2 marathons in 1 month

I do like challenges and marathon is one of them. I just love sports, especially running and that's the reason why I'm doing it. My sister Denisa ran the Flora London Marathon in 2009. My parents and I went to see her and support her. It was such a great atmosphere so I wanted to do it too. I tried my luck to get entry for this race several times but I wasn't successful. So I ran the Paris Marathon instead in 2011 with a time of 4 hours and 6 minutes and 18 seconds. I was pleased with this! Unfortunately it wasn't a qualification time for my age group for the London Marathon. I carried on trying to get an entry in the ballot and I wanted to run another marathon last year in Bratislava in Slovakia. Unfortunately I was injured and so I couldn't do it. Nevertheless I entered the Vienna marathon in Austria with my boyfriend Brano for 2015. I wanted to qualify with this event. Because I'm member of the Datchet Dashers running club who get some free marathon places, in December last year we had a ballot between runners and I got a place! I was over the moon! Therefore I've ended up doing two marathons in an one month:

Vienna City Marathon 12th April 2015

Vienna is the capital city of Austria. It is rich in famous sites and is very close to my home town Bratislava. It's about one hour drive. More than 40 thousand runners from 120 nations were taking part. Participants also have the option to run the marathon distance of 42,195 kilometres and the half marathon (21,0975 kilometres)  or a relay for teams of four. Children and adolescent races took place the day before. After starting from the Vienna International Centre, the route goes across the Danube river into the green of the Prater, along the Danube Canal to Ringstrasse, from the Vienna State Opera right out to Schonbrunn Palace, back again to the Ring and the Prater and finally to the finish line at Heldenplatz. 

Brano took up running only last year in November. He had never run marathon before so I decided that this race is going to be my warm up for the London Marathon and I will run beside him. It was a nice and sunny day. I enjoyed this run as I was taking pictures, sunbathing (while running) and supporting Brano. Both our parents came to watch us and cheer us as well. 


We set off at an easy and slow pace. After half way through Brano had some issues with stomach and later breathing. The best part was to see our supporting parents and luckily we saw them three times. We did it in 4 hours and 48 minutes and 13 seconds. I was so proud of Brano and so were the rest of the family. Well done you! It's such a great achievement! After the race we celebrated in style!

Virgin London Marathon 26th April 2015

London Marathon is third biggest running event in the UK and it is also part of World Marathon Majors. More then 38 000 participants took part in this event. There were famous people as well as fund raisers, amateurs and elite runners. Quite a few people were in fancy dress and it looks like a carnival. 

We started at 10:10 am from Blackheath and the route went through Woolwich, Greenwich, Tower Bridge, The Tower, The Isle of Dogs, London Bridge to The Mall. The forecast was wet (only from beginning) and cold with temperature around 13 degrees. There were three starting area: Green, Blue and Red (Fast Good for Age). I started from blue area. My boyfriend Brano and sister Denisa came to support me. From the start to the finish there was a big mass of runners and spectators. I have never seen such a busy event. Drink stations were on every mile and energy drinks almost every fifth mile. I usually don't use energy drinks during a race or training so I stuck with water. 

Around half way through I started feeling that I can't keep up with the pace I set up. I used my energy gel accordingly but I felt that I was running out of energy. I slowed down and tried not to worry about my pace. I carried on without stopping and hoping to see Brano and Denisa soon. Despite the cheering and supporting people I couldn't catch a second breath. On 23rd mile I finally spotted my boyfriend and my sister. It was such a buzz and I was slowly picking up my pace. Then a few meters later I saw the Datchet Dashers runners on the Lucozade drink station which was very helpful. I couldn't stop looking at my watch to the finish line. I was counting the metres and really wanted it to be done. The last 400 meters and I hardly moved my legs. No sprinting this time as I like to finish strong. As soon as I crossed the finish line I was so happy. I could feel my achy legs and in fact whole body was aching too. I did it in time of 3 hours and 58 minutes and 54 seconds. My new personal best! 

I found it really hard especially the last 6 miles. I think I hadn't fully recovered from Vienna marathon yet. Anyway it was such a great event and fantastic atmosphere. It's worth trying it if you can. Now I will try to take it easy and I will more than likely skip an ultra marathon for this year.  

Kinesiology tape

                                                               Kinesiology tape

This tape is almost identical to human skin in thickness and elasticity. It is made from stretchy cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive. It can benefit  musculoskeletal and sports injuries and inflammation. It can be worn without binding and restriction of your movement.


Kinesiology tape is used for treating not just athletic injuries but also a variety of physical disorders.


The tape was invented by Japanese chiropractor Dr. Kenzo Kase in the 1970's. By 1988 the tape had been used during the Japanese Seoul Olympics. Since then the tape has become a popular form of muscle taping used by many professionals across the world. You would have noticed that more and more people use the kinesiology taping to improve their performance, prevent injury and allow them to return to sport quicker.


Application:


Generally you need someone qualified to do that as they can teach you how to tape yourselves. The tape is applied with the affected muscle in a stretched position. You will start taping from the origin of the muscle to the insertion point. The elasticity of it lifts the skin very slightly to allow a little bit better circulation through. It also helps with the movement of lactic acid and blood as it takes the tension of certain muscles.


Usually you don't feel that the tape is on your skin because it is so elastic and it moves with you. The athletes can move naturally without the constant feeling that something is pulling them in a certain way.
 
Also when you applying the tape avoid oily skin as it wouldn't stick on the skin. Try to avoid washing the tape area and change the tape on the 2nd or 3rd day until you get better.
 
The tape is in four shapes:
 
Shape "I" is used for small or linear places and it's a basic shape

Shape "Y" is used for large muscles

Shape "X" is used for long muscles

Shape "Fan Strip" is used for hands or feet

Facial massage and facial

Facial massage and facial

Why I'm offering Facial relaxation massage? 

As you noticed from my November post about Lymphatic drainage massage here is something about Facial massage which is related to it. Even Hot and cold stone massage can be applied. I personally think that it's very relaxing and amazing.

What is the difference? 

A facial is a procedure involving many kinds of skin treatments such as steam, creams, lotions, facial masks and massage. They are usually performed in beauty salons or in hotels as spa treatment. Facials are used for general skin health as well as for particular skin condition.

Facial massage is a treatment to slow down the ageing process and gain younger looking and healthier skin. It can also relieve stress, migraine and headache. Sometimes it can be a part of a full body massage and facial treatment or just on its own. Massage of the face is usually done by hands applied with a small amount of oil or lotion, except with lymphatic drainage massage where oil and lotion are not used.

You can also do it at home. Here is a one facial massage example:

1. Use both hands and massage each half of the face. On the fingertips or a brush, apply a little a bit of cream and gently follow the arch of the eyebrow in the direction of eyebrow hair growth. Finger pressure should be easy and enjoyable. Gently tap the bridge of your nose. If your eyes are tired, you should feel relief. Repeat several times.

2. Gently tap the outer corner of the eye socket. (it is best to use the ring finer). This enables better absorption of active ingredients, promotes detoxication and in particular hydration and nourishment needed for this part of face.

3. With moderate pressure through the finger of both hands, but not the thumb, massage the cheek muscles of the outer corners of the mouth towards temples.

4. Tap the outer corners of your mouth with your fingers.

5. Using your fingers, massage from the bridge of the nose towards the hair line. Proceed from the centre of the forehead towards temples. Then light circular movements from the temple back to the middle of the forehead and repeat several times.

Enjoy!

Gift voucher

Dear clients and readers,

Welcome to 2015! Hope this year will bring you all that you are looking for!

So firstly a few updates for this year. Kaya Therapy will expand the services in Camberley and surrounding area.

I'm also glad that I'm not just helping people to prevent injuries and giving advice but also encouraging them to participate in some events. For example my boyfriend is going to run his first marathon, my sister will try to do her first triathlon and Robert, a good friend of mine, is doing his first Ironman race. I would like to wish all of you who are training or racing, best of luck! We all can do it!

Secondly my sports season this year is steady. I've entered the Vienna marathon and luckily I got a place in the London marathon too. So a few running events are involved as well. Later I'm thinking of doing an ultra marathon but let's do marathons first. ;0)

An article for month January is :

Gift voucher


Sometimes it can be tricky to choose the perfect Valentine's day gift.Flowers and chocolate can get boring, so why not choose something different.


Did you know that Kaya Therapy offers gift vouchers? So don't leave it until last minute. Give someone you love the perfect present!


Kaya's Therapy services:

• Sports Massage
• Lymphatic Drainage Massage
• Hot and Cold Stone Massage
• Facial relaxation massage

For purchase or info contact Karin by mobile 0778403417 or email kayatherapy@gmail.com



Spoil someone this holiday!

Hot and Cold Stone Massage

Kaya Therapy offers another relaxation therapy:

Hot and Cold Stone Massage


History

Stone therapy or stone massage was present in many cultures around the world. This therapy with records of its use, dating back for over 2000 years has the means of improving the function of internal organs as well as for heating our homes to sacred rituals of whether to build temples and pyramids.


What it is?

Stone therapy is a deeply relaxing treatment, which combines a massage with use water-heated smooth basalt stones and cold marble stones to tone, stimulate and rejuvenate the body as a whole. Hot and cold temperatures from the stones are able to penetrate the body up to a depth of 4 cm.

Benefits of hot stone massage:

• release physical tension
• improves circulation
• balances digestion and waste removal
• boosts immunity 

Benefits of cold stone massage:

• reduces swelling, inflammation and redness
• refreshes facial muscles andtissues
• reduces histamine
• revitalizes energy levels

Using both techniques in one routine can be very beneficial healing due to increasing flushing rates within the body, which helps detoxify the body and bring it back into balance.



Hot stones = Basalt stones

These are dense volcanic stones, rich in iron and high in silica. They hold the heat for a longer time and release it slowly. The colour of the stones are grey when they are dry but they usually turn black when using an oil.


Cold stones = Marble stones

The marble used for the cold stones is less dense that the heated stones. They can draw heat from the body. These stones are white or light coloured and are formed beneath the seabed.

Contraindication:

Massage should not be done directly over bruises, wounds, tumours or fractures

• people with rashes and infectious skin disease
• immediately after surgery and immediately after chemotherapy or radiation
• people prone to blood clots, with heart disease, high blood pressure and overweight
• pregnant women
• varicose veins, cold is beneficial

Products used by Kaya Therapy

Products used by Kaya Therapy

Massage plays an important part when it comes to health. For many years around the world, people have been using oil or cream for their skin, health and beauty. The oil or cream filters through skin which makes skin soft, smooth and moist.

Have you ever wondered what kind of products Kaya Therapy is using? Since I started doing massages I tried many oils and creams and here are my top five:  



Coconut oil 

Available from stores and online

• Protects skin from microbial infection as well as from drying and cracking
• It's rich in vitamin E, which means that it keeps your skin rejuvenated, young and healthy
• The fragrance is so earthy and soothing
• Oil melts easily and it's usually in a jar
• Good not only for cooking but also in industry 

Unwind massage oil by Arbonne 

Available from www.arbonneinternational.co.uk (using ID 441260495)

• It's non greasy oil and absorbs well
• Contains chamomile for calmness and ylang-ylang for relaxation
• Recommended for all skin types
• No animal testing, ideal for vegans
• Paraben and mineral oil free

Rubbeez made in New Zealand 

Available from www.rubbeez.com

• It's a pain relief cream for joints and muscles
• Very easy to use and it's not thick or sticky
• Ingredients: Arnica, Calendula, St John's Wort, Comfrey and sweet almond oil
• Treats tendonitis, strained muscles, bruising, sprains and other injuries 

Grace's Massage Wax (bees-wax) 

Available from www.gracemassagewax.com

• Contains Pure Sussex Bees Wax, Olive Oil and Sunflower Oil
• Good for deep friction massage as it is less "slippery" than oil
• Soaks into the skin and doesn't leave it oily
• Impossible to spill it as it is solid

Biotone Pure Touch Organic Massage Cream

Available at www.biotone.com

• Organic Chamomile Botanicals, Organic Sunflower oil, Organic Decyl Cocoate, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Sesame oil, Organic Safflower Oil
• It's hypoallergenic and Paraben-free
• Non-greasy finished
• Nut-oil free

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Kaya Therapy offers a new therapy. It is Lymphatic Drainage Massage and here is more about it.


What it is?

Lymphatic Drainage Massage was developed in the 1930s. It is an advanced therapy with gentle rhythmic pumping techniques to move the skin in the direction of the lymph flow. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the body by regulating the immune system.


What are the benefits?

• clears blockages and eliminates metabolic wastes as well as toxins from the body
• helps in the transport of nutrients to cells and increases metabolic efficiency
• it also has a very calming effect on the nervous system and helps relieve stress and tension
• reducing swelling and puffiness
• has a positive effect on skin and helps rejuvenate collagen fibres of the skin and slow the aging process

What it is good for?

• Glandular fever (Hay fever, Migrane, Sinus)
• Recurring infections (Colds, Flu, Chest, Ears)
• Cellulite, acne and scar tissue (old and new)
• Pre and post operative cases (cosmetic surgery or where lymph nodes have been removed or the lymphatic system impaired in some way)
• Stress, anxiety and tension

When should it be avoided?

• any active cancer
• acute infection or allergies
• thrombosis or major heart problems

Medical permission is required before treatment for those who suffering from these conditions:

• treated or terminal cancer including skin lesions or raised moles
• chronic inflammation
• diabetes, thyroid or kidney problems
• asthma or epilepsy
• hypotension

What next?

For any questions or bookings please get in touch at kayatherapy@gmail.com

I look forward to seeing you very soon!

Karin