How Sports Massage Can Benefit YOU Before and After Your Marathon

Sports massage can be really helpful for those taking part in long distance running, marathon prep and recovery, and even people who run for fun… because apparently that's the vibe these days!

Half Marathon, Capesthorne Hall

Last year I went along to a half marathon event and delivered pre- and post-event sports massage to competitors. It was a great day, full of grateful people who quite simply, wanted to feel better. Sports massage isn't just for injury! It can really benefit endurance athletes, in both preparation and recovery. Prep well, avoid soreness, and get in the zone.

Here's how...

Why a Pre-Event Massage Could Be Your Best Friend

You’ve done your warm-up, but what if you could level it up? Enter Tapotement — the fast-paced, karate-chop-style massage technique used just before events. Think of it as your muscles’ wake-up call. One killer benefit? Applying it to your calves boosts flexibility in your plantar-flexors (the muscles that help you push off when running). More flexibility = better propulsion = better performance. Plus, when paired with a warm-up, studies show massage can enhance circulation, helping your muscles absorb more nutrients and perform at their best.

Don't Let DOMS Ruin Your Buzz

You crossed the finish line — now what? Recovery. Sports massage after endurance events (like a race or long run) helps reduce soreness, stiffness, and fatigue by improving muscle flexibility and circulation. It’s especially effective in preventing DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) — that all-too-familiar ache that kicks in a day or two after. Instead of hobbling around post-race, a targeted massage can speed up muscle repair, reduce pain, and get you feeling like yourself again — faster.

"Thanks so much for the calf massage. It made the walk back to the car manageable, and they feel great now!!" - half marathon competitor

It's Not Just Physical

Massage isn’t just for tight calves — it’s for your frazzled pre-event brain too. It kicks in your chill mode (thanks, parasympathetic nervous system) and releases those feel-good hormones:

• Serotonin = calm, focused vibes

• Dopamine = let’s gooo energy

  
  

Basically, you feel less stressed, more motivated, and ready to take on the world (or at least that recovery run). Less anxiety also means less muscle tension — because yes, your brain and body are actually friends.

Everything’s linked, people. I don’t make the rules, I just tell you them ALL THE TIME (sorry).

Pre-Event Jitters? Post-Event Tightness?

Massage sorts both.

Book your session now to feel the difference yourself.

Click here to book

See you all soon, Tash x