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Massage Protocol leading up to IM?

m21519m21519
in General Training Discussions
Does anybody have any experience and/or recommendations for any massage therapy leading up to an IM. I'm currently in week 15, leading up to IMAZ, and want to make sure I'm peaked and fresh for the race. Appreciate all opinions; thanks

Comments

  • Dave TalloDave Tallo
    My opinion (and this is an opinion coming from a dude who has just spent the last 13 h on airplanes, so. It might sound grumpy) is there is none. Or at least no evidence that I can find that directly links massage and race performance.
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    I got a massage 1x per week for my last 6 weeks before my IM this yr and strongly recommend it. I don't care if there is no scientific proof. A "good" massage therapist spending 90 mins per week primarily working on my tight quads/calves/IT bands is money VERY well spent. There has to be a reason that all the Tour du Fance teams have a massage therapist on staff. I just really feel it helps to loosen me up. I usually went on Thursday nights (after doing my long run in the morning) and thought it set me up well for the weekend work. I also went the last week before the race but on Tuesday during the taper and before travel. Finding a good sports therapist is important and not just some random person in a spa. Good luck.
  • MattAaronsonMattAaronson
    I found a woman who does deep tissue massage and have used her quite a lot. Even at the low rate of $60/hour it ended up being a financial committment! But a lot better than $150 at some spa!!



    In any case this year I tried to get a massage 1x per week although my consistency wasn't perfect because really good deep tissue work leaves me unable to do a hard workout (in some cases any workout) the next day. In the 3 weeks leading up to my races I increased this to 2x per week but made sure the last massage was Monday of race week at the latest. You do NOT want to get a serious deep tissue massage right before a race. Also I would suggest that if you haven't been doing any massage to-date and if you don't have a therapist who knows you and your muscles well then don't start 4 weeks before your big race. In that case you might want to go to a day spa for a relaxation massage or to loosen up your muscles, but you don't want serious deep tissue work for the first time.
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