Foam rollers are notoriously painful, but we still use them and kind of like it…that’s a Thai Massage! I was lucky enough to experience my first Thai Massage at the gorgeous Mandarin Oriental Spa on Brickell Key.
The Thai massage is like a combination of A.R.T. and pressure point therapy…with a little bit of complete and utter relaxation tossed in the middle. “Thai massage is also called Thai yoga massage, because the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches.”
Unlike a typical massage where you are on a table, the Thai massage is done on a pad on the floor to provide enough room for moving and stretching your body. Also you are clothed and no oils are used…wait doesn’t sound like a massage at all right? But it is.|
I was unable to take pictures, but here are a few examples of what it looks like. I actually think this would be a phenomenal massage the day after a race! It hits all of the tight spots and you definitely feel looser afterwards…it’s a much more involved massage than simply laying there and being rubbed…but there is a time where they work on your neck and face which feels even more relaxing and exquisite due to the other movements.
MANDARIN SPA
The Mandarin is located just a few blocks from my condo on Brickell key, so I have run or walked along this path around the key nearly every day since we moved to Miami. It is my way of taking full advantage of living near the water while I can…and yes from here is where I often see dolphins. I’ve always wondered what this gorgeous hotel was like on the inside!
A new view of my running path!! So this is what people see when I go bouncing by!
That’s the hotel in the background of my running photo from last year!
From the path I can also see the great little outdoor sand/lounge area the hotel has created for guests to enjoy the water while not being in the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach. For all those who keep asking me where to stay during the ING Miami marathon this hotel is a great option! It is a short walk from the start line, which ensures you skip the crazy traffic and then are able to relax by the pool, the beach area on the bay or in the spa!
July 16
AM: 40 min walk
PM: Treadmill workout - Tired but needed to move, so I’ve found mixing things up gets past my brain for a good workout. Repeat 6 times
3 min at 8% incline, 4.0mph
1 min at 0% incline, 6.7 mph
1 min at 3% incline, 6.0mph
July 17
AM: 15 min walk, 3 mile easy run (avg 9:50) + 4 striders, Day 17 Strong Like Susan Abs and day 22 Jackie Warner plan 100 reps each chest press, chest flye, bicep curl, bicep outer curl
PM: Thai Massage!
July 18
AM: 6 miles (avg 9:45), 20 min walk
Lunch: Jackie Warner 100 rep back row, reverse grip row, tricep press and Strong Like Susan Abs Day 18
July 19
AM: Morning did not go as planned due to work…sigh. But got in 35 min walk, Strong Like Susan Abs Day 19
July 20
AM: 3.4 mile interval run, Muscle Milk Fitness retreat: Yogathleta, cross training workout, sun, sand, fun. Look for more details tomorrow!
July 21
AM: 2 mile easy run, 20 min walk, Zico Yoga class
July 22
AM: 22 min bike ride before downpour hit…8 mile treadmill run, 15 min walk, 15 min stretch, Strong like Susan Abs Day 21 (since I missed yesterday)
PM: Working the Oakley Swim Week show!
Training has begun…EEEEIIIKKK!!! Beyond excited to be running NYC and still terrified about surviving all my long runs in the Miami humidity. I’ve don’t it before, but I’m more more excited this time.
Have you ever done a Thai Massage? How often do you get a massage? I think in an ideal world, I’d get one…oh daily. 
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Gratitude Journal
July 23
I am grateful for many friends being in Miami this weekend.
