Ahhhh ... That's The Spot!!!

As a runner, do you ever get professional leg massages?  If you get the "non-professional" kind, keep those stories to yourself ... this ain't that kind of blog.

Photo from kimelkinsmassage.com

After my marathons last weekend, I decided to get my first ever leg massage.  On Michael's recommendation, I went to her Chiropratic Clinic, where they also do therapeutic massage.  I've only had like two other massages in my life.  One was a couple's massage with Michael, and the other was by myself.  Both were the REALLY "foo-foo" type ... the kind with candles, weird music, and some smelly stuff smoldering in the corner ... where I was glad no one I knew saw me go in the joint. I was afraid I might have to turn in my "Man Card" for a week just for stepping foot in those places.  But this one wasn't like that at all.

The girl (or woman ... I'm always confused about what to call a 25-30 year old female) who gave me the massage was GREAT!!!  Michael has been to her several times and she's also a runner!  Not just an average runner, but a runner who runs half-marathons and marathons all the time, so I really felt like she knew just what my legs needed.  It felt great ... when it was over!!!  It hurt like a Banshee!!!  But it was good to get a few of the knots worked out, especially in my calves.

I use my Trigger Point Performance Roller (you can read more about it HERE) before and after every run, and then in the evening before I go to bed ... along with stretching.  So it's not like my sore leg muscles never get any attention.  But it was nice to have someone who totally understands runner issues work on my legs. I was only there for a half-hour, but we talked about running and training the whole time - pretty cool.

Trigger Point Performance Roller

But here's the weird part.  In a recent post, Char of My Life's A Marathon wrote about a hospital experience that was a little surreal because of the things that seem "normal" in a hospital environment, but would be totally socially unacceptable in any other walk of life.  This was the same way.  She told me to get undressed and wait under the sheet.  So I did.  The sheet was REALLLLLY thin!!!  When she came in the room it was kind of weird.  Not at all weird in a perverted sexual way or anything - but in a "I'm in a room, naked under a sheet, with a woman who is neither a doctor or my wife ... and it appears to totally normal to her!" way.  You just don't see that in a lot of places.  At first it was tough to relax because I'm really pretty self-conscience, but before long we were just chatting and it was all good.

I think I'll try it again in the near future.  I can really see why so many runners use massage therapy for recovery ... it really helped with recovery!  And my legs felt magical the next day.  Have a good one!
... be great today!

HUGE Medical Breakthrough!!!

Usually if I just give it the "Evil Eye" 
long enough, it just feels better

I self-diagnose injuries on the Internet.  Don't judge me ... y'all do it too!  Mainly because in the year 2011, information of all types is more easily accessible than ever.  Of course weeding through all the misinformation can be a little challenging too.  But also, I'm a guy ... and I'm NOT going to the doctor unless I literally have to carry the body part into the hospital with me.  Occasionally I'll have a little ache or pain from running that I can't figure out myself.  In fact, last week I told Michael that I was "considering" going to a sports doctor type person to figure out the consistent pain I experience during the fall & winter months behind my left knee.

The pain is NOT knee pain, it's connective tissue pain ... really more between the top of the calf and the "inside/bottom" of the knee.  It's the tendon that connects one of the hamstring muscles to the inside of the leg ... I think anyway.  And I don't really seem to notice it other than when the temps start dropping below 50 degrees outside.  It's not horrible ... just nagging.  But it bothers me every year.  This year it started about 3 weeks ago.

But late last week I think I may have found the solution.  So, of course ... I WILL NOT BE GOING TO THE DOCTOR anytime soon!!! I'm a HUGE BELIEVER that most aches and pains from running can be fixed with a process ...

Jack recommended a puppy massage!

1. Isolate the pain & determine what muscles support the affected area
2. Strengthen the supportive muscles around that area
3. Stretch, stretch, and re-stretch the areas
(DISCLAIMER ... I am know I am an idiot, and obviously not a doctor!  I am completely aware of this fact.  OF COURSE if you are suffering any type of serious pain, you SHOULD go to a doctor and get it checked it out.  I don't go because I AM AN IDIOT!!!) 

YES ... I understand that I'm not a doctor and really don't know squat about it ... save it ... I get it!  But I can tell you that I have ran almost 10,000 miles over the past 5-6 years, and THIS process has kept me relatively injury free and feeling pretty healthy.  Of course I'm not talking about serious pain or an obvious injury ... I'm just referring to those little aches that are indicators we are doing something wrong during training, or a certain muscle group is a little  underdeveloped.

For this specific pain I've been dealing with, spending a little more time rolling and focusing on the Biceps Femoris Muscle seemed to remedy the problem.  When I used the roller pad on this area alone, the pain behind the knee seemed to be instantly relieved.  It seems that when the supportive muscles to a specific tendon are relieved of their tension, many times the tendon pain goes away.  It was a great find!  I think I'll probably be nominated for a Medical Grammy - or whatever award they get - for discovering this!!!

All I'm sayin' is this stupid pain has bothered me quite a bit over the years, and I'm really excited that I finally found some natural relief for it.  And hopefully this will be one of the things that make running more enjoyable in the winter months!  Have a good one ... Dr. J-Dub out!
... be great today!

Rollin' with "The Grid"

I don't do a lot of product reviews, mainly because I can't con any manufacturers into sending me free stuff ... ARE YOU LISTENING BROOKS??? (I mean seriously, I think I help keep that company in business ... but I digress)  Also, I know most people breeze by product reviews because they are all so subjective.  But I just wanted to write a few words about an amazing "foam roller" that Michael and I have discovered that has revolutionized our self-massaging before and after runs.


Trigger Point Performance - Grid Foam Roller (black & orange pictured)



The Trigger Point Performance Grid Foam Roller is like a conventional foam roller in that you can use it for self-massaging and "rolling-out" those tight muscles before and after runs.  But what makes it different is this baby is HARD!!! (Insert Coy Martinez "That's what she said" joke here)  As you know most traditional foam rollers seem to lose their firmness a few weeks after you bring them home from the store.  Plus, if you use it much at all, or if there's more than one athlete in your home, you know it doesn't take long to begin a Foam Roller category in your monthly budget due to replacement costs.

The Grid Foam Roller has a hard plastic inner shell that allows the firm foam on the outside to keep its shape.  It also has various "grooves" for additional massage therapy.  It retails for about $40, but it's well worth it.  Michael and I each have had one of our own for about two months now and neither has shown any signs of losing its shape or firmness.  Also, the harder, denser foam massages much deeper into your muscles than traditional soft foam rollers.  Here is the info from their website ... http://www.tptherapy.com/

The Grid features:
"Green" technology

• Constructed with less foam than traditional foam rollers
• Designed to withstand constant, heavy, and repeated use without breaking down
• Built from EVA foam

The Matrix & Distrodensity Zones

• Unique design allows for targeted massage:
• Find the Distrodensity Zone that best suits your needs
• Distrodensity allows for a more realistic massage experience

Core body workout versatility

• Use The Grid to achieve a comprehensive core body workout
• From crunches to bicycles to pushups - use it to challenge core muscles
• Incorporate it into daily workout routines

• Compact; travel with it and workout anywhere

We designed The Grid for athletes and people of all types - from long distance runners and endurance athletes to Crossfit competitors and major league sports players to soccer moms and yoga enthusiasts.
Whether you're looking to massage your lats, quads, lower back, or any other large muscle group, or trying to achieve a killer core body workout, The Grid is certain to suit your needs. The Grid is the most versatile and comprehensive foam roller and workout tool available.


The Grid is also backed by a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects - we're confident it won't break down or fail under normal use. Try finding that guarantee with any of the traditional foam rollers out there. Order yours today and find out why The Grid has everyone so excited!
For those athletes and users that are looking for a more intensive and targeted Trigger Point massage experience, be sure to check out our core line of products like: the TP Massage Ball, Footballer, and Quadballer.
The Grid and Distrodensity are trademarks of Trigger Point Performance, copyright 2009. The Grid and Distrodensity are patent pending.

I know you won't be disappointed if you try it!  Good luck!
... be great today!