Tag Archive for: training

What the What is it with Massage?

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The experts explain 3 different types of massage

This post was written by the experts at Austin Massage Company. They’re the official massage company of the 2019 Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour.

So, you’re a runner, but do you know the best type of massage you should be getting? Some of our clients initially think the biggest difference in types of massage is how hard you’re mashed into the table or whether or not cucumbers are placed on your eyes. And before you ask, no these aren’t the types of massage you’ll find on sites like. you’ll have to look elsewhere for those.

The varying types you can receive truly impact your road to recovery. We’re here to let you in on a little knowledge about three main types that we suggest for athletes like yourselves:

Active Release Technique

Active Release Technique, commonly known as A.R.T., is a massage technique that combines specific movement with deep pressure to help relieve muscle adhesions and reduce scar tissue buildup. During an A.R.T session, the therapist uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and mobility of the client’s soft tissue. This technique aims to break up these adhesions, as well as work on the movement of the muscle.

Trigger Point

Trigger Point therapy is a massage modality that targets muscle knots and areas of referred pain in the muscle tissue. Therapists search for and target knots in the muscles or areas of referred pain. Deep pressure is used to help loosen the adhesions. Like A.R.T., Trigger Point therapy is best used to treat injuries. Specifically, Trigger Point therapy is effective in the treatment of IT band tightness, calf strains, and hamstring injuries. All of which are commonly found in athletes.

Deep Tissue

And finally, deep tissue. Most runners are familiar with deep tissue. It is often confused with deep pressure (e.g., when you tell the therapist to “go harder”). Deep tissue massage targets both the superficial and deep layers of muscles and fascia. They’re often quite intense as a result of the deliberate, focused work.

Schedule an appointment with their professionals today!
Pre-book Your Post Race Massage

Tell them you’re training for the Austin Marathon or Austin Half Marathon!

4 Reasons to Have a Training Partner

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The right training partner can make all the difference when preparing for longer distances

Don’t train alone! Finding at least one training partner can make all the difference. Perhaps it’s your neighbor, your best friend, or someone you meet through the Austin Marathon Facebook Group. However you met, your training partner just might be the most valuable asset in your training regimen.

So if you don’t have a training partner yet, read the four reasons you need one below.

1. Accountability

Being held accountable provides the extra jolt needed to get all your workouts in, this is especially beneficial if you’re adjusting your schedule to incorporate new training times. You’re less likely to hit the snooze button if you know someone is supposed to meet you for your morning run. Accountability is more than just meeting up to run. It should also include taking care of your body by incorporating proper nutrition and recovery.

2. Positive reinforcement

During training, there are a lot of smaller goals to meet before you reach the start line. Celebrate those achievements! A training buddy will be there for you with a high five when you finally hit a faster pace or when you reach your new long run goal. It also feels good to be there for someone else and to know that you are helping them meet their goals.

3. Push the boundaries

It’s easier to be complacent if you’re training alone. A training buddy will be there to push you. You can set up challenges for each other and help push the envelope of what you thought possible. Nothing like some friendly competition.

4. It is more fun

It really is that simple. Keep running as part of your life if it is something you enjoy.

Looking for someone to be your training buddy? Try posting in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group.

PROfile: Daniel Bishop, 2018 Austin Marathon 3rd place male

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Daniel Bishop maintains an active life while churning out quality races

About: UPDATE – Since Austin, I ran the Salt Lake City Marathon finishing 2nd overall (2:31.20), the Utah Valley Marathon finishing 3rd overall (2:27:37), and the Deseret News Marathon finishing 2nd overall (2:31:15). Next on my schedule is the St. George Marathon (St. George, UT) on October 6th. It’s a fast race and my goal is to break 2:20 there this year. Next year, I hope to return to Austin again for the 2019 race! In my personal life, I recently got engaged and am getting married September 7th! As a result, I am in the throes of planning a wedding in addition to submitting another round of applications to medical school.

Graduated from the University of Utah, BS: Exercise and Sport Science. Currently working at Recreation Equipment Inc. (REI) and in a hematology research lab. I have run the Austin Marathon five times now and have been fortunate to finish top three in the past four years (2018 – 3rd, 2017 – 2nd, 2016 – 3rd, 2015 – 3rd). Aside from running I enjoy skiing, biking, and hiking; essentially anything that gets me into the mountains.

Training tip: Tailor your training to the course, Austin has some hills, so run those hills!

Race day tip: If you didn’t do it in training, don’t do it on race day.

Upcoming Races: St. George Marathon (10/6)

Returning for 2019 Austin Marathon: That’s the plan!

Social media: Facebook and Instagram

PROfile: D’Ann Arthur, 2018 Austin Marathon 3rd place female

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D’Ann Arthur continues to masterfully blend her professional and running career

About: UPDATE – I’m working at a hospital near downtown LA until the end of June, so I’m enjoying exploring the parks and running routes near Griffith Park and the Hollywood sign. I’m currently focusing on strength and speed work for the early months of summer. There are plans to race a few 5K and 10Ks before gearing up for a marathon this fall (which one is still to be decided). I’m currently scheduled to be one of the chiefs for the Orthopedic trauma service from February 2019 to April.

I was born and raised in Texas and spent my childhood as a competitive gymnast. I walked onto the cross country team at Trinity University my sophomore year and quickly fell in love with running. After graduation, I shifted my focus to triathlons and raced as a professional triathlete while I was in medical school. I moved out to Los Angeles in 2014 for residency. I’m currently a third year resident in orthopedic surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. I ran my first marathon in May of 2016. [bctt tweet=”My goal is to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. – D’Ann Arthur” username=”austinmarathon”]

Training tip: Don’t underestimate the importance of figuring out your nutrition plan before the race. Your stomach and your body will thank you for it.

Race day tip: When it starts to get tough, smile and remind yourself that you signed up for this and push yourself to run a race you can be proud of.

Upcoming Races: A few summer 5K and 10Ks.

Returning for 2019 Austin Marathon: As a chief for the Orthopedic trauma service (during February 2019) travel will be difficult due to the call schedule. If I can make it out to Austin, then I’ll definitely race as it’s a top notch event!

Social media: Facebook and Instagram