Massage and 1/2 marathon training:

I did a lot of things right with my training and performance for this Mercer Island 1/2 marathon. Each run is/was a practice of learning lessons… and continued refining. Everything from sock and shoe choice to clothing and food/fuel and proper hydration. Every little detail matters. I began my journey 5 months ago. During this time I have lowered my blood pressure significantly, lost over 30 pounds, gained massive endurance and even more confidence. No better feeling than the runner's high! (well massage feels better). So each time I would run, I would dial in information about myself. to the point when race day came, I knew the clothes I would wear, and what I would eat… and how much sleep I would need, and how I would need to wrap my arches to prevent blistering and to charge my cell phone, so I would not run out of battery for my music, and so forth. I did carbo load the night before. I indulged in pizza! YUM!! I had massive hydration happening mindfully the entire previous week. Both plain water and adding Gatorade. For race day, I cut up a protein bar into small pieces. a protein bar I had practiced with during training sessions, so I knew it worked for my body. I purchased a camel Pak, to STAY hydrated. with a combo of water and Gatorade. I sipped this freely thru the race, and mindfully at certain mile points so I could stay ahead of myself. I got a good night's sleep, and a massage not only the night before, but the night of race day. I believe in massage. Massage is so healing, and such a great therapeutic tool for taking care of the body, mind and energy. Massage felt great the night before, and facilitated a solid night's sleep. And massage aided in recovery for day of race, plus it was something I looked forward too during my run. Mind over matter, and the mind games that happen while pounding out 13 plus miles. I tapered my runs two weeks before race day, hoping the 5 months previous training had made enough of an impact in my muscle memory. This was vital, in my performance, as I felt fresh and not beat up, I had solid energy throughout the performance of running this race. Although for those two weeks of tapering, my body did miss working out, as it effects my mood, I feel good working out. As far as improvements I can make moving forward, as I have several races planned throughout this calendar year, with my peak on December 11, for the Honolulu Marathon. I need to cross train, more than riding my horse;) I need to start lifting weights, and do more lunges and squats. I need to up my miles, perhaps running twice a day. I still need to refine my diet for proper nutrition, to not only lose weight, but also to fuel my body to have the endurance I am asking for it to perform. I believe I will have this down to my own specific science by the time December rolls around. I will continue with receiving massage bodywork to recovery, and keep my muscles fine tuned. I need to add some more stretching or a yoga class so I will be flexible in mind and body. The more I run, the more I learn about myself. The more I learn about myself, the more confidence is built. Not only is massage healing, running is healing too. So here is to the next 9 months, and beyond. Where I will ultimately be building up to a full marathon, and hopefully dropping more weight, while remaining injury free. Stay tuned! XOXO, Maria!

Hard work and discipline …Step by step.

I received a massage last night, and I have one scheduled for tonight at 6! Today is my BIG race day, my Mercer Island half marathon. I have been training for this for the last 5 months. I feel the nerves and excitement and buildup. Looking forward to moving past the first 3 miles, to find my rhythm. Thank you all for sending me sweet texts and all your kind words, if I bumped into you in the last week, IT HAS HELPED. I'll keep you posted after I cross the finish line. So much LOVE, XOXO, Maria!

Maria J. Toro, LMP Bio:

Maria graduated Ashmead College, the evolution of Seattle Massage School in February 2001, top of her class, and has been practicing ever since. Maria is a local Mercer Island resident, with her horse at the Mercer Island Saddle Club. Maria has been an equestrian since the age of 5, and enjoys dressage and trail riding. Additional hobbies include: oil painting, yoga, pilates, running half and full marathons, weight lifting and learning to fly airplanes with her free time. Maria’s foundation is scientific and therapeutic; she is passionate about holistic healing. Over the years Maria has been committed to continued education. Expanding on her tools available while in session. Maria's specialties include injury treatment and therapeutic bodywork. Healing TMJ dysfunction, neck pain, back pain, sports injuries and auto accident injuries like whiplash; by utilizing swedish massage, deep tissue massage , sports massage, Thai yoga massage, hot stone massage, sound healing, chakra balancing, energy work, medicinal gemstones and much more! Maria is a true healer; balancing and connecting body, mind and energy, noting that each session will be different and customized for what you present on that day. In November 2010, Allure Magazine voted Maria J. Toro LMP, as “Best in Seattle”. Book an appointment today and experience total relaxation, natural healing and maintenance your body deserves. 206-941-8560

New Mercer Island location on May 1, 2016!!!

BIG NEWS!!!!! On MAy 1, 2016, I will be expanding my practice on Mercer Island, and moving to a NEW LOCATION, that is LARGER and all mine:). More SPACE…more LIGHT. All my style. My intention will be to wrap you in luxury upon entry…soothing and total relaxation. New location is in the Business District on the north end of Mercer Island. I am located on the top floor of the Key Bank Building. 2731 77th Ave SE, suite 206, Mercer Island, WA. 98040. Still reach me at 206-941-8560. I plan on offering more hours, and more days per week. Schedule today!!!

Schedule regular bodywork: Weekly, bimonthly, or monthly… whatever your budget allows as often as possible.

Only ACTION means you have committed to making a decision. IF their is no action, their is no decision. Be mindful and disciplined in taking care of your body, your true home. Eat healthy, move/exercise, keep your mind positive and schedule regular bodywork/massages. Your fortress deserves the best. If you don't have your health…You don't have wealth. Be the Queen of your empire, your body, your home.

Celebrate Women!

One woman's success can lead to another woman's success. A true leader doesn't give the answer, she simple suggests where the other may look and learn. XOXO, M.Toro

At home SPA:

Every night, before bed I have a healing ritual. I rest…laying in a hot bath full of Epsom salts and baking soda. This combo is a detox, it is healing and soothing. It lowers the stress related hormones, and balances out the pH levels. Usually I will have a glass of water or tea accompanying me, and perhaps adding a few drops of lavender essential oil, for a at home spa experience. Afterwards, I shower… to complete the process of washing off the day, and all the energies I came into contact with, for a deep night's sleep. Enjoy! -MJ

It is best to schedule your appointment in advance to ensure your desired time:

Touch is powerful. "Healing is an art. It takes time, it takes practice. It takes love", Pavana. "Healing comes in waves, and maybe today the waves hits the rocks, and that's ok, that's ok, darling…YOU are still healing. YOU ARE STILL HEALING.",Ijeoma Umebinyou, "Be Gentle With Yourself". MASSAGE, IT is what the body needs. "Healing is the journey. The destination is yourself." Philip M. Berk. "Touch was never meant to be a luxury. It is a basic human need. It is an action that validates life and gives hope to both the receiver and the giver." Irene Smith. Massage will relax muscle tension. Massage can lower blood pressure. Massage helps release endorphins. Massage helps you breathe, helps you move, helps you live the life you want to live. Massage is a helpful healing process. "Massage has had a positive effect on every medical condition we've looked at." Tiffany Field, PhD. Happiness is a good Massage. Schedule with Maria J. Toro, LMP today! Locations on Mercer Island and Queen Anne. Maria Toro was voted, "Best in Seattle" by Allure Magazine. #Best #Massage #MercerIsland #QueenAnne #BESTMASSAGE #Healing #Healer #206 206-941-8560, call today!

Schedule a massage with Maria Toro, LMP on Mercer Island or Queen Anne today!

Eat. Sleep. MASSAGE. Repeat. 206-941-8560

Say YES! Do IT now.

"One day you will wake up and there won't be anymore time to do the things you've always wanted to do. DO IT NOW." - Paulo Coelho

Choose HAPPY.

Whatever you do, make sure it makes you happy. Happy in the little things, happy with the small steps. In the end, your attitude of happy becomes a way of life. Mindfully make the rest of your life, the best of your life.

11 reasons you NEED a massage!

1-Massage feels good. 2-Massage relieves stress. 3-Massage increases circulation. 4-assage relieves pain. 5-Massage improves flexibility and posture. 6-Massage relaxes body and mind. 7-Massage flushes the body of toxins. 8- Massage regulates blood sugar levels. 9-Massage boosts immunity. 10- Massage increases metabolism. 11-Massage rehabilitates and HEALS injuries.