The subtle sounding art of massage is essential for some of the best athletes in our sport. However, the bodywork that they seek out is anything but gentle. Ve Loyce Shackleton makes his living helping these runners recover, rejuvenate, and realign with deep tissue work he calls “Attack-Orientated Target Massage.” Jared Beasley writes “if that sounds painful… it is.” See how he does it.

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? Knee Ability Zero: It’s the off-season in North America. So, let’s put humpty dumpty back together again starting with our knees, so that we can hopefully avoid the surgeries, painkillers, and constant icing. Step 1: Tibialis Raises with Ben Patrick, the “Knees Over Toes Guy.”

⏩ Marathon Masters: Desiree Linden and Molly Seidel sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about their careers, injury, skiing, and why Mikaela Shiffrin is a total badass.

?? Land of the Rising Sun: Skiers have long known about Japan as an outdoor hot spot. At about the same land mass as California, Japan has more than double the number of mountains (16,600!) and should be on any trail runner’s radar.

? A Swear Jar for Runners: The Running Bible reminds us to cool it on the running talk this holiday season, or pay the price.

? All in the Family: Will your kids share your love of running?

? Tweet of the Week: World-record runner Zack Bitter unearths one of Kilian’s unorthodox uphill efficiency techniques (he also won Brazos Bend 100 last weekend!)

? Try Not to Fleece Us: Patagonia takes umbrage with the Gap’s blatant copying of their best-selling pullover. A lawsuit ensues.

➡️ Lastly, here’s what we’re reading, watching, and listening to this week.