This question is mostly geared towards Elites or massage specialists:
What are your thoughts on a massage the day before a big race? Pros? Cons?
This question is mostly geared towards Elites or massage specialists:
What are your thoughts on a massage the day before a big race? Pros? Cons?
just a flush, do NOT go deep! A massage can kind of be like a workout, they are tough on the muscles and may take a couple days to settle in before their benefits are apparent. Keep it light.
Related question: What about the day(s) after a long race, say, a marathon?
what would be a "pro" for getting a flush?
The flush doesn't go deep and it basically just increases blood flow to the muscles and get them warm and ready to go.
But for some people even a flush can leave them feeling heavy and fatigued. So do not try this before a race, do it before a workout first.
get one the day before a race simulation workout and see how you feel, don't risk doing it before a race if you never done it...why you would ask anyone on this board is beyond me, youre just going to spark an arguement wheter massages are good or bad or if kenyans do them or not
Funnily enough, Kenyans DO get massages when they can afford them. My massage therapist (a pretty good 1500 runner herself) got her first job with one of the houses full of Kenyans in SW London in the summer.
I used to be a sports massage therapist too. I'd say that if you are not used to it, have one no later than Wednesday for a Sunday race. If used to it, maybe 2 days. Also, 2 days after is probably best too; at that point they will be able to work on genuine knots/lumps/tight sports, rather than the general inflammation which will go away anyway.