Whats everybody’s thoughts on massage the day before a meet? Last week i went to a masso therapist who worked my lower back, abs, gkutes, hammies, quads, and calves…and the next day I ran a new PB of 11.19. Is this just coincidence or does massage have an effecto f how you will run if you get it done a day before a meet?
It depends mostly on if the guy knows what he’s doing. The right type of massage will obviously help. But a too deep/wrong massage might lower your tone too much and in that case you won’t be in optimal shape to run fast (unless you’re running many races in one day and aiming to run best in the last one and can afford to run “slow” in the heats knowing you’ll still make it to the final).
I agree with last post…a light stimulating massage is cool…but don’t make the mistake I did during indoor period and get a deep massage day before comp! I ran soooooo relaxed i may as well have stayed at home in bed with a cup of cocoa and some biscuits! No aggression, no elasticity…just felt flat and soft!
It’s all about the therapist … if they know you have a comp the next day and they have any intelligence or knowledge of sport they should be able to provide the correct degree and manner of massage while maintaining succicient tonus for the next day.