Massages after half?

[lenshanem]

Did they have massage tents set up for after the half last year for those that didn't have the retreat package? How long was it and for how much? Really long lines?

Thanks!

 

[postesf]

I'm curious about this too...

 

[hoosmi]

There's a big tent with tons of tables. People were on the tables, but no one was in line when I arrived (I finished the half around 2:15 or so and then took pictures/snacked to give you some idea of my arrival time). I actually thought I was in the wrong place since I didn't have to stand in line! It may be more crowded at different times, but it wasn't bad when I was leaving either.

I signed some sort of waiver and said I wanted a 10 minute massage ($10 I think). I waited maybe 5 minutes for a table to open. It was my first sports massage- more physical than I expected, but good. I'm bringing $20 this year! I did feel guilty that I didn't bring change for a tip, but then I didn't know if it was expected or not...

The hardest part of the whole experience was putting my shoes back on. Oh, and getting past the whole "a stranger's touching my sweaty body" thing was hard at first!

Jen in GA

 

[postesf]

lol! Exactly what did they massage??? I'm thinking my legs and lower back will mostly need it... I think that would be weird too...a stranger touching my stinky, sweaty body! I was hoping to take a dip in the pool after the 1/2, but I booked us lunch at WWoS so this may be a good compromise and help the muscles out. I expect it to take me 3:15-3:30 to finish...

Stacie

 

[lenshanem]

Jen, do you think it made a difference in how you felt the rest of the day?

 

[hoosmi]

Here's the thing- I'm not the massage type. I went into it picturing someone rubbing knots out of my shoulders. I think he did rub knots out of my legs, but what I remember most was him pushing my legs (one at a time) as high as he could and dragging me by one leg or an arm across the table.

Nothing like being dragged six inches down a table by one ankle to make you forget to worry about your sweatiness (and shift your worries to thinking about how heavy you must have seemed ). You know how babies throw up their hands when they are startled? That was me, grabbing for the table when he started hauling!

I thought it was great. I felt much better that afternoon than I expected, but it's hard to say if it was because of the massage or relief at having finished the half. The only thing that hurt the next day was one knee but that was definitely because of a bad shoe choice on my part.

The other fun part about the massage?! You get to prolong your time at the finish line and you can stop being on your feet!

Jen in GA

 

[twoWDWfools]

I'm trying to decide if I do this after the full or book full massage at one of the spas. I've been to events that had the massages but the lines have always been insane.

 

[mkymsehi]

One thing about the "donation" you make for the massage, 100% goes to the local children's hospital in Orlando.

The massage therapists are either students or trainers, who all volunteer their time. Any tips you add, go right into the "donation jar"!

I didn't need it after the half marathon, but I did a 10 minute stretch and massage after the full.

As I was about to lay on the table, I made a comment to the gal, about all my sweat and salt covering me. She told me don't worry about it, they're so used to it, they don't even smell it anymore.

I find the 10 mintue stretching and massage does help the recovery.

Having a full spa massage a day after a race is even more enjoyable, since it's usually 50 minutes.

Most of all, keep moving after your races. Don't go back to the room, shower, sit around or go to sleep. Stay active to keep the muscles in motion.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I have done the massage after the last 2 Halfs before doing the Full the next day(as part of Goofy's). I felt they really helped me get ready for a second day of races. Well worth the $10!

 

[jmasgat]

I had planned on booking a massage at WL, since I'm staying there, after the half. I figured I'd do it on the day of the half. Think it's better to do the next day, like Jeff suggests?

Maura

 

[lenshanem]

I had planned on booking a massage at WL, since I'm staying there, after the half. I figured I'd do it on the day of the half. Think it's better to do the next day, like Jeff suggests?

Maura

I would like to know this, too...

 

[mkymsehi]

My 2 cents says do the $10 massage after the race, and a full spa massage the next day.

Typically I get a massage the day after the Honolulu marathon. For the 2008 Goofy, I only did the $10 massage after the marathon, and not the half.

 

[funwalker]

Oh, Yes - I want one too! I think the mini massage after a half helps get the kinks out. I have had it before and like them to work on everything - my legs, feet, back, & shoulders.

Last year was it a donation of $10 - 10 minutes? How do we find out what is needed so we can have the cash with us?

 

[cdn_gal_eeyore]

If you do want a massage the day after the full at a spa...book now! Don't wait until you get there since they fill up really quickly. I've had my massage booked at SSR since October...

Also, if you can book a massage 2-3 days after your last long run that will help you a lot too!

 

[jmasgat]

Thanks, Jeff and Leana. I've now made up my mind to wait til the day after---I googled "massage after race" and found a few expert opinions that it is best to wait until 24-48 hours after (that anything more than a light rub down afterwards would not be good. Better to stretch, hydrate, keep moving.) So now I have a massage scheduled for Sunday afternoon.Yeah!

Maura

 

[miabellarose]

HI
I'm new to running and will be running my first event-the 1/2 marathon with my DSIL. We have a Swedish massage appointment at 12PM after the 1/2 marathon. Should we not do this? Will this harm us more? I've read conflicting articles about massages after a race-some say it's good and some say it's bad; some say to wait at least a day and some say to wait at least 2 hours Please inform us on what would be best for us.

Thanks