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 The Need for Speed and Massage

6/30/2014

11 Comments

 
Boom. Legs seem back to 'normal'. Hurrah! All went well at the track this morning, and although it's about half of what I've been doing on previous weeks for my speedwork, this is what the plan called for, as I guess, one last final speed test / shake up before the race this weekend. In a way, it (I hope) emulates what I will be aiming to do at the Gold Coast half, sort of a mini-version of my plan. On the day I'm aiming for this: 3km warm-up/easy pace, 5km at threshold pace, 1.6km easy pace, 4.8km threshold, 1.6km easy, last 5.1km threshold. As long as I stick to my intended threshold pace (between 4:07 and 4:18, but usually 4:10 to 4:15 ish) and run no slower than around 4:45 for the easy paced sections (I hope), and providing my legs continue to do what I'm asking them to, then it should be a successful race. Watch this space.

Something I've read before but never put into practice is this: pre-race massage. Hmm, why haven't I tried this out before? I mean: I love running/racing. I love massages. Why not combine them, i.e. use the massage as a lead up to the race or part of my preparation? Doing some research this morning has informed me that ideally getting one from 3 to 5 days before your event can be very beneficial. I think I'll be getting one when I head up to Hangzhou (the capital of this province, and where I fly out from), which will be 3 days out from raceday. We wonder sometimes, Husband and I, why we haven't gotten more massages while we've been living here. Because we both LOVE getting massages. Hmmm, for me I think it comes down to this: not knowing which 'massage' places or spas are legit (and not brothels, of which there are many in our neighbourhood, ahem...) and the one massage I tried in a local, looked-legit place around the corner ended up being extremely painful and more of a manipulation massage rather than a relaxing, oily type. The BEST massage I've had out of my maybe 4 massages in total since being in China (in other cities), was one at the airport hotel in Shanghai airport. It was a Swedish massage and this will be the type I'll look for on Thursday. Of course, you can't beat a wonderful Balinese massage, but my journey's sadly not taking back to Bali this year (sigh). On this note if you're ever in Bali, get up to North Bali to a place called Bondalem - it's gorgeous, totally natural and beautiful, and far from the maddening crowds of infamous Kuta or Seminyak. Our friends have a villa there, Villa Selina (http://villa-selina-bali.com/), where you can stay and experience whatever's your cup of tea (surfing, hiking to a waterfall, chilling by the pool with copious Bintang beers, or sunrise yoga looking at the ocean). Another highlight of staying there (along with the amazing fresh and delicious food, and wonderful, warm company and hospitality) would be the massages. Seriously, the BEST massage I've ever had was there. Soooooo good. And I've had a lot of massages during holidays in Bali (and other places, but probably the most in Bali), and this was hands down the BEST. Ask for the masseur Firman, and they'll hook you up.

Here are some photos of beautiful Bondalem and Villa Selina from last year. Oh, if only I could fly in and see Matt and Putu and family, and the talented Firman before my race!


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That last photo features the gorgeous Annie (soon to be seeing her on Saturday in Oz! Yes!!) and beautiful Selina, on one of our last days of our long (but never long enough!) holiday in Bali last year. Oh Bali how we miss you....

So, in summary, if I can seek out a masseur who is anything like Firman was, then I'll be a happy camper (or even more of a happy camper) and fully fully prepared for the weekend's race.




Do you get a massage before a race? Or regular massages when you are training? (It's something I should do, but haven't incorporated it into my training or routine for some reason, d'oh...)


11 Comments
Amy link
6/30/2014 12:19:36 pm

Um, you live in the land of really, really cheap massages! I command you to get one immediately! Or at least immediately in Hangzhou. That was the best part of living in China for me! Well, massages and the cheap pedicures as well;)

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Lou link
6/30/2014 05:05:48 pm

Yeah, I know - we've been slack on the massages front in our own town, but genuinely most of the places I think are brothels?? So, not sure re: asking for a massage or how it'll be...
I will be getting a proper one in Hangzhou though for sure!
Oh man, cheap massages and pedicures? You'd LOVE Bali! Cheap and awesome massages :)

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Kristina link
7/1/2014 12:52:24 am

Your Bali pictures are gorgeous! You have been to some really amazing places!

I have never gotten a massage before a race, but I did get a massage after my first half marathon and that was really nice. I hobbled into the place about 3 hours after I crossed the finish line and left feeling awesome. The masseuse used myofascial cream on my legs which felt awesome!!!

Getting a massage before a race sounds like a really good idea too! It's like a bribe for the body, "here have a massage and PLEASE do what I need you to do on race day!" :D

Reply
Lou link
7/1/2014 03:39:40 pm

I love this about the bribe!! haha, I am ALL for a bit of bribery then...

Yeah, I haven't got a massage afterwards either as I thought it'd be too painful?? I may well give this a go too!

Thanks Kristina!

Reply
The running Schlub link
7/1/2014 02:05:14 am

So glad your legs are feeling much better. I like how specific your race plan is, I think your ready to dominate that race. Can't wait for a recap. Hmm never done a massage before. Race, but it makes sense that it would be helpful. Your pics are amazing, totally jealous.

Reply
Lou link
7/1/2014 03:40:50 pm

Ahh, I can't take credit for them - that is ALL beautiful, magical Bali's doing! It's a wonderful place, wished we lived there... :)

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Kim link
7/1/2014 07:28:16 am

I don't get massages near often enough - oh, well!!
I'm so happy for you that you will be meeting up with your good friend soon!

Reply
Lou link
7/1/2014 03:41:24 pm

Thanks Kim!! We are just a bit excited, lol... :)

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Karen link
7/1/2014 10:13:39 am

What lovely pictures :) I am so glad you legs are feeling better, i can not get over how fast you can run..just amazing. I hope you can meet your goals, sending all the good thoughts for speedy healthy legs I can muster. I've never had a massage except for when I was in physical therapy. I did love my shoulder massages, they felt heavenly...I am not sure why outside o physical therapy I feel so uncomfortable with someone touching me but I do. Weird, even though I know it would feel amazing. If you have time you should squeeze one in for sure, it will relax you :)

Reply
Lou link
7/1/2014 03:43:37 pm

Thanks Karen!! Ahh, a shoulder massage sounds great too, so relaxing... (although I've had many masseurs telling meoff and that I need to 'relax' as they've tried to work on my uptight shoulders haha...)

Reply
Kristen link
7/7/2014 08:38:01 am

Glad to hear your legs are feeling normal again! You seem very confident about your race coming up, which is a great feeling. I just recently started using more active recovery techniques to help my body heal and recover more quickly. One of those is compression pants (like a massage) that help get the lactic acid out of the muscles. I can’t recommend it enough. I also take ice baths and foam roll almost every day. Enjoy your massage! :)

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