Working With Elite Athletes

[HandsAbove]

Many people here have worked with high-level athletes, entertainers, executives, etc. While they are "just another body" in need of work, sometimes the quality of the work we provide can have a major impact upon their performance. This can be exciting, intimidating, or both at the same time.

Last weekend I joined the small team of therapists that works with the elite runners invited to compete at Grandma's Marathon and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth, MN. While assisting senior therapists John and Michael on Friday, I had the great honor of meeting (and working on!) an Olympic Marathon gold medalist and a Men's Masters Champion. We took great care to give them our best work, and those two won their divisions on Saturday.

I learned a great deal from the experience. I have spent the last few years providing sports massage at that event, but this was my first opportunity to work with the top runners. The level of self-awareness and attention to detail these people have is remarkable. For many, massage/bodywork is a critical part of their training/recovery program. Perhaps the most interesting thing I learned is how enthusiastically they are embracing Active Isolated Stretching. Stretching was the main thing they requested, and they all loved how AIS worked for them. One woman who has logged 120 miles per week for the last 25 years said that AIS is her favorite modality, and it's helping her remain very competitive in her 60s.

John and Michael are a great team to observe. They work together, both helping each athlete with astonishing efficiency. They have evolved a fluid eforum.xxx-team approach that enables their clients to get the most benefit from each therapist's strengths. They are consummate professionals with a deep understanding of their clients' needs and how they can best help them. And they are generous with their knowledge, sharing the accumulated wisdom of their experiences throughout my time with them.

Now that I've had some time to reflect on it, I am not sure what was more exciting and intimidating: working on the athletes, or trying to keep up with John and Michael. Either way, I am extremely grateful to them for inviting me to participate; it was an invaluable learning experience and I had a GREAT time!

 

[soph]

Working With Elite Athletes

That is awesome! My son is going in the Sports Massage direction so I will definately tell him how much AIS is appreciated.

 

[ikeman155]

Working With Elite Athletes

Jason, that sounds like an amazing experience. Thanks for sharing, and congratulations on being invited into the "top tier".

 

[Rusty]

Working With Elite Athletes

The more time that passes, the more details jump out of memory to give me insights into the work I witnessed or participated in. I'm not sure exactly what "top tier" is, but I'm not there yet. : However, I am thoroughly inspired and looking forward to applying what I've learned from the experience!