Ironman enthusiasts gather on the sandy shore of Okanagan Lake encouraging racers to finish the grueling 2.4 mile lake swim. Then, the magical singing of the national anthem is followed by the 7 a.m. cannon blast that calls the swimmers to hit the water on Sunday's race day at Okanagan Lake beach in Rotary Park. Massage therapists stand waiting as athletes experience the first limits of their bodies with muscle pain, stiffness, and other problems that without the therapists might keep them from finishing. A typical massage lasts no longer than 10 minutes. The first 5 minutes usually cover the athletes front body and the arms and legs.
Effleurage is the main stroke used.
The second 5 minutes usually repeats on the back side what has been done on the front side more flushing and effleurage strokes. Usually, there is no time for more advanced massage techniques. Two of the lead massage therapists, McLean and Blood, also spend much of their time in the emergency medical tent that is under physicians supervision. Emergency medical massage is given to athletes with severe muscular spasms. Both men have witnessed tremendous recovery of some of the most challenging muscle spasms.