Although I find myself running much less in the winter months, my desire for a good massage never dies. Maybe it’s the grey skies, or maybe it’s the cold weather, but I find myself hibernating more in the winter. I think my spirit animal is a bear because I’m all about facilitating tissue insulation through cookie consumption.
I digress…
When I’m running a lot my muscles become accustomed to the wear and tear I put them through, & when I run less I feel each mile much quicker. No surprises there.
Is it just me, or does the map route of this run look similar to the shape of the state?
While I was in Arizona I ran more in those two weeks than I had in the entire month of December. This meant my muscles felt the fatigue of my neglect. I use a foam roller, but these days I only use it for my back. Plus bringing a giant foam tube on an airplane just isn’t feasible when you need every ounce of space for snacks.
Along with many sunny Arizona runs I also watched a lot of movies, spent new years eve volunteering the same way I did last year, went on a few bike rides, hiked a couple mountains, and had many lovely conversations with family.
With all this adventuring my step mom was kind enough to buy me a massage that satisfied every fiber of my being, but massages aren’t cheap and my shoulders and neck resemble a field of clustered grape vines. Insert tiger tail, a small and easy way to bring my massage with me everywhere I go! 
This hand held massage tool is SO convenient for spots like quads and necks. Or at least that’s what I’ve been using mine for. The euphoria I feel when I use this on my neck is like that of a monkey finding bugs in their fur. I have the classic, but there is an even smaller one for easier portability.
While I base my muscle rolling on feel (hurtssss so goooood), it’s nice to have a reference of trigger spots to search for. The happy muscles book intrigued my inner science lover and was like a mini anatomy class.
Nothing beats an actual massage, but at $80 a pop I find paying $35 one time for a muscle roller to be a much better option. Plus, I’m all about shopping local. Since being back home in Washington I’ve only run four miles (whoa there, slow down Brittany), but the knots in my neck are still large and in charge.
Muscle fuel.
Stretch more, eat green, drink water, roll muscles – the way to a happy body and happy mind. Oh and in my case, EAT. LESS. SUGAR. One day I’ll master that. 😉
Q: Do you take care of your muscles like you should? I’m a work in progress.
Blissfulbritt 
69 thoughts on “Muscle Massage”
Josh dV
I have never in my life had a massage. Well, not a REAL one anyway. I suppose I should give it a try. I’m betting it would only benefit my mindset and my running. I’m also not mutch of a stretcher… I know.
I do yoga everyday though. That is something at least.
Nice run!
Brittany
Doing yoga is great! If you’ve got yourself a nice flow it’s perfect for stretching! As for a real massage, if you find the right person with magical hands it’s life changing.
B
I don’t take care of myself at all the way that I should, let alone my muscles!
Brittany
Touché my friend haha!
ksujes32
I have cut out white sugar and I strength train more than I run…my chiropractor does an amazing thing called Graston technique…I own 3 at home therapy tools, foam roller, orb and a stick – I have used them one time, this needs to be my February resolution
Brittany
Bam! Back to it. Cutting out sugar is so great, I’m such a slave to the stuff.
John Kraft
My favorite place in Arizona has to be Sedona.
Brittany
I adore Sedona, so much beauty in those red rocks.
Yoga Sophisticate
Oh yes!! This is what’s so cool about Ashtanga Yoga. It’s a system of poses that must be accomplished during each practice, so it covers it for me. There is a posture, toward the middle/end of the Primary Series, known as Garbha Pindasana. It’s lotus with the arms intertwined between the legs, rolled into a ball, and rolling up and down, in a clockwise fashion, nine times. The spine and the muscles get touched to the nth degree. OMG it is my massage guy, without the need to talk, hahaha. I love you, and those cookies look divine.
Brittany
That pose sounds so yummy, as were the cookies. Bahaha.
usabaker
Getting a massage is magic, especially after a race. I totally for got to write about the massage I got after the Marathon last week. It was a dollar a minute and worth every penny.
Brittany
I can only imagine! 😍
Amy @ A Desert Girl
Massages are amazing. Your tool sounds like a good and economical alternative though. Glad you found it!
Brittany
Me too, I love it!
pickyrunner
I’m all about massages. I keep meaning to schedule one but I haven’t done it yet. It makes the world of a difference though, especially as the mileage creeps up a bit. I like my massage stick but I’m really bad about using it and find the most benefits from a massage.
and eating less sugar… yeah… that will never happen for me no matter how hard I try hahaha
Brittany
It’s an ugly battle I never seem to win. Sugar is my kryptonyte. 😂
Rach @ This Italian Family
This post is perfect timing! I just started weight lifting again over the past couple of weeks and my back and shoulders are not happy with me. I forgot all about foam rolling in general. I’m pretty sure Christopher has one. I need to find it!
Brittany
Find it! It works wonders!
Becster
No I don’t look after my muscles like I should! I think if I do take up running like I intend to I’m going to have to sort my calves out. They get tenses so quick! I do like my greens but I love my sweets too!! I haven’t had many massages in fact I’ve only had one pro massage and that was when I was pregnant the first time around! My hubby tries to massage my legs though! x
Brittany
I do enjoy significant other massages almost more at times!
fionajarrett
I only discovered foam rolling last year but now I use it after every run & notice a massive difference with DOMS, stiffness & quicker recovery. I do love a proper massage though & I always come out feeling like my soul’s been relaxed as well as my muscles!
Brittany
Yes! Soul renewal I love that.
auroraroschen
I love your self-deprecating humor about the reasons for a bear being your spirit animal! Like you, I all about facilitating tissue insulation through cookie consumption. Also, those cookies look amazing.
Brittany
Bahaha! I’m glad you can appreciate it. Those cookies were legit.
Christine
i love good massage and will often ask for them as gifts from my family for holiday/ birthday. Otherwise I too have a hard time justifying spending it. I do roll some, but not enough to be as productive as it could be. I have been doing hot yoga for the past 2 weeks and can see an noticeable difference, but its a lot more work than just rolling or being massaged~
Brittany
Oh yes! Hot yoga is great for loosening those muscles!
jejansonius
I have recently found a new love for Foam Roling so good for sore running muscles. I however am still neglectful of my muscles. I’m trying to get better at being nicer to myself…haha.
Brittany
Amen, work in progress!
Angela
COOKIES!!!
I am so bad at looking after my muscles I foam roll occasionally if I’m really sore but other that I barely even stretch….eeek! Hoping to take up Yoga 🙂
Brittany
Haha I’m with ya, often waiting until I’m sore!
joanfrankham
Trying to cut out carbs especially sugar, one step at a time!
Brittany
My prayers are with you. 😂
Ellie
I know I should foam roll more, but I do mobility exercises for my hips and glutes more often. I hate getting sore lol I feel ya!
Brittany
I’m odd, I don’t mind being sore in my legs, but my back NOOO.
Heather
Now that I’m running again (YAY!!!) I’m foam rolling for at least 5 minutes a day. It helps so much! I have something similar to the tiger tail that I haven’t used in a while… I should bring that thing out. I’m trying SO HARD to give up sugar and I just can’t. I AM doing a better job at consuming less though, so that’s a win!
Brittany
WIN! I am such a slave to that granulated goodness.
P
I’ve had a massage at a race before, but besides that, I’ve had to rely on tennis balls or cheaply-made foam rollers. I’ve been looking to invest in something sturdier and proven to work—this looks like it may be it!
Brittany
Tennis balls are great!! I like this roller to roll the length of the muscles, but the ball is great for specific knots.
Amy
I’ve never had a massage! I’m way too cheap… But I love my foam roller for my legs. It’s been a blessing since I’ve started non-running leg workouts! I should definitely look into that tiger tail that you have though… Whenever I’m traveling, it takes me longer to recover from workouts since I don’t want to use my precious carry-on space for my roller. 😉 And I love Love LOVE how you spend part of your vacation volunteering!! That makes my heart so happy! ❤️
Brittany
Yes! I’m glad you understand the importance of travel space. 😝
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
I have only ever had one massage and that was the day before my wedding and to be honest, it wasn’t that good. I would love to have a really good sports massage.
I have a foam roller, but I haven’t used it yet. Ooops.
Brittany
I’ve had many “not good” massages and they are quite disheartening. The moment I experienced what a good one felt like (typically therapeutic) it was a game changer!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’m working on it too 😛 I’ve only ever had one massage, and it was for an injury in my back that ended up getting a lot worse before it got better. I’m intrigued by this massage stick, though! I’ve been foam rolling a lot to deal with sore legs, but sometimes I find that the foam roller just can’t get deep enough. Need to look into something a little more hardcore.
Brittany
This is fun too because it’s less strenuous to use on legs. I dig it!
Luv What You Do
I spend all day educating people how to take care of their muscles and I am so bad about it. I am in desperate need for a massage and plan to get one soon!!!
Brittany
Story of my life! Hahaaa, we must practice what we preach.
katalysthealth
I have one of those sticks, that’s what I call it “The Stick” and that thing is HELL on earth. My husband likes to take it to my calves for me – oh boy. I straight out break into a sweat.
Brittany
😂😂😂 I believe it!
BabetaRuns
Ever since I had my first REAL sports massage I crave it after every single race! My legs feel so light afterwards! Love it!!
Brittany
After a race has to be one of the best massage feelings! 👍🏻
allisonfiorini
I have a great massage therapist and she charges $60 for an hour, $50 if you keep a regular appointment with her. I still feel bad coughing that kind of money up. I need to check that tool out. And those cookies. Dear God, I need those cookies.
Brittany
$50 is great for a solid therapist! I’d keep her 👍🏻 it’s a treat for your body!
allisonfiorini
She is great! She had to have surgery for carpal tunnel but I am counting down the days until she is back!
Jess @hellotofit
I just got a massage on Saturday!! I think as exercisers and runners, massages tend to lean more towards the “necessary” side and less to the “luxury” side. That being said, I don’t get them as much as I probably should because I don’t want to budget for them 😛
Brittany
I agree! They are a tool in aiding with recovery for a properly functioning body! I don’t get them enough either, but I have realized that I’m worth the $$$!
GiGi Eats Celebrities
You know me and my thoughts on massages. I adore them, but I do not think I deserve them. That being said, I found a place, as I told you, for $35 for an hour… So um, yeah, I deserve that shit. That’s just one less lunch/stop at Whole Foods – ha ha!
Brittany
Hahaha yep, can’t leave WF spending less than $35!
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
Oh yes, I love me a massage! I try to get one every 6-8 weeks… Otherwise my muscles get so unbelievably tight and tangled from all of the working out that I do. I found a place near me that is reasonably priced and does a good job so I’ve been going to them…. Actually, I could go for a massage right now. My muscles are sore from my workout on Sunday!
Brittany
Every 6-8 weeks is great! I want to start doing that too.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I want to be on Team facilitating tissue insulation through cookie consumption. Where do I sign up?
I usually only indulge in massages when I get a gift card, although lately I’ve been scheduling them routinely and happily paying the hefty price tag. It’s one of the few things which helps ease the tension in my pregnant body so I’m in for the interim period.
Eat less sugar. Hmm, raises eyebrow.
Brittany
If you saw my sugar consumption you’d put your eyebrow right back down. Portland did me so sugary good I don’t even WANT sugar. Who am I!? I’ll make you cookies though…those were good.
Allie Zottola
“I’m all about facilitating tissue insulation through cookie consumption.”—> haha! I love the wording. I am so with you on that! How sweet of your step mom to buy you a massage!
Brittany
It was seriously such a magical hour.
stateeats
Love the foam roller and the tiger tail, we have both in this house. If I could afford a massage every week I would get one. -Kat
Brittany
Oh me too, meeee too!
whostardis
ah the foam roller, we arent on speaking terms right now since i was on vacation and it hurts!!!!! i stretch almost every day but my hips tell me i have to. the rest of me gets a massage (massage envy membership rocks!) every 3 weeks for the slight scoliosis and copious amounts of sitting.
Brittany
Oh my, every 3 weeks is amazing!
Mellie Dee
I am horrible at foam rolling. I try and I can’t get it down to where I can feel a lot of the “pain”. 😦
Brittany
I always feel the pain. Hahaah.