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Why This Lagoon Pillow Has Become My Secret Weapon for Better Sleep and Recovery as a Runner

  • Writer: Jen Steele
    Jen Steele
  • Sep 23
  • 4 min read

I used to think pillows were just… pillows. As long as it was fluffy enough, I’d be fine. Seriously - I think most of my pillow cost $5 from Target and have maybe been with me since college. But as a runner, a mom, and someone balancing training with life, I’ve learned that sleep might be the single most underrated performance tool we have. And when sleep goes wrong—hello, reflux flare-ups, restless nights, and stiff shoulders—it doesn’t just affect my bedtime. It shows up in my workouts, my energy, my temper with my kids and my recovery.

That’s why I finally upgraded to the Lagoon Pillow. And honestly? It’s been a good splurge for sleep and recovery as a runner if you’re looking for a bonus!


Woman making bed in cozy room. Text: "My Secret Weapon for Sleep and Running." Website: misadventuresofamarathoner.com. Mood: Calm.
my secret weapon for sleep and running - the Lagoon Fox pillow

Why Sleep and Recovery Is the Secret Training Tool Runners Forget


We all know to log the miles, eat well, and strength train. But the truth is: training adaptations happen while we sleep. That’s when our muscles repair, hormones rebalance, and our body processes the physical stress of training.

Poor sleep = poor recovery. And poor recovery leads to:

  • Heavy legs that never feel fresh

  • Increased risk of overuse injuries

  • Slower workout times, even when effort feels harder

  • Mood dips that make running feel like a chore (running, parenting, work, cooking dinner, you name it).

If you’re putting in all the work during the day but not setting yourself up for quality rest at night, you’re leaving improvements on the table.


How a Good Pillow Can Help Runners With Reflux and Shoulder Pain


For years, two things interfered with my sleep:

  1. Reflux – If I laid flat on the wrong pillow, I’d never be able to fall asleep because I’d get nauseous. There are definitely a number of nights I ended up on the couch. The Lagoon Pillow lets me adjust the loft and support so I can keep my head and chest just slightly elevated. That small change has meant fewer reflux wake-ups and more uninterrupted sleep.

  2. Tight shoulders – Runners aren’t immune to shoulder and upper-back tension, especially when juggling strength training, stress, and everyday life. With my…shall we say affordable? pillows, I’d wake up stiff or sore. It took me a long time to realize a better pillow might help. With Lagoon, I can fine-tune the fill so my head and neck stay aligned with my spine. That means I’m not crunching or straining my shoulders in weird positions while I sleep.

It might sound like a small detail, but waking up without stiffness sets the tone for my whole day—whether I’m heading out for an early run or just trying to be less cranky while packing school lunches.

Lagoon fox pillow
Me and my Fox Lagoon Pillow

Lagoon Pillow Features That Make a Difference


What sets Lagoon apart from other pillows I’ve tried:

  • Personalized fit – The sleep quiz helps match you to a pillow based on whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or someone who runs hot at night.

  • Adjustable fill – You can add or remove fill to create the perfect loft for your body.

  • Cooling, breathable materials – Game-changing if you’re a hot sleeper.

  • Machine washable & hypoallergenic – Easy to clean and long-lasting.

Trial period – You can test it risk-free to see if it’s the right fit.


Sleep and Recovery: The Overlooked Performance Edge


Here’s what I was hoping for: 

  • Fewer disrupted nights – No more tossing and turning trying to find a comfortable position. Thanks to a puppy who is currently in our bed, I can’t confirm or deny this one.

  • No more “morning stiffness” – My neck and shoulders feel looser, not locked up.

  • Deeper recovery – I wake up with legs that feel fresher and ready to train.

  • Improved reflux symptoms – I am having less nights with that awful post nasal drip causing nausea and can get to sleep faster, which means I get more sleep.

Better sleep = better runs. It’s that simple.


Best Pillow for Runners Who Want to Improve Performance


We obsess over shoes, training plans, gels, and watches—but sleep quality might matter more than all of those combined.

If you’re waking up with neck pain, struggling with reflux at night, or noticing that fatigue is cutting into your running, then the Lagoon Pillow is absolutely worth trying. Small adjustments in your rest can create big breakthroughs in your training.


Lagoon Pillow Discount Code


If you’re ready to upgrade your sleep setup, Lagoon offers a discount for new customers. Use my discount code to save 15% on your first order.


This is one of those investments that pays off night after night. Trust me—you’ll feel the difference not just when you wake up, but every time you lace up your shoes.


Final Take: Should Runners Try the Lagoon Pillow?


If you’re serious about running stronger, recovering faster, and waking up without stiffness or reflux flare-ups, then yes—the Lagoon Pillow is worth trying. Sleep is the foundation for every training plan, and it’s one area where upgrading your gear can transform your performance.

It’s not just a pillow—it’s an investment in better running, better recovery, and better mornings.


Woman making a bed in a cozy, beige room. Text reads "My Secret Weapon for Sleep and Running" and "www.misadventuresofamarathoner.com".

 
 
 

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