How Dynamic Stretching + Sports Massage Prepped a 10K Runner for Race Day

This past week, I worked with a female runner getting ready for her 10K. She’d been training hard, but her legs felt heavy and tight — especially through her hips and hamstrings. Instead of going with a standard pre-race massage, we combined sports massage therapy with dynamic assisted stretching to get her body primed to perform.

We started with a light, targeted massage to loosen up her legs and increase circulation — nothing too deep, just enough to wake up the muscles and release tension. From there, we moved straight into dynamic assisted stretching, using controlled, active movements to open up her hips, hamstrings, and calves.

By the end of the treatment she said she felt lighter, more mobile, and ready to compete. Her stride looked smoother on my treadmill and more relaxed. She left feeling confident and prepared for the run.

After the race, she told me she felt great the whole way through — no early fatigue, no cramping, just steady, strong legs.

The combo of pre-event massage and dynamic assisted stretching is great for runners: the massage activates and relaxes the muscles, and the stretching locks in mobility right before the event.

If you’ve got a big race or a heavy workout coming up, try it — your muscles will thank you.

And if you’d like some professional advice or want to see how this approach could work for you, don’t hesitate to reach out — I’m always happy to help and advise.

Keep loose.

Dan