There are runners who don’t stretch at all, and then there are those who do stretch, but aren’t sure when they should be stretching or what kind of stretches will benefit their bodies and performance the best. The classic stretch you often see people doing before a run or race is the lunge forward, with the bounce as they push their bodies down, or the grabbing of the leg behind their bodies, while balancing on the other leg. Neither of these stretches provides much benefit, but they tend to make runners feel like they’ve done “something” before they head out on the pavement.
If runners only stretch at one point during their run, the key time for stretching is after the run is finished. Stretching before a run, as long as it’s done well and not done with “cold muscles” is harmless, but provides little benefit. The best way to “stretch” before a run is to start the run with a walk that gradually turns into an easy run for the first five to ten minutes. Stretching after a run, however, provides a multitude of benefits. The best way to cool down after a run is with light stretching. It gives you a chance to strengthen some muscles important to running and prevent you from cramping up.
A run should finish the same way it started. Runners often get that “race mentality” and want to push their bodies hard at the end of the run. They should be doing the opposite, and keeping the last five to ten minutes of the run easy as they gradually slow down. Once the run is finished, the muscles are better prepared for stretching.
An important stretch for the legs following a run is the “heel drop.” This stretch is key to preventing Achilles tendinitis. Doing the heel drop is easy and involves standing on a curb with the front foot, then dropping the heels. Once you’ve done this, count to five and lift the heels again. This should be repeated five or ten times. Another key stretch for preventing Achilles tendinitis is the “calf raise.” This also helps prevent shin splints, which are all too common for the runner. Doing this requires you to stand in one place, lift up on the heels, count to five, drop down, and then repeat several times. If you only have time for two stretches these are key to protecting the legs from injury.
There are even more extensive stretches that can be done, when time allows, but for a basic stretching period after a casual run, even just a few stretches can keep you injury free and running faster. One of the major causes of injury among runners comes from muscles that are either overused or not properly stretched. You can ensure this doesn’t become your fate by taking just a few minutes each time you run to devote to stretching and cooling down. If you don’t have time to stretch, you shouldn’t be running until you do!
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