Q: My girlfriend is running the Revlon Run/Walk for Women this weekend and will no doubt finish beautifully. What can I get her as a token of my admiration?
A: How about a massage? It might bring back the smile she sweated away somewhere around 58th Street. If she’s not too beat upon reaching the East Meadow, try the top-of-the-line luxury at The Peninsula Spa (700 Fifth Avenue, at 55th Street; 212-903-3910). The penetrating, hour-long Sports Massage ($110) will speed her muscles’ recovery (merely shuffling into the steam room feels like therapy in these quarters). And after several miles of pavement-pounding, her feet will love a Reflexology Pedicure ($48) at the feng shui-approved Karen Wu Beauty and Wellness Spa (1044 Madison Avenue, near 79th Street; 212-737-3545). She can nod off in the massage chair while a trained aesthetician whittles away at her post-run aches. At Carapan (5 West 16th Street; 212-633-6220), waterfalls and the amber glow from tin chandeliers make for a soothing respite after negotiating the mob scene at the finish line. The Swedish-and-shiatsu combination massage ($95) includes stretching and joint rotations to ease tension and increase circulation. Carapan also sells a wide array of massage oils by Molton Brown and I Coloniali so you can continue the pampering at home.