"As the year winds down, the holidays near, and running goals of 2026 begin to dawn on the horizon, I'm once again fielding the annual question from patients and runners alike: What do you get a runner who already owns every running shoe, performance sock, and gel flavor known to humankind? Each December, I pause to appreciate the real gifts running bestows - resilient bodies, hard-earned lessons in patience, and the quiet satisfaction of staying healthy enough to keep showing up."
"With the exploding popularity of foam rolling, they fell to the wayside. In the clinic, I am bringing them back. Besides their superior portability, massage sticks allow runners and body workers alike to apply mobilizing force at a shallower angle. This targets more superficial fascial tightness, where many dysfunctions live, particularly in the lower legs. A massage stick is also a great way to work on certain areas more comfortably."
Holidays and upcoming running goals prompt consideration of thoughtful gifts for runners who already have standard gear. The selection emphasizes practical, clinic-tested items drawn from sports medicine, physical therapy, and coaching experience. Gifts are grouped into three categories: Under the Tree for bodywork tools that enhance mobility and performance; Stocking Stuffers for nutrition to fuel training and recovery; and Spoiled by Santa for larger, high-utility indulgences. Recommended bodywork tools include massage sticks for portable self-myofascial release that target superficial fascial tightness in the lower legs and allow gentler quadriceps work than full-body foam rolling.
Read at iRunFar
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