PROVIDING post-race Bowen treatment to runners following a 30k event recently was an ideal opportunity for me to hear more about some of the problems that can affect athletes. 

Most of the people who asked for help had taut hamstrings and strained calf muscles which are among the more common afflictions. I also learned about lots of other problems including one guy who was limping when he found his way to me. He appeared to have a strain in the quadricep muscles and after treatment, I suggested he went over to the paramedic team just in case. A thorough check-up showed no cause for concern, and he came back to say he felt much better after the Bowen session… hurrah! 

Organised by local club Stamford Striders, the event attracted a full entry of 750 in what has been recognised as one of the Top Ten events of its kind in the country by Runners World. It’s considered a tough event, a good training run ahead of the Spring marathon season. The first ones back started arriving within one hour and 40 minutes and by 1.15pm queues were forming for ‘cool down’ and assistance with specific problems. 

I was one of four complementary therapists offering our services, and was able to ask for a charity donation in return for a bag of Bexters Bath Crystals so runners could enjoy a soak and ease their aches and pains when they got home.  The donations went to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough where I have been a volunteer for many years. 

I very much enjoyed the day and delighted to have already been booked for the same St Valentines 30k event next year. 

Helen