Healing the Body: Thai Massage

There was a time when getting a massage was a part of pampering, an afternoon of luxury and an escape from reality. 

Not for a runner.

Massage is an essential part of a training plan. Not only will it help runners reach a higher level of performance, but will also assist in avoiding injury. 

There are many types of massage, both deep-tissue and sports massage are popular among athletes. Lately however, I have been exploring an alternative therapy: 
Thai Massage. 

Developed in Thailand, this practice combines massage and assisted stretching. It is preformed on large mat on the floor, with both the client and therapist dressed comfortably. 

If you read about the history and practice of Thai massage, it is often referred to assisted yoga. The moving and manipulation of the body is all preformed by the therapist. You may experience that the hardest task the client needs to complete during the hour is trying to relax and let the therapist work.

I received my first Thai Massage, and every one since, at The Studio Spa and Garden of Healing. This is where I go for all of my massage and facial treatments. 


There were moments during my first session that I questioned what exactly I had gotten myself into. Lying down on my back with the therapists feet working my hamstrings while his hands massaged the arch of my foot was mentally awkward - however, when I felt my hip flexors relax and my IT Band ease.... my mind got on-board with the movements. 

We spend a lot of money on race registrations, travel, and accommodations. Much of this is pre-paid, non-refundable, and paid month in advance. One injury can ruin these plans, and derail a training program completely. Making an investment in the health and maintenance of your body can keep you on track.

Many people who understand this concept and agree with the need for massage, end up jumping from therapist to therapist to get good deals. In this day of Groupon and Living Social Vouchers, it is tempting. I admit, it was Groupon that originally brought me to the Studio Spa, but it was the staff that made me a loyal client.

If you are looking for a new restaurant or experience - jumping around is fine, and even fun. When it comes to your body, your skin and muscles and bones and health - it is essential that you develop a relationship with your therapist. After multiple visits, they know what your body feels like, what is normal, and how to give you the best possible treatment. 

Recognizing the temptation to move around, and rooted in a core belief that Spa Services should be accessible to the average person, The Studio Spa has many methods of offering affordable services to their clientele. Their Facebook Followers and Email recipients are offered Daily Specials. These specials do not need to be used the day they are offered, but can be banked for future use. Spa memberships for even greater discounts are also available.

It is true. You can stretch yourself. You can get a foam roller try and smooth out those aches and loosen up your joints. It hurts, it is hard to do effectively, and ultimately  many of us do not do it the way we should. That is why I love my moments of Zen in the hands of my therapist, I know that this is a part of my running journey I cannot afford to compromise.

If you get massage, I encourage you to try Thai Massage. If you are in the Orlando area, The Studio Spa and Garden of Healing (1245 Michigan Ave, Winter Park - 407-332-4772) is the place to go.... you will not be disappointed. 

The Soldier Marathon: Race #12 of 52

As I made my way to Columbus, Ga for The Soldier Half Marathon, I knew very little about the history of this race, I was just excited for another weekend on the road. 

Pulling up to the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, I was struck by the size of this majestic structure. I am a history buff, and love learning, so the chance to spend some time here was exciting. 



This is one of the reasons I run and look for destination races - I have seen so many places that I would have never visited otherwise. 





The museum, which is free to enter (there is a suggested donation of $5) contains  beautiful exhibits covering 200 years of military history. In addition there is an IMAX theater and an combat simulator (there are fees for these attractions). I would encourage anyone in the Columbus area to check this out! 

My last stop in the museum was the actual packet pickup - organized and efficient, and I left with a ton of goodies including a commemorative coin (actually a poker chip) a NICE bag, a beautiful custom poster, and a very soft t-shirt. 

The next stop was my hotel. Organizing my gear on the second bed, I pinned my bib to my race shirt, and then prepared to attach the "Fallen Hero" tribute bib to the back. 

The Soldier Marathon provides this bib for runners to run in someones honor. If any runner does not have a relative or friend they wish to dedicate their race to, there is a list of names with pictures and personal information that runners may select from. 

Before the race I had talked to a former student about running in honor of her cousin, CPL Gary Allen Koehler, who gave his life during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was 21... a US Marine... and a Hero. Tears filled my eyes as I carefully placed the bib on my jersey. 

Settling in to relax, I took a closer look at the materials that came in my swag bag. Tucked in with the race flyers and samples were FOUR letters. The first from the race director was appreciated, but not unusual. The second and third were from the mayors of Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama (where the race would cross over for part of its route).

The fourth letter was the one that stopped me in my tracks. It was from Major General McMaster and Command Sergeant Major Carabello of the US Army. It started with "In our thirteenth year of war...". 

Thirteen years, how many had lost their lives during that time so that I may live mine in peace and freedom.

Race morning was a brisk 37 degrees! The crisp air bit at my skin but the blue sky promised a beautiful day for running. The Soldiers at Fort Benning were all smiles welcoming us at the start line. 

The hill at mile two was NO JOKE - I wanted to walk, but was spurred on by the Drill Sergeants shouting at us... "Walking is authorized but not suggested!" I did my best to run. 

I distracted myself reading the names of the Fallen Heros on the backs of my fellow runners, and many commented on mine. 

That is when it really sunk in how important this is - the writing of these names. We can #neverforget on our social media... but these men and women, young and old - deserve us to see their names, and honor their sacrifice.

The payoff for this climb comes at mile six... a long and speed fueling drop. 

At every turn, soldiers cheered us on. At every water station men and women in uniform offered up hydration and bountiful words of encouragement. I had not felt this motivated and inspired during a run since last October, at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC. 

It occurred to me that this race might be a great alternative to those unable to run the MCM, or unable to get in. There has been a great deal of speculation that this popular race would be moved to a lottery system, due to its popularity and issues with registration. In October, Runners World reported that in 2014 this will be in effect. 

While The Soldier Marathon has the same inspirational feeling that MCM is known for, there are a few more reasons runners may want to consider running this race: 

• There is the option for a half, where the MCM offers only the full or a 10K. 

• The cost is much less, the early registration for Civilians is only $45 for the half and $60 for the full. 

• The field is smaller, however the medal is too. This is the trade-off for the fee for those that run ONLY for bling. 

Don't get me wrong, I loved MCM and would do it again - but for those wanting or needing an alternative - this is one that should definitely be considered! 

Post race amenities at the race were well organized. After receiving my medal and water, I got a Peanut Butter Honey Banana Popsicle from Planet Pops, which I devoured while I waited while in line for my massage at the recovery tents.  This thing was AMAZING. Full disclosure, after my massage I went back and tried one of their other flavor, Raspberry Lemonade. 

I did a little research and found that these are hand made, artisan ice pops. Their only store is in Downtown Columbus, and the next time I am driving through I will stop in to try another flavor... looking at the flavor list, the Coffee and Cream pop is a must to try!!! 

A long food line offered hot sausage and cheese burritos, hamburgers, chips, candy, bagels with peanut butter and jelly, soda, Gatorade .. the line seemed to go on forever, but ended with a giant cooler filled with ice cold Michelob Ultra!

Sitting down to stretch, I saw a familiar face. I chatted with this woman (who I have now identified on the Half Fanatics Facebook Page as Suzane Daphne) about races we have been at together. 

Turns out she is another runner from Florida, who I had just run with the two weekends prior. We quickly learned we would see each other again the following weekend in St. Augustine. You cannot live in this runners world for two long without this happening, and it is so fun when it does! 

I loved everything about this run. Walking to my car I stopped and listened to the soldiers who were cheering the full marathon finishers around the final curve. There is something so humbling about listening to these brave men and women in honor shouting out praise, admiration and encouragement. It was my honor to run this race, next year - I will take on the full. 

The Blue Moon Half Marathon: Race #11 of 52

It is always a blessing when a race is driving distance from home and offers same day packet pick-up. For me, under three hours qualifies as driving distance, especially in the early morning hours when the roads are clear and the miles pass quickly. 

The Blue Moon Half Marathon in Ozona, Florida fit this criteria, and I happily Registered. 

When I had talked about this race to running friends, even those native to Florida, they all questioned where Ozona actually was. I had to admit, I had to look at a map to discover it was past Tampa, all the way at the Florida Coastline. 

Race morning I was running late, and hurried when I arrived. Luckily parking was close and the packet pick-up was smooth. I received a nice tech long sleeve t-shirt. Coming back from my car, I noticed the Village of Ozona sign. 1888? There is some history here.... later, I would look into it. Some of the facts from the Ozona History Information Page include: 

1700  Creek Indians move southward into Florida , Cuban fisherman set up fish camps, fugitive African-Americans slaves take refuge in Pinellas, many work in the Cuban fish camps.

1819  The U.S. buys the Florida territory from Spain , the fish camps are raided and destroyed, and African-Americans are captured and returned to slavery.

1860-1870  Original settlers live in Ozona area. Overland travel is extremely difficult. A trail exists from the coastal area we now call Ozona east to settlement now called Tampa . It takes two days to travel there, one way.

1888  Name change to “Ozona” as epidemics of yellow fever give “Yellow Bluff” an unfortunate connotation.  Citrus farming and commercial fishing are two primary ways of making a living.  With reasonably reliable travel (RR), tourists and northern visitors begin to arrive each winter season.

Two days from Tampa? My two hour drive from Orlando was looking better and better!

At one point early in the race I wondered what would cause someone to choose to live here... and then, around mile 4 on this two lap race I saw my answer. The beautiful blue waters of the harbor spilling out into the Gulf of Mexico. I do not spend enough time on this coast...

The blue waters surrounding me and the blue sky above were the perfect lure to the ice cold Blue Moon Beer at the finish line. Hot food and friendly conversation filled the garden serving as a finishers area. 

The relatively flat course had been a treat after the hills of South Carolina the previous day. I gathered myself together and began the ride home. As soon as I was in the dark, I discovered that the claims were true.... the medal does indeed glow in the dark! 

Another race on my quest to reach the sun completed... and a little more history about my adopted state learned. Not a bad day at all. 

Run like a nut half marathon: Race #10 of 52

Starting on an unassuming side street in-front of a small local gym in Florence South Carolina, I arrived for the "Run like a Nut" Half Marathon - Race #10 in my series of 52 this season. 

Standing in the cool morning, I started chatting with a group of women from various Black Girls Run! Groups across South Carolina - most of them were from the Florence Group however, and I was introduced to their Ambassador, Lysandra. 

I ended up in their team picture and got in line to run with them. This is what I love about their group... as it was said so eloquently  the only part of black girls run you need to meet is to be a girl.... race and speed are completely negotiable :)

The weather had turned warm quickly, and as I wound through the city streets my thoughts turned to this journey I was on... lots of driving and nights at motels for in exchange for some race bling and an un-shaking sense of accomplishment. 

I was greeted at the finish line by my friend Lisa, who had run the 10K and the pecan pie which had lured me to this destination! It was delicious... however, the best part of this race was after it was over. A group of us went back to run in the last runner, a magnificent woman, and new friend - Tyra. Lisa captured several pictures of our finish with her... as she pointed to the sky in praise and victory. This is my favorite part of every race... the support and friendship that is found along the road. 

The Lighthouse Loop: Race #9 of 52

Two weeks had passed since my last race - but I was feeling anything but rested. Struggling to get into a pattern of working out and balancing my nutrition between races, I made the early morning drive to Port Orange, FL for the ninth race of my 2013-2014 season. 

I didn't feel particularly excited about this run, probably because the drive felt like going to work. I seldom make the drive to the coast for pleasure. 

Parking at the finish line I made the walk across the bridge to the start and met up with my running friends. My mood lightened as the energy of race morning started to life me up.

This was the Lighthouse Loop Half Marathon - and as you might expect, at mile 6.5 we looped around the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. I realized that I was smiling as I remembered climbing its 203 steps with my daughter and her class during a second grade field trip... nine years earlier. I was not a runner yet then - my how my life has changed! 

The weather was warm and the air was heavy. I decided to just settle in and enjoy the beautiful coast line as we ran back towards the finish line. This is why people love Florida, this is why I should make the drive to the coast more often. 

The race medal was pretty, marking off another race on my quest to complete 52 half marathons in this running season. I sat in the parking lot eating eggs and drinking a beer - laughing with friends that we had finished next to a funeral home. 

What this run lacked in pomp and circumstance it made up for in community. It was a nice run, a short drive home, and a reminder that running with friends is half of the run of running at all.

The Staten Island Half Marathon: Race #8 of 52

Stumbling off the bus from Hartford my body was tired and my muscles were sore..... I made my way to the subway and caught the 1 train at Penn Station to South Ferry. It was rush hour and I had minutes to get to the Staten Island Ferry.  While this leg of the trip is provided to residents and guests of NYC free of charge (which is honestly, quite remarkable) I had not made this journey in a long time.

After what felt like an eternity of hurrying and hoping I would make it - I turned around on the deck of the swiftly moving vessel and saw The statue of Liberty, bathed in the setting sun, directly behind me. All of my worries seemed to melt away. It matters not how many times I see her, Lady Liberty always brings me a sense of calm and comfort. 

I carried this calm into my hotel with me on the island, too late to get my packet tonight, I would have to do it in the morning.

It was cloudy and windy, which seemed appropriate for this race, the Staten Island Half Marathon, which was being run in benefit of the continuing recovery from Hurricane Sandy which had hit this Island so hard a year before. I received my bib and shirt, which I wore until the race start and then tied around my waist before we began, and looked across at Manhattan. Even in the haze of the morning The Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center stood proudly, 1,776 feet tall -  marking the renewal of the Iconic Manhattan skyline devastated by September 11th. 




Immediatly after the race was Staten Island Day - I wandered and watched the vendors setting up. The NY/NY Superbowl Committee venue displayed the time until Kickoff 2014 - down to the seconds. They had an interactive staging area with field goals and a sample locker room.



Just before the singing of the National Anthem, the runners, huddled in the corrals were watching the FDNY vessel.... which then majestically sprayed from all of its hoses. While I may not have wanted to get wet on a cold morning like this - pictures alone cannot capture how moving and fantasia this was to witness. 


The race ran up and down the coastline, and I was heavy with thought. I love New York, and I love running here. I joined NYRR when I signed up for this race and I intend to make this journey more often. 

The medal was, breathtaking. In the palm of my hand its weight and meaning felt heavy. I was honored to have been a part of this day, in this place, in New York City - my hearts home. 

The ING Hartford Half Marathon: Race #7 of 52

This was one of the races which kept popping up, in Runners World articles, at Expos, in Conversations... but it never fit into my schedule.  Finally, in this season of 52 races, I decided to pair it with a weekend in New York, so my journey begins.

I had never been to Hartford before, but I knew that this was a race with a lot of history. Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the ING Hartford Marathon was sure to be a big event... and it did not disappoint.

The expo itself was small, but the bright "Come Together" signs lit up the hallway leading to a few dozen vendors. The tech-tee was long sleeved and unique to the half marathon, those running the full marathon received a solid "heathered" orange colored shirt. I was handed a Kings Hawaiian bag with two dozen rolls in it - one of the most unusual pieces of swag ever received at a race. Tired from my early flight, I was off to find my hotel to check in and rest for the night. 

Taking a leap of faith, I had booked a room knowing only the general location, price, and rating on Hotwire. After my booking was complete I discovered I would be staying at the Ramada Plaza Hartford Hotel. It turned out that this hotel could not have been more convenient  It was a half mile from the Expo, a mile from the race start, and literally steps from where I would catch the bus to NYC the following day. 

Not directly associated with the race - I didn't expect them to have any special amenities for us. Walking in the small lobby I saw signage and the front desk clerks were wearing ING Hartford Marathon shirts. After checking in I received the branded key and special TAPERING - DO NOT DISTURB sign (pictured above). The room was comfortable and equipped with a Keurig! I was sold - if coming back to Hartford for any reason I would book directly with this hotel!

I shared the room with another Half Fanatic whom I had met on the Facebook Page. That evening we went and checked out the start line  and noticed that the finish line festival area being set up was HUGE. The Ramada had a special menu for racers so we ate in the hotel. The food was wonderful and reasonably priced. 

We set out bright and yearly in our Half Fanatics shirt - and gathered to meet several other Fanatics for a group picture. 

Security was tight, images of tragedy at the Boston Marathon earlier in the year flashed through my mind as I watched police checking backpacks. The start was at the Capital Building, and armed guards were perched at several points watching the crowd. No one there minded their presence, in fact - there was a buzz of gratitude and a sense of community that filled the air. 

After a lot of Pomp and Circumstance, and what may have been the longest pre-race prayer I have ever witnessed, we were off. The course was pretty, the weather was cool, the support was plenty, and I felt wonderful.

At the finish festival - runners were treated to complementary massages, (there was a long line but it moved very fast and was worth the wait) LARGE bottles of Chocolate milk and a fantastic and free post race lunch, the menu is pictured above.

Stretched out and feeling replenished from the grilled cheese and tomato soup, I walked back to my room looking at the water bottle we had been handed at the finish line. There were a lot of little details at this race that made it very unique and special. The fact that this was this seasons PR for me did not hurt either. 

The race medal, which pictured the archway runners ran through just before the finish line was stunning, and attached to a satin ribbon with the year imprinted on it. It was a beautiful event and one I would be excited to run again. 

Now however I was off to catch my ride to New York City. I had secured a one-way ticket for $3.50 on Megabus. Stretching at the bus stop with my fellow runners, most of whom were heading home to NY after the race - I knew I was in good company for this next leg of the trip!