Recovery for Runners: Managing Tightness from the Maribyrnong River Trail
The Maribyrnong River trail is one of the better running routes in Melbourne's inner west — long, mostly uninterrupted, and easy to access from Kensington, Ascot Vale, Maribyrnong and Footscray. It's also the reason a fair few local runners end up on our table.
Where trail running load tends to show up
- Calves — particularly on undulating sections
- Hamstrings — often the first thing people notice after upping weekly distance
- Glutes and hips — the workhorses of running, frequently under-addressed
- Hip flexors — especially if you sit at a desk between runs
The desk job factor
A lot of local runners are fitting training around office work. Sitting for long stretches, then heading out for a run, is a common pattern in the inner west — and hip flexors and glutes tend to be where that combination shows up.
Building recovery into a training block
Base building
Monthly is usually enough.
Peak block
Every two to three weeks tends to suit better when weekly distance is high.
Race taper
Earlier in the week is usually better than the day before — give yourself a few days before race day.
Post-race
Let the initial soreness settle, then book in the following week.
Remedial massage helps manage tightness and can be a useful part of a recovery routine — it isn't a substitute for sleep, sensible mileage progression or strength work. If you've got pain rather than tightness, get it assessed — our osteopath also works with sports injuries.
Book a session
Nick Mann is our remedial massage therapist, 92 Parsons Street, Kensington — a short trip from the river trail whether you're running from Ascot Vale, Maribyrnong or Footscray.
Book online or call the clinic on (03) 4054 1621.
More on remedial massage for runners in Ascot Vale and Maribyrnong.
