{"id":2337,"date":"2010-11-03T21:14:21","date_gmt":"2010-11-04T02:14:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.teamcrossworld.com\/running\/?p=2337"},"modified":"2011-01-17T10:03:37","modified_gmt":"2011-01-17T15:03:37","slug":"massage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teamcrossworld.com\/running\/2010\/massage\/","title":{"rendered":"Massage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most of my experiences with massage were the post race variety where a student (most likely) gives your legs a 5 minute rub down to help with recovery. \u00a0The first post-race massage I remember was after the Bears of the Blue River 5\/10k. \u00a0Having just raced hard and placing in the overall standings I was quite tired. \u00a0My calves and lower back were in a fair amount of pain, so I lined up outside a white tent with a lone\u00a0masseuse.<\/p>\n

On this particular occasion she owned a local private massage therapy business and was donating her time to help sweaty runners recover. \u00a0Surely there has to be a less dirty form of marketing. Nevertheless, I got up from the chair feeling much better. \u00a0I thanked her and she gave me a business card and told me to call and schedule an appointment for a full body massage. \u00a0I laughed to myself knowing that I wouldn’t be driving an hour just for a massage.<\/p>\n

Fast forward a few years and I’ve now had quite a few professional\u00a0massages\u00a0at a few different places. I always felt a little nervous about the idea of massages, the idea of taking all your clothes off and laying in such a vulnerable position was a little scary. \u00a0My YWCA offered massage so that seemed like a safe place to start! I haven’t regretted getting a massage since. \u00a0They actually helped me get through both marathon training cycles and help to make life a little more enjoyable.<\/p>\n

Here are a few tips I’ve gleaned along the way…<\/p>\n

Make sure you get a sports\u00a0masseuse.<\/strong> There are a lot of different types of massage techniques, but for an athlete you want someone who knows sports massage techniques. \u00a0Just like a sports doctor, they will know a little bit more about sports related injuries and muscles plus the techniques to loosen them out.<\/p>\n

Try a few places out. <\/strong> Don’t be afraid to try out a few different places before settling into one. \u00a0Unless of course you feel the first place is a perfect fit! They are providing a service and like any service provider you should feel comfortable and well taken care of. Each place does things a little differently and have different feels to them.<\/p>\n

Each masseuse is different.<\/strong> My wife and I both started out at the YWCA, same building, different masseuses, and very different experiences. \u00a0Mine was excellent – he made me feel relaxed throughout the entire time I was there. \u00a0Her’s not so much. \u00a0He made her feel a little awkward and wanted to talk to her the whole time – not the most relaxing experience. \u00a0I went back to the same guy throughout my first marathon training cycle. \u00a0I let a few months go by and when I went to schedule my next massage he was gone, so I tried out the new lady. \u00a0She was fine, but not quite as good. \u00a0So I \u00a0moved on! \u00a0Again, they are providing a service to you and should make you feel comfortable. \u00a0Massages should be a relaxing\u00a0experience!<\/p>\n

If you are nervous go somewhere like the YMCA\/YWCA<\/strong>. \u00a0If the idea of a massage make you feel a little nervous then get one from a place you already know and trust. \u00a0Some place like the YWCA or your\u00a0chiropractor’s\u00a0office. \u00a0You could also talk with your doctor or physical therapist and see who they recommend.<\/p>\n

Hydrate<\/strong>. \u00a0As with everything in sport (and life) proper hydration is important. \u00a0You’ve got to be careful with this one, you don’t want a full bladder while laying on the table. \u00a0Holding it doesn’t create a relaxed body! \u00a0But after a massage they will have released a lot of toxins that your muscles were holding onto into your bloodstream. \u00a0Drinking lots of water will help flush them out.<\/p>\n

Be prepared to TIP. <\/strong> I never tipped at the YWCA, maybe that’s why the guy left. \u00a0Every place else we’ve gone there has been a suggested TIP sheet next to the counter\/cashier. \u00a0Plan on 15-20%. \u00a0Remember a TIP is based on the service provided.<\/p>\n

This article from About.com<\/a> answers a lot more questions about massages.<\/p>\n

I’ll leave you with this story from my first real massage. \u00a0I was chatting with the YWCA Associate at the front desk when I checked in for my first massage (30 minutes). \u00a0We were chatting about how it was my first one and she’d never had one before. \u00a0After my massage, which felt amazing, I walked back out and she was still sitting there. \u00a0She noted that I looked super relaxed. \u00a0I felt almost like a new person I was so relaxed!<\/p>\n

Go, get a massage.<\/p>\n

\"Enhanced<\/a>