We’re really pleased to announce that we have a fab massage team lined up for the 2021 White Star Running race season. Sue and the team at Run Fit Fordingbridge have provided massages at the Larmer Tree Races for the last couple of years, and have now come on board for all our races this year.
Due to Covid restrictions around massages at mass events, we coudn’t offer on-site massage at our first races of the year. We are really pleased to announce that on-site massage will be available from the Cider weekend in July. Of course, there will be some safety measures in place (which may adapt to meet the latest guidance in place at the time). There will be social distancing in place and masks will need to be worn by runners (when queuing and during the massage). You will need to sign in and give your details for test and trace, and you’ll be asked to agree to a Covid symptoms disclaimer, alongside the usual massage disclaimer. Hand gel will be provided, and the couches will also be cleaned between massages. No linen will be used (towels, blankets), only disposable couch roll. Expect your massage therapist to be in full PPE.
Massages can be pre-booked now, which enables you to secure your massage and pre-pay. Book here: https://www.runfitfordingbridge.co.uk/white-star-event-massage. Run Fit Fordingbridge will also be part of our new Summer Larmer Wellness Festival in July.
What is sports massage and why is it helpful?
Sports massage is a type of massage therapy that utilises deep and soft tissue techniques, including trigger point therapy and muscle energy techniques – depending on your presenting issues – so that you obtain the most benefit from your massage.
It’s a common misconception that sports massage is only for elite athletes. Starting a new fitness regime or increasing the time, intensity and/or frequency of exercise can leave muscles feeling increasingly tight and sore over time.
Sports massage has many benefits, including:
- Supporting your training in the build-up to an event
- Improving posture and range of movement
- Rehabilitation of minor injuries and persistent niggles
- Reducing aches and pains
- Reducing muscle stiffness and soreness – including delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise and events
Pre-event massage
If you’re planning to have a deep tissue/sports massage treatment before your event then ideally you should do this at least four days beforehand to allow any residual soreness to reduce and also so that you feel the maximum benefit. That’s not to say that you can’t and shouldn’t have a massage on the day of your event, but it would be a different type of massage to this.
Pre-event massage on the day
This is generally a short higher tempo massage (around 10 mins) that you would have on the day of your event to increase blood flow, increase flexibility and raise body temperature, which can be helpful to prepare physically and mentally for the start of your race.
Post-event massage
This massage is generally quite light to effectively ‘flush out’ the legs, which helps to promote muscle recovery and reduce the dreaded DOMS which often occurs after an endurance event or when you have been pushing yourself.
About Run Fit Fordingbridge
Run Fit Fordingbridge is a women’s focused fitness business based in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, with most activities taking place in the beautiful New Forest. Sue’s goal is to encourage and support women of all fitness and running abilities – including complete beginners – to be physically active in a friendly community of women. From weekly trail runs in the New Forest, running courses, outdoor fitness and sports massage (massage is available to both male and female clients), Run Fit Fordingbridge has something to offer you.
About Sue
Sue owns and runs Run Fit Fordingbridge. She has been a Registered Nurse for 25 years and initially qualified as a sports massage therapist and personal trainer in order to support both her own and her husband’s training. Over the years her interest and passion for sports massage, running, fitness and training has grown – with the result being Run Fit Fordingbridge.
Sue has completed numerous triathlons at various distances, including Ironman 70.3. As for running, she runs all distances from 5K up to and including ultramarathon distance, which is not bad for someone who only took up running in their 40s!
Her qualifications include:
Sports Massage Therapist Level 3 & 4
YMCA – Level 3 Personal Training
England Athletics Run Leader
Registered Nurse
YMCA – Level 3 award in Nutrition
YMCA – Level 2 Gym Instructor
YMCA – Level 2 Circuit Training
Practitioners Diploma is Chair/Seated Acupressure on site massage
Practitioners Diploma in Myofascial Release
Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity
Certificate in using Foam Rollers
We’re really happy to have Sue and her team on board for this year’s races. Welcome!