Forums > Health and Nutrition > Massage before Marathon
Run like a kid again!
I have been considering a massage before next weeks marathon. Do you think 8 days out is too close for a massage? Do you think it is smarter to do one before or after the marathon? Yes I am starting to tweak and therefore I am questioning everything.
Also do you go with a deep tissue massage or a sports massage. Not sure I even know what the difference is. I have had a couple and they usually seem to be good for me. However, it takes a day or two for me to notice the improvement.
Thoughts, ideas or suggestions? Looked them up looks like I think I want a Deep Tissue Massage right?
Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage but is used to target knots and release chronic muscle tension. Other benefits include reducing inflammation and helping to eliminate scar tissue. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints).
Deep tissue massage uses strokes across the grain of the muscles, not with the grain as in Swedish massage. The more intense movements and techniques such as deep finger pressure may be slightly uncomfortable and cause soreness that lasts a couple of days before resulting in the desired relaxation and pain relief.
Sports massage is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The particulars of the massage are specific to the athlete’s sport of choice and are often focused on a particular troublesome area like a knee or shoulder.
Aspects of massage are gaining popularity as useful components in a balanced training regimen. Sports massage can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that specially designed massage promotes flexibility, removes fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries, and prepares them to compete at their absolute best.
I always get a massage the week of my marathon. Usually like Wednesday, if the race is Sunday. And I did so for this past weekend's marathon. Never felt better, and ran a PR of 2:50:24. That being said, I wouldn't do either of thses choices. Definitely no deep tissue work. Just tell the therapist that you are running a marathon and have them do a general therapeutic massage. And 8 days is plenty far out from race day. I would say anything 3 to 10 days out is good, but think that between your last "long" run and race day is ideal.
Really? I thought a deep tissue massage would help get all of the knots out of my muscles and stuff. With running everyday my muscles are pretty tight.
I'm doing both. Marathon on Sunday, 10/3. Massage tomorrow 10/6. Another marathon on Sunday, 10/10. I will let the massage therapist know what I've done/am doing and she will work with that. No deep tissue, just a tune up. I may schedule another one for the week after the second race, depending on how I feel. The person I see works with the medical office of my training group so she is used to seeing runners and is a runner herself.
Abs of Flabs
If you never had a massage before a marathon, I would consider that something new. You didn't have massages during your training and you did fine so what makes you think a massage will give you the edge?
lace 'em up!
Assuming we're talking about legs, it really isn't that hard to give yourself a massage. If you haven't had one before, don't.
Deep tissue massages can leave your muscles sore and bruised.
Why not just use a foam roller, a wooden dowel, or a "stick" to work out any kinks on your own?
When I need to work on my calves, I apply a little sports cream (such as arnica gel), and just work it in as hard as I can without doing damage.
Saves me lots of money and time.
I always do a deep-tissue massage about a 10 days before a long race (marathon or 1/2) and find that it helps to loosen any residual tightness and knots that the foam roller can't touch. I find that I arrive at the starting line with fresh feeling legs as a result. 8 days is a little close to race day in my opinion and I would definitely let the masseuse know to take it a little easy if you decide to go ahead. Good luck
2012 goals 1000 miles running Sub 22:00 5K Sub 1:45 half Stay healthy
Dang it. Conflicting reports here. I do use the foam roller and occasionally the stick (when my wife lets me use hers!). They are not the same though as a massage.
The reason I am considering it is because my legs do feel tight. Nothing bad just tight. The best thing I could probably do is take a few days off but I haven't done that for 5 months and I don't want to try that right now. Besides it will mess with the streak.
Maybe it is smarter not to mess with anything at this point and just bring the miles down. I do like a good massage though. I also like keeping my money though.
A sports massage a week before would be fine. I think it is more valuable after the marathon. I would be hesistant to have anyone do very deep massage too close to the marathon just because of the "unknown". If you haven't had one before, why take a chance on how you may come out of it.
Bearcat, I think you should do it. Eight days may be a bit close, if you've never had deep tissue. I would try to schedule it ASAP. If you're 6-7 days or fewer away, I say skip it. Not the time for your first deep tissue massage.
Yes, conflicting reports are part of life. One fast guy on here thinks it would be useless to him and another puts massage therapists on par with other health care practitioners.
Places like "Massage Envy" or "Thunder's Palace" are hit or miss. You're better off with an individual who is recommended, preferably by another runner.
DON'T DO IT BCR!!!! YOU"LL MESS UP YOUR CHANCE AT YOUR BQ!!!
mr train you are a pain, your words - they make me go insane
they strike my ever-thinking brain like little drops of acid rain
oh, to my life you are a bane; crazy, mixed up, mr train - r2e
Giddyup.
Don't do it.
You've been going on and on and on about this race... it is clear that this is a super duper DUPER important goal for you.
You do not *need* a massage... you think you want one, which might help... but it is a grand experiment. One which you will conduct a week-ish before your super duper DUPER important goal race. Not the time to be conducting grand experiments.
Step away from the computer. Go for a run. Grab a brew, don't cost nothing.
Don't do something for the very first time that beats the crap out of your muscles (with no knowledge of either the practitioner nor how your body will recover) right before your super duper DUPER goal race.
Maybe investigate massage during your next training cycle.
If you DO get a massage, good luck, you probably won't spontaneously combust either.
Now is not a good time to start the paleo diet either.
Ultima tastes like failure.
We've Got Big Hills
Don't do it. You've been going on and on and on about this race... it is clear that this is a super duper DUPER important goal for you. You do not *need* a massage... you think you want one, which might help... but it is a grand experiment. One which you will conduct a week-ish before your super duper DUPER important goal race. Not the time to be conducting grand experiments. Step away from the computer. Go for a run. Grab a brew, don't cost nothing. Don't do something that beats the crap out of your muscles (with no knowledge of either the practitioner nor how your body will recover) right before your super duper DUPER goal race. Maybe investigate massage during your next training cycle. If you DO get a massage, good luck, you probably won't spontaneously combust either. Now is not a good time to start the paleo diet either.
Don't do something that beats the crap out of your muscles (with no knowledge of either the practitioner nor how your body will recover) right before your super duper DUPER goal race.
Mikey, is that you?
I'm running somewhere tomorrow. It's going to be beautiful. I can't wait.
Poor baby
No, not mikeymike. Didn't poke fun at BR. Thought about it. Didn't do it.
In that post.
Nope, I don't care enough to post that thoughtful and helpful a reply.
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