Well, I think this is a reason to love Ironman Triathlon - massages are fun and relaxing right? Not so fast!
Often in my lead up to a race I will get a few massages during the largest build up in training to the race. The intent is to help recover and loosen up my body to ensure that I can max out my training in the biggest block of training for the year.
Training this year has been great (and tough) so I got my first massage of the year on Monday.
Not exactly a relaxing time. I went into the appointment thinking that my legs are beat up and will definitely hurt when she digs into the muscle.
Well, the massage started on my legs and it wasn't bad. OK, cool, this is good and I am going to feel better after this! Then the attention turned to my shoulders and back. OUCH!!!! I actually jumped off the table when she dug into my shoulder blades. WTF?
I walked out of the appointment with that feeling you get when you lift weights but haven't done it in some time, that's how sore I was right after the massage! Fast forward to Tuesday and I felt better but I am still in shock as to the pain. My best guess is that the soreness and tightness in the muscle was due to all the running I have been doing. In the week leading up to the massage I had six hours of running on my legs and body.
I will keep you updated as to the effectiveness of the massages. I am planning on two or three more before the bid day. Only one month until IM Chattanooga! Let's do this!!!