I did it! I crossed the finish line of the Eugene Marathon after months of preparation. For 14 weeks I joined my team members from Team Run Hub to train for a common goal.
Sure, some were running the half and some the full marathon, but our common goal was to cross the finish line.
Throughout the 14 weeks I was able to discover weak spots that I could work on. For example, I tend to have challenges with my right calf muscle. To alleviate much of the problems I’ve experienced in the past, I joined a foam rolling class.
I Tried Many Things
According to a definition I found on Wikipedia, “Foam rolling is a self-myofascial release (SMR) technique that is used by athletes and physical therapists to inhibit overactive muscles. This form of stretching utilizes the concept of autogenic inhibition to improve soft tissue extensibility, thus relaxing the muscle and allowing the activation of the antagonist muscle.”
As our instructor explained it, we were working quite a bit on connective tissue as well as an intense form of releasing energy.
All I know is after an hour class of intense pain, the release was incredible.
Although foam rolling did make a difference, I was always on the lookout for additional ways to minimize the pain in my calf.
Included in my regime were visits to my local acupuncturist as well as drinking plenty of water, creams, hot baths and massage therapy.
Magic Tape
One of the most evident changes came from the use of a special tape. I’ve often seen runners wearing strips of the tape, but secretly wondered if it worked.
The day before the marathon, I had to pick up my bib. Vendors of every description were in the tent area to welcome runners and introduce products and services we might use.
One of the vendors, KT Tape, had twin brothers inviting people to have a seat to get taped up for the run. The brothers made sitting down to have this popular product put on our body seem like a fun idea.
I was game. Not sure what the full benefits of the tape are, I asked. In essence, the tape provided extra support for muscles and tissues that were “hot spots.”
According to the website, “KT TAPE is an elastic sports and fitness tape designed for muscle, ligament and tendon pain relief and support.”
The day of the race, I felt prepared. My only concern was my right calf. Other than that, I felt I would definitely cross the finish line with little pain.
I was blown away by the fact I had NO pain at all in my right calf. Whatever magical properties are in KT Tape, they worked…and worked great.
Without a doubt, I can highly recommend this product. The only downside is when you’re working with it, you have to be very careful not to let it grab against anything (like another part of the tape) before it hits the intended spot.
Will I use it again? Absolutely. If I was able to finish 13.1 miles with no pain in an area that is often a major trouble spot for me, I’m sold.
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Congratulations on finishing the race without pain. An amazing feeling, isn’t it? It motivates one to continue.
I’ve used the tape on my shoulders and once on my left hamstring. I, too, believe it works. Of course, I got it in my favorite color – orange. 🙂