles – sort of smoothing out the kinks – thereby reducing any pain from tightness and promoting all those other lovely things that come with more relaxed muscles such as increased flexibility and reduced risk of injury.
2019 will see me foam rolling.
I first bought a tube of this cream a few years ago, intrigued by the suggestion that it simulates the effects of ducks preening their feathers. It’s been repackaged now but I’m ready for more – it’s great at giving a smooth finish and adding shine and silkiness to my frequently ravaged hair.
I wash, condition and towel dry my hair then comb through a pea-sized blob of the preen cream. It doesn’t feel greasy or weigh my hair down – just adds a nice sheen and smoothness.
Nivea In Shower Body Moisturiser
My skin drinks up anything I put on it and still feels dry (well, I guess that’s the price I pay for running in a warm climate) so I’d love an in shower body moisturiser. Doesn’t have to be super expensive – though the packaging can be to die for, I honestly don’t think that the more you pay, the better the product. That’s not my experience, anyway. This will do the trick nicely thank you…
I’m a big fan of Nivea products. They’re so affordable, the smell is heavenly, it reminds me of my mum and THEY WORK.
My main present, please. Not exactly a pampering gift but a ‘less time in the kitchen’ gift and that’s not far off being the same thing in my book. Initially I ignored the avalanche of rave reviews for this pot but the devotion continues unabated so I eventually caved and spent an afternoon researching its many virtues and now I want one. The thing is, as you get more into running and longer distances you need to carve out more and bigger chunks of time. And annoyingly there always seems to be mouths to feed and as a few of the company’s taglines are “Make more time for other stuff”… and “Easy to use, just press a button and walk away!” then how can I resist? PLUS it keeps it all warm for you…
Instant Pot is a multi-cooker that apparently does the job of seven different kitchen appliances. It’s a slow cooker, electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, sauté/browning pan, and warming pot.
What say you, Santa?
