baths and sports massages improve circulation and flush out waste products, reducing inflammation and soreness. A weekly sports massage is ideal, but those of us without sponsorship deals can do well with one every four to six weeks. Self-massage using
much speedwork. When you get older it's important to recover well from EVERY hard session. – drewIron out niggles with a sports massageThe way to stop a niggle becoming an injury in the first place is usually achieved (for me) through weekly
else you should consider, if finances allow, is a regular appointment with a sports masseur especially after long runs or tough interval sessions. A massage will certainly relax you, and may cut recovery time, flush out the toxins that cause muscle
You've heard the usual recommendations for so long that you accept them as gospel. And most of the advice is solid. Who can argue with putting in mileage, peaking for races and stretching after a run? But just because many coaches, sports
sessions. It is a good idea to have some alternative activities like a swim or a circuit training session to break up the running, and it is a very good idea to have access to massage or a jacuzzi at the end of the day.Runners rely on their stomachs as much
and spend six hours in an ice bath; (B) Run 100 miles a week and accompany it with six hours of sports massage at £50 an hour; or (C) Run 50 miles a week and have plenty of time for The Apprentice.Here's the twist: scientists don't know for sure whether A
, swimming, and weight lifting are great most of the year, as part of low-key training months when your main goals are general fitness and injury prevention, but the heavy training month before a big race needs to be a month of living a little dangerously
meal at lunchtime the day before the race, then top up with light meals and snacks.Remain well hydrated but don't drink more than normal or drink extra sports drinks.PreparationRelax and try to take your mind off the race with other projects when
Goal: sub-3:00 Mentor: Paul Evans Sport Scientist: Gareth Turner Forum nickname: just back from a run Age: 30 Running for: 22 years No. of marathons: 2
