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08-27-2008, 9:00 AM agatha1939 Joined on 08-13-2008 Mississauga, Canada Posts 27 Stretching? I am reading John Stanton’s book and it says that we should NOT stretch when our muscles are still *cold*… what does that mean? Should I do my 5 minutes walking warm-up first and THEN stretch and do the run/walking part of the podcast? I am confused with that because I always assumed we were supposed to stretch before everything.  Thanks!    Report

08-27-2008, 11:55 AM Penguin Joined on 08-01-2008 Stirling, Scotland Posts 138 Re: Stretching? Hi Agatha, I'm afraid the scientific guys are still debating this issue. One thing is for definite: you must always stretch after a run. As for before, I think it's a matter of preference. Personally I do eight mobility exercises just to ease my joints awake and then do my warm-up and start running with no stretches. That works for me, but it might not for you. Try it both ways and see what you think. Gary Next up - Graduated 14/09/2008 - first 5k on October 4th Read my blog at http://defiantc25krunner.blogspot.com/ - or click on the weblog link    Report

08-28-2008, 4:25 AM Muppet Joined on 08-24-2008 North Queensland, Australia Posts 96 Re: Stretching? Hi Agatha, I'm pretty much still a newbie, being only up to wk 3 d2, but I have been doing the 5 minutes walking warm up, then my stretches, then another couple of mins walking warm up before I start the jogging. I also always do lots of stretches at the end. I have never jogged in my life before this, and aside from being sore after the first couple of workouts, I am only having minor soreness and stiffness. (Touch wood!) Congratulations on your fantastic weight loss, and good luck with this next challenge! Anna    Report

08-29-2008, 4:35 AM Scheezo Joined on 04-06-2008 Posts 168 Re: Stretching? I'm big into stretching.  I've read a few books on the subject and preach it to all my friends.  Oh you're going to the grocery store? did you stretch first?  I think its important to stretch a little before you do your warmup.  Just to loosen up a bit.  Then you need to stretch a little more before you start running.  There are a lot more reasons for stretching than avoiding injury.  One reason is it allows your muscles to get oxygen in them which helps them heal faster and get stronger. After your run you need to stretch for all those reasons and you will also find that you'll be less sore the next day. If I could find a way to stretch while I run, I probably would!    Report

08-29-2008, 9:25 AM Paigers Joined on 06-16-2008 Posts 82 Re: Stretching? The general rule of thumb is not to stretch cold muscles.  Just walk a bit to get them warmed up and then stretch (I would just pause the podcast after the warm up walk and do my stretching or cut the warm up a tiny bit and do them before the first run).  Always stretch afterwards too.  It really helps with the soreness. Paige    Report

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