Stretches. Before or after running?

[Beek]

I have just found the NHS Choices stretches page which I intend doing when I pick up running again.

Do any of you stretch before running?

[PippiRuns]

I only stretch after running - I don't like stretching cold muscles, it feels wrong.

[Hidden]

Only after running ☺

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Much debated I think! Personally, I do stretch before as it sometimes flags up any tightness. Plus I always have my warm up walk, even now. Immediately afterwards I only do a very cursory stretch of quads and calves as usually they don't tend to feel that tight until later but then do a proper stretch in the evening as this is what works best for me. 😀

[Sammully Graduate]

Only after for me x

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I rarely stretch - but when I do it is mostly after running. Some people seem to rave about stretching - but it doesn't seem to bring any "satisfaction" to me. It's not that I don't like it - just that it doesn't feel like it is doing anything for me. I do feel like I should be doing more warmup work though before I run - the lack of it could be why I often have calf stiffness during a run

[melly4012 Graduate]

I stretch between the warm up walk and the runs and then again at the end. Has really stopped the aching calves since I've been doing this!

[AncientMum Graduate]

Beek!! How are you? Haven't seen anything from you in ages. x

[sparky66 Graduate]

I usually pace about the living room for a few minutes..stretching..long sride ect.. then.. always feel a ten min warm up walk works better..

Always stretch on return.. definitely helps next days achy bits well it does for me x

[davelinks Graduate]

I have a wee stretch when getting up out of bed in the morning! but only limberup/ warmup before running as injury can occur stretching with cold muscles. Then stretch after. But I don't think I'm stretching enough as my calves are feeling tight, and think it's been hampering my runs recently, so an area I need to work on.

Beek, would think with the problem you've had with your Achilles it'll be a good idea to strengthen that area..

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I've been doing the RW warm up 5 or 6 dynamic stretches, plus squats. They're designed so you can just go out and run without a warm up walk, that suits me much better for various reasons. I stretch afterwards as well, especially my poor manky achilles. Nice to see you again xxx

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I have been interested to discover that my running relatives whose pre and post run stretching made running seem so unappealing now consider the evidence to point in the direction of pre-running stretching not reducing injury (they reckon it isn't particularly harmful)

I reckon the absolute key thing is that you don't just go straight into your run. The walk which NHS C25K teaches and which attracted me is all I need (and I don't go especially briskly as that messes me up a bit, I just make sure to keep moving, on the spot if need be) I also wonder a bit if it makes a difference what you are wearing - if you have your legs fully covered they should be reasonably literally warm. I do notice if I have skimped a bit on the pre run walk or the post run walk.

My stretching is yoga and I do a short practice every morning, plus online classes. 3 years and my heels still don't touch the floor in downward facing dog.

It is *so* good to have you back, that was a rotten injury and I've been thinking of you. I hope you can get running back into your life. I wonder if a sports therapist is needed to give you some good guidance here?