Marathons, Massages & Chiropractic

As many of you know, I am currently training for the San Antonio Rock 'n Roll marathon in November. With just 8 weeks to go, my running has increased significantly as I prepare for the race. My goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon, which means finishing this one in under 3 hours and 50 minutes, so I am working hard to hopefully achieve that goal.

Every other week I am now doing my long runs, and increasing the time of the run by about 15 minutes each month. It started as a 90-minute run, then crept up to the three-hour runs I am doing now. I am going to cap it at 3:15, then will cut back as I taper three weeks before the race. Though I have been running for more than 25 years now (wow!!!) and have done six marathons, the experience is so helpful, but my legs feel it. I'm in that 40-44 year old age group now, and I have to pay closer attention to recovery.

Thus, I have been getting massages at my office every other week, after my long runs. They have become a critical part of my training, as I do not think I would feel as good as I do if I weren't getting massaged. In addition, I am getting adjusted every week or every other week. Both the massages and adjustments are helping my body stay uninjured, flexible, and healthy enough to keep on training.

As I was getting massaged today, I was thinking about all the people out there, especially athletes, who do not get massaged. I just don't get it. It is so beneficial in many ways and I am very thankful to CJ and Ashley who are both working on me (no, not at the same time....but alternating weeks). Adjustments keep my spine in alignment, free of nerve interference, and massage helps flush out the tight spots and the toxins, both allowing me to keep on running. I'm honestly amazed I feel as good as I do.

If chiropractic or massage is not on your program of health, you should add them. I wouldn't be as competitive as I am without regular massages and regular adjustments. Power on!