Do All Runners Need a Massage?

photo by Brian Ream

Any runner who wants to improve their speed, endurance, and energy needs a daily massage as does any runner who wishes to reduce injuries, stress, and muscle soreness. But who needs it more:

1. A 30-year-old Kara Goucher training to compete in the 5K and 10K at the Olympics?
or
A 60-year-old Frank Shorter doing his daily run and workout?
Your Answer:______________

2. A 42-year-old man who runs three times a week and has a history of calf muscle pain and injuries?
or
A 22-year old distance runner who just signed a contract with Nike and whose feet look like salad dressing?
Your Answer:______________

3. A 14-year-old running cross country for the first time in high school and trying to figure out what her body can do?
or
A 72-year-old man who loves running but has been plagued with a series of overuse injuries lately?
Your Answer______________

4. A 32-year old chemical engineer whose quads are killing him when he wakes up the morning after an intense run?
or
A 27-year old attorney who just started a running program after years of inactivity and is feeling uneasy about running and pain in her shins?
Your Answer______________

5. A 22-year-old steeple chase collegiate all-American preparing for the Beijing Olympics? or A 32-year-old guy training for his first marathon and planning to run in under 3 hours? Your Answer______________

6. A former bike racer who at age 36 describes running a marathon as the toughest thing he’s ever done?
or
A 49-year-old woman who is going to a massage therapist twice a week but just lost her job and can’t afford to continue?
Your Answer______________

7. A 43-year-old ultra runner who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer?
or
A 35-year-old woman who loves running but misses six weeks per year due to illness?
Your Answer______________

8. A 52-year-old writer of books on running and games for the super intelligent who has a heart condition but thinks running makes him invulnerable?
or
A 29- year-old woman who is going though a stressful divorce?
Your Answer______________

9. You?
or
Your best running partner?
Your Answer______________

The answer: In all cases the person who needs a daily massage more is the one who’s not getting one. To find out why, click here.