The Bucklers Sprint & Standard

Sunday 12^th August saw two events take place: The Primera Bucklers Sprint Triathlon (swim 750m, cycle 25km, run 5.5km) and The Primera Bucklers Standard Triathlon (swim 1500m, cycle 40km, run 10km).

Situated once again in Buckler’s Hard near Beaulieu in the New Forest; these events combined saw 300+ triathletes take part, many in need of some TLC after their races in the form of sports massage provided by myself and Hayley from ‘Fitness in the City’ based in Southampton.

On this occasion, we were lucky enough to be located near the finish line, where we were able to see lots of different things taking place.  It was great to experience athletes crossing the finish line, and to hear all the support from the crowd.  We got to meet and treat a variety of people from a huge range of ages, from early 20s to 60’s.  One man on my massage table had been to the London Olympics the night before (where he watched Mo Farah win his second gold medal in the 5000m) had three hours sleep, then took part in the standard triathlon; now that’s commitment! 

At the end of the events, it was wonderful to see the winners from each age category receive their much-fought-for trophies.  This is something we wouldn't normally get to see as we're usually set up elsewhere, so it was a real treat.  Overall, a really great day had by all; and now only one more event which will finish off the season next month.

The Swashbuckler!

Earlier this month, the Swashbuckler Triathlon took place at the beautiful setting of Buckler's Hard in the New Forest.  Along with fellow therapists, I went along to this middle distance triathlon to offer post-event massage and with over 300 competitors taking part, we were in for a fairly busy morning!

Having eventually arrived (following a bit of misdirection at a roundabout on my drive there) and set up in one of the marquees it was straight into giving treatments to the first finishers of the day.  The athletes had a very early morning start, kicking off with a "freezing" swim, which - I was told by several - was thankfully reduced to one lap in the Beaulieu River from the usual two.  A bit of sun warmed up the cycle and run, leading to a well deserved massage at the end of the race; although as always I'm surprised at how the triathletes look as though they've been for a light stroll rather than the X-number of miles they've just swam/cycled/ran.

With a great atmosphere and team spirit, we had a steady flow of athletes throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, with the final few looking just as fresh as the first.  Also aided by a self-sufficient queue we were able to fully concentrate on those important treatments, the majority of which asking for work on achey hamstrings, quads, calfs and IT-bands, with a few needing some relief for shoulders, necks and lower backs from those uncomfortable swimming and cycling positions.  Post-event massage consists of 15-20 minute treatments of light effleurage and petrissage, as the purpose of this type of massage is to aid with recovery by improving circulation and reducing muscle tension.  A couple of extra niggles here and there but luckily no major injuries or incidents on this occasion.

Impressively, many of the competitors were using the Swashbuckler as a 'warm up' to a future ironman or marathon all over the UK, Europe and even one in Brazil!  There were also several groups of triathletes taking part with friends and family, but still in a competitive capacity of course... After such a positive day, I can't wait to get to the next event, although I can't help but feel guilty about how exhausted I feel without even competing in the race!

Muscle of the Month: Vastas Lateralis

Origin: Lateral lip of linea aspera & Gluteal tuberosity
Insertion: Tibial tuberosity
Action: Extends knee

The largest of the quadriceps, the vastas lateralis is situated at the most lateral part of the four muscles, creating the sculpted contour of the outer thigh.  Although a large, dense mass of muscle, it's only action is knee extension.

Muscle of the Month: Rectus Femoris

Origin: Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine

Insertion: Tibial Tuberosity

Action: Extends knee & flexes hip

The rectus femoris is one of the four quadriceps muscles.  All the quadriceps extend the knee; the rectus femoris is the one only of the group that flexes the hip as, unlike the others, it originates from the pelvis.

It is situated at the front of the leg, in the middle of the thigh; and inserts into the patella tendon.

A Post for Posture

Posture may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you gets those aches, pains and niggles, but poor posture can have a huge effect when it comes to injury.  We all know that good posture makes us look and feel better (including looking thinner and taller!)....but in our modern society, most of us are slumped and hunched.


Poor posture can have a detrimental effect on the way you move your body, and as a consequence can leave you more susceptible to injury.  But massage can help to improve poor posture by realigning the body.  It releases tight muscles that have been overused and helps to 'normalise' the body's positioning.

We'll put up a post about 'Ideal Posture' soon, but in the meantime when you're sat at your desk, or driving your car, have a quick think about how you're sat and if you move around and vary your position throughout the day.  Having good body awareness is an important step to making the changes your body is aching for.