It’s been a busy few days in my activity level lately. I’m starting to move from running every other day to following a training plan.
I managed at 8 k on the treadmill Saturday night, skiing with Lilly (3 runs with her, 2 on my own) on Sunday and then a ran 6 k last night on the treadmill again. The weather is getting better which means the roads are slowly clearing up but my husband is currently away and I don’t want to pay for a babysitter so I can run outside on slushy/ice-covered roads just yet.
I’ve been foam rolling every day and icing my hamstring after I run. Which really means that I have inflammation in my hamstring still 😦 But it feels better after I ice it. Still not 100% and for now that’s how I’m getting by.
After seeing my massage therapist this morning, she worked on my hamstrings and glutes, I felt SO MUCH BETTER. It was like having fresh legs! That being said, today was the most painful session I’ve had since our first encounter two months ago when she realised my glutes were beyond tight. Ha ha, I had a tight ass 😉
6 k treadmill run
Actually, I have weak glutes and my hamstring was over compensation because of that = pulled hamstring injury. Today on my injured leg she discovered my abductors’ were really tight = SUPER SORE to massage! I almost cried it hurt so much (burning pain) but ended up laughing it out. She did warn me it wasn’t going to feel good.
Not my butt
Then on my left non injured leg, she discovered that my semintendinous was tight….I only laughed in pain this time. After the massage I felt SO good…my legs felt light, relaxed and solid once again.
I’m almost ready to register for my half marathon but waiting to see if I can get through this week of running (a.k.a. training) and then will register. If I don’t register for the HALF, I’ll register for their HILLY 10 k again and focus on another half when I’m ready.
Do you get massages often?
Foam roll or massage – which do you prefer?
Ever almost cry getting a deep tissue massage?
Piper's Run 
Back when I used to frequent PT there were a few times that she dug into me that were so painful that I literally almost couldn’t stand it. And I have a VERY VERY high pain threshold! I love my foam roller and lacrosse ball and when Alex works on knots in my legs. I’m ok with my issues 😀
I need to get a lacrosse ball. I have a tennis ball but not loving it.
I’ve never gotten a deep tissue massage. It sounds painful but I think it’d be worth it to have that nice “fresh legs” feeling. 🙂
It really hurts (burning sensation) but it’s like your body releases all the tension that’s been building up. I highly recommend it!
I had a deep tissue massage in November, a few weeks after a half marathon, and there were definitely times when it hurt a LOT, but on the whole it was a “hurts so good” kind of feeling, and it was just what I needed. I wish I could afford to go more often!
“Hurts so good” is right! The good thing is she know’s my pain threshold and I know it won’t last forever and I’ll feel amazing afterwards (kinda like giving birth)
Massages are great, especially in helping to relieve the pain of sore and stressed muscles. Sometimes they’re necessary, even when they hurt.
Completely. I’ve never gone this much before but it’s helping my hamstring so much that I’m sticking with it for a while!
I get massaged about once a month – it’s so necessary for me to stay injury-free.
Very smart!!!
I swear by massage, I’ve almost jumped off of the table a few times for my calves…my problem area. But the results and the cleansing you receiving far outweighs any pain. Keep at it!
I could have jumped off the table this morning for sure!
I haven’t had a massage in years and years. I really should go. People always tell me I need to. Good for you for toughing it out!
With all the running you’ve been doing (okay, before you got sick) your body would LOVE it! Just do it!
I just started back to massage therapy, and am a firm believer in them!! Love em!
Good for you, probably key for Marathon training! Must keep that in mind 😉
For sure!!!
Glad to hear things are going well. I get a massage at least once a month. I use it not only for my running but for my life. As a therapist I can take on others stress and the massage in my back really works it out. I just tell my other half that it is part of my training. When I’m not paying for it, I’m paying for it with the pain of the roller and the stick on the legs. It always hurts but feels so good. 🙂
I’m thinking massages will become a monthly staple once I’m back on track 100% 🙂
Foam rolling is much cheaper, but if I have the opportunity, I’d take a massage no problem. I haven’t gotten deep tissue, so I haven’t experienced the pain you describe. I also have not had a massage in years, so I’ll probably bawl the next time I get one.
Ha – tight ass! I’ve only ever gotten a “massage” from my physiotherapist and she always finds the tightest spot (not that it’s hard to find). But after my last couple of long races I’ve used the free massage tents and they are so helpful. Glad that you are feeling better!
I don’t get massages often, but I should. I think they are so important to recovery and injury prevention and I’m terrible at foam rolling. I’m sorry you are still having hammy troubles…I am too and I’ve been icing a lot. I hope we both get some good relief soon!
I do get massages! I had a massage every 3 weeks while in marathon training. I foam roll in between!