Thank you to all the runners...

lorierin22

that advised there is no need to stretch prior to or after a run. I can't find the thread, but a few weeks ago several of you advised that this was not necessary especially before a run. I greatly appreciate this advice. I was constantly sore and aching after a run and I thought I wasn't stretching long enough or the right way (I probably wasn't), but I read that thread and decided I would just try running without stretching at all. After a week and a half of this I am proud to report, no sore knees or ankles!! I'm so excited I might be able to up my distance and finally run a full 5K soon. So, thanks again!! :bigsmile:

SueInAz

Great news! I never stretch before a run. Static stretching is definitely not the best way to get warmed up. Instead, be sure you're walking for a few minutes before you actually start running and that will loosen you up more than enough. Stretching afterward is actually not a bad idea. Since your muscles are already warm you should have less problems and you'll become more limber in the process. Slow, steady (no bouncing) stretches are best.