JasonE
06-25-2009, 12:12 AM
Many trainers and therapists here have worked with high-level athletes, entertainers, executives, etc. While they are "just another body" in need of work, sometimes the quality of the bodywork they receive can have a major impact upon their performance. This can be exciting, intimidating, or both at the same time.
Last weekend I joined the small team of massage therapists that works with the elite runners invited to compete at Grandma's Marathon and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth, MN. While assisting senior therapists John and Michael on Friday, I had the great honor of meeting (and working on!) an Olympic Marathon gold medalist and a Men's Masters Champion. We took great care to give them our best work, and those two won their divisions on Saturday.
I learned a great deal from the experience. I have spent the last few years providing sports massage at that event, but this was my first opportunity to work with the top runners. The level of self-awareness and attention to detail these people have is remarkable. For many, massage/bodywork is a critical part of their training/recovery program. One woman who has logged 120 miles per week for the last 25 years said that recovery is her most important training, and it's helping her remain very competitive in her 60s.
John and Michael are a great team to observe. They work together, both helping each athlete with astonishing efficiency. They have evolved a fluid tag-team approach that enables their clients to get the most benefit from each therapist's strengths. They are consummate professionals with a deep understanding of their clients' needs and how they can best help them. And they are generous with their knowledge, sharing the accumulated wisdom of their experiences throughout my time with them.
Now that I've had some time to reflect on it, I am not sure what was more exciting and intimidating: working on the athletes, or trying to keep up with John and Michael. Either way, I am extremely grateful to them for inviting me to participate; it was an invaluable learning experience and I had a GREAT time! http://bodyworkonline.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif
Last weekend I joined the small team of massage therapists that works with the elite runners invited to compete at Grandma's Marathon and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth, MN. While assisting senior therapists John and Michael on Friday, I had the great honor of meeting (and working on!) an Olympic Marathon gold medalist and a Men's Masters Champion. We took great care to give them our best work, and those two won their divisions on Saturday.
I learned a great deal from the experience. I have spent the last few years providing sports massage at that event, but this was my first opportunity to work with the top runners. The level of self-awareness and attention to detail these people have is remarkable. For many, massage/bodywork is a critical part of their training/recovery program. One woman who has logged 120 miles per week for the last 25 years said that recovery is her most important training, and it's helping her remain very competitive in her 60s.
John and Michael are a great team to observe. They work together, both helping each athlete with astonishing efficiency. They have evolved a fluid tag-team approach that enables their clients to get the most benefit from each therapist's strengths. They are consummate professionals with a deep understanding of their clients' needs and how they can best help them. And they are generous with their knowledge, sharing the accumulated wisdom of their experiences throughout my time with them.
Now that I've had some time to reflect on it, I am not sure what was more exciting and intimidating: working on the athletes, or trying to keep up with John and Michael. Either way, I am extremely grateful to them for inviting me to participate; it was an invaluable learning experience and I had a GREAT time! http://bodyworkonline.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif