Spa Programs in the News

Marathon Recovery at Cal-a-Vie, Spa Havens

Looking Ahead to a Popular Run in Our Own Backyard

One of the "carrots" on Louisiana businessman John Havens' motivational "stick" when he was training for his first marathon five years ago was the promise of a weeklong recuperation at a luxury spa. His therapeutic reward meant so much to him that he bought the spa. Five years later, Cal-a-Vie is nearly finished a $15 million renovation of its facilities, and one of the new programmatic offerings that is dearest to Havens' heart is the Marathon Recovery Week.

Directing the Marathon Recovery Program will be two veteran distance runners, Leslie Carroll and Kathleen Potts, of Cal-a-Vie's fitness department. They know first hand the agony and the ecstasy of running 26 miles - and beyond: to mark Kathleen's 40th birthday, Leslie thought the best gift for her friend was to present her with a challenge. Kathleen's father had recently passed away, and she was not up to a conventional celebration. At 40, Leslie's father had run 40 miles to mark the occasion, and she had always wanted to match his accomplishment. What better way to pursue a dream than in celebration of your best friend's birthday? Kathleen accepted the challenge. And so together, without any fanfare, they ran their winding course of hills and valleys within seven hours, culminating in whole distance of the spectacular La Jolla coastline. This year, to commemorate the event, they'll take a different course - driving the distance and ending up at their favorite hangout, near the finish line, for margaritas… But Leslie and Kathleen retain an unparalleled expertise in what it takes to bring a body back from the extremes of a long-distance endurance test, and look forward to helping the marathoners who come to Cal-a-Vie seeking rest and revival.

Runners may come to Cal-a-Vie immediately after completing a marathon, or in the weeks that follow for maximum benefit. Exercise starts back slowly, walking the first three days, and then gradually taking on gentle hikes among the scenic hills in which the spa is nestled. The exercise program, both out-of-doors and in Cal-a-Vie's brand new $5 million Fitness Center will be tailored to each individual's needs, taking into account how the muscles feel and their tendency to cramp. If a runner has properly hydrated in the weeks leading up to, and during, the big run, then re-hydration should not be a significant necessity of recovery. Cal-a-Vie offers "revitalizing breaks" of vegetable juices to all its guests, for regular hydration and nutrition needs. Individualized dietary regimens will be established to ensure a maximized return of energy and nutritional balance. These will most likely include a higher fat content than one would normally expect from Cal-a-Vie's delicious by strictly low-fat spa cuisine.

Finally, Special therapeutic body treatments will treat the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and areas of skin that have been pushed to the limit. Hot stone massage, reflexology, and hydrotherapy top the list of recommended treatments for runners. Daily pedicure massages may be just as welcome…

The San Diego Marathon is in January 2005. In the hills overlooking the scenic course, Cal-a-Vie will be awaiting the weary runners with a program of rest, rejuvenation, strategic nutrition and gentle exercise to reward their achievement and get their bodies safely back on course.

http://www.cal-a-vie.com/