I would concur given experiences I have had with sports massage. Never knew this was still only a theory. This to me is in the same boat as "jumping in a hot tub after a workout slows recovery", and "you should eat within 30 minutes after workout to recover better", both are so incredibly obvious if you try it out.

I finally broke down and bought a Globus Electro-Stimulator from Hammer Nutrition about a month ago.

Using the 'Active Recovery'/Massage on the Quads, Hamstrings, and Calves has really helped me with my more intense runs and rides. My legs feel fresher the next day, allowing me to push harder on the hard days, and to loosen up on the easy days.

The best money I've spent, since buying a new bike! The Wife even is using it. And I plan on packing it with me for my 1/2 Iron this weekend, and will use it on the way home, while my wife drives!

I've gone the massage route too, but the Globus can be used every night (like right now)...

i hear stretching is advisable; is that true?!?
;)

and if you have a cafeteria plan as part of your health care, you can also get massages paid for tax free

After the Nation's Triathlon in DC, they offered finishers massages from individuals who practice a form that includes stretching. Does anyone have an idea what that is called? I found it very helpful and want to try to find someone out here who has a similar practice.

When training for my last 2 IMC races I got a weekly massage. No need to "talk hubby into it" though, he was all for it. My insurance pays for $1,000 worth a year and anything else I just pay for. But I have to say even before they were covered I still got them. WELL worth the price. I highly recommend it.

For me the regular visits to the Chiropractor plus frequent sports massages when I'm in the tough training by an experienced therapist has made all the difference to remain injury-free. Its pricy, but worth taking care of your body if you're going to be doing endurance sports over the long haul. And yes, *serious* stretching after EVERY workout is beneficial :)

[quote=Star]For me the regular visits to the Chiropractor plus frequent sports massages when I'm in the tough training by an experienced therapist has made all the difference to remain injury-free. Its pricy, but worth taking care of your body if you're going to be doing endurance sports over the long haul. And yes, *serious* stretching after EVERY workout is beneficial :)[/quote]

I completely agree! And can only add that also cooling down after runs (with some walking) was the other change I saw have huge benefits.

[quote=krazyfranco]When you're trying to convince your significant other to either 1) Let you spend the money to go get a massage or 2) give you a massage, here is the rationale.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812213937.htm[/quote]

I might have to talk the wife into 2), sports massage does add up to a lot, and with a new house the bills are more.