Long distance running is notorious for taking its toll on your body if you’re not knowledgeable of its intricacies or have a proper massage regime.
Unfortunately, I have had to be reminded of this truth on more than one occasion. In the past, I have dealt with achilles and peroneal tendonitis, a foot fracture, and most recently severe “shin splints”. Lower leg maladies such as these were devastating as I had to resort to watching my teammates and friends train and race as I gingerly hobbled along the sidelines.
So how did I manage and get past these once-debilitating symptoms? By rest, cross training, and nutrition, but more importantly, proper massage therapy and self-treatment training by Jarrett Smilie. We have been working together over a year now and the difference I feel is undeniable. Not only is Jarrett an extremely skilled massage therapist and draws from several essential techniques, but a highly effective educator for how the musculoskeletal system works. Jarrett has also taught me how I can actually do auxilliry treatments on my own in between sessions.
As aforementioned, early in 2011 I was struggling mightily with lower leg and shin pain, and together Jarrett and I found and worked on the true source of the problem, lying not only in the lower leg region but higher up the kinetic chain. I would have never thought of that connection had it not been for his guidance. I am now training and racing pain free and relishing every minute. With Jarrett’s help, I have drastically slashed my race times and am able cruise through my training miles with relative ease.
As a competitive athlete, I can’t just go anywhere for massage work. The Body Mechanix team understands the demands of sport and life and employs cutting edge to keep me at the top of my game. With every therapy session I attend, I feel stronger, more mobile, and balanced. Body Mechanix is definitely a key to my success!
Adrienne Langelier
Brooks ID P.A.C.E. Team
PowerBar Team Elite
Two-time Chevron Houston Marathon Local Elite
Top-10 Finisher 2010 Rock ‘N Roll Seattle Marathon