It's about 4-5 weeks into the training program and time for an 'easier' week. This has coincided with a few aches and pains- notably mid back and left quad/knee. As a result I took three days off structured training (the weather helped this decision massively) and decided to treat myself to a sports massage.
This was a first for me, other than a brief sessions with a couple of physio friends I have never had a massage, so I was entering into the relative unknown.
I rocked up in normal clothes (jeans, hoody) and was unsure as to the clothing protocol; ie trousers off/trousers on. i wasn't too worried as i work in a hospital where it is routine to be topless (patients not me - that would be wierd!) and been in enough sports changing rooms to not be shy about nudity!
After being welcomed into the room and explaining my training volume and muscle tightnesses I was asked to take my shirt off and lay on the massage bed. The masseuse then proceeded to INFLICT PAIN for 45 minutes!!
The brief mentioned deep tissue massage to smooth out any tight muscles but what it didn't say was that he would locate knots, place his thumb on said knots and put all of his body weight through his thumb in a sort of medieval torture. After about 5 minutes I think the masseuse realised he had a lot of work on his hands andante commenting on multiple areas of tightness got to work . He also assessed my knee with a number of manipulations, concluding that the pain I have recently felt whilst running - a brief tightness across the inside of the knee, was due to tightness in the quadriceps and not ligaments or tendons - to my relief!
45 minutes later I was remarkably still able to stand, advised to begin a stretching routine and allowed the escape the torture chamber. I must say now that evening i did feel better, although if this was due to placebo or reduced muscle tension is yet to be seen. I did run the following morning and probably undid all of the work, but will be booking another appointment in few weeks.
I have now started a daily stretching routine and although not exhaustive will hopefully allow me to stay injury free and keep my running consistency up. This weekends LSR increases to 17miles, totalling 26 miles this week, split over two runs. No cycling this week, and only one masters swim session and one hockey game, this combined with a few people leaving at work meant the easy week included a healthy amount of cake on the friday. The weight loss was continuing steadily and now just a whisker over 79 kg, but with plenty of time left. Training ramps back up on Monday for another block and with it the healthy eating is back on.
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