Site:
http://afowl.com/
Miles:
27475 total / 240 in 2012
Goal:

Ran Boston for the first time! Now to get back running, then on to my first 100 miler, qualifying for Boston again, and eventually a sub-3:00 marathon!

Jason V. to stretch or not to ...

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To stretch or not to stretch?
A new study shows that stretching slows you down and makes your body less efficient. But I'll keep stretching anyway, if only to keep from getting hurt.
http://afowl.com/2009/11/24/to-stretch-or-not-to-stretch/

about 2 years ago

  • Chaz H.
    Chaz H.
    Chaz H.

    Personally, I stretch very little... Although I am blessed with unusual flexibility to begin with. But I've never been able to correlate stretching (or lack thereof) to injuries... If anything, I get injured less often when I don't stretch.

    about 2 years ago • Like

  • Nick C.
    Nick C.
    Nick C.

    I'm a convert of not stretching (mostly). After reading a few critical arguments of stretching, and observing that many elite ultrarunners I know don't stretch, I changed my own beliefs from being an avid stretcher. I no longer stretch preemptively to prevent injury, instead I do a good warm up which I've read is far more effective at preventing injuries (and the stretching on cold muscles may actually harm them). I now only stretch to alleviate stress from an injury or potential injury.

    about 2 years ago • Like

  • Daniel N.P
    Daniel N.
    Daniel N.

    I stretch just enough to not feel tight (usually 1-2 mins) before a run and a light stretch afterwards.

    about 2 years ago • Like

  • Jeff N.
    Jeff N.
    Jeff N.

    I only stretch if I have tightness in a certain area. I personally have not benefited from flexibilty stretching (static stretches). However, my body responds very well to light jogging / skipping pre-workout (dynamic stretching). Everyone's body responds differently so I'm a big believer to try something (not half ass) and if it's not beneficial, then don't do it for the sake of doing it. Why add unproductive activity to your training if you don't benefit from it?

    about 2 years ago • Like

  • Jason V.
    Jason V.
    Jason V.

    My own stretching routine is pretty brief, actually. I used to stretch for ten minutes or so, but now I just do a few minutes. I've found it helps my first few miles go smoother... those miles in turn get me warmed up for the rest of the run.

    about 2 years ago • Like

  • Joe P.P
    Joe P.
    Joe P.

    In HS I stretched before I ran. I was never injured. In college I only did active stretching (warm ups) and I was always injured. But I was doing sprint workouts, not distance. That probably makes a big difference.

    about 2 years ago • Like

  • Ali W.
    Ali W.
    Ali W.

    I stretch before and after, but I'm only doing about 10 minutes at the most. Now I'm scared that I've made the wrong choice about stretching. lol

    about 2 years ago • Like

  • Amy K.
    Amy K.
    Amy K.

    Not going to give up stretch. I have to stretch as part of my warm up for running and TaeKwonDo.

    about 2 years ago • Like

  • Colin H.
    Colin H.
    Colin H.

    I never stretch before a run, but I do stretch afterwards. I have chronic IT band issues, and the stretching helps quite a bit. Like most of us, I run a warmup before a race or hard workout, and might do a few drills (high knees, strides, etc).

    about 2 years ago • Like