Guardian article: myths off running

[Inominate]

theguardian.com/lifeandstyl...

A recent article in the guardian newspaper reviewed some interesting research on running.

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Thank you this was very interesting

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Yes, thank you!

[Swnymor Graduate]

That's interesting. Using me as being statistically representative (obviously) in relation to the stretching bit, I stopped doing anything more than the five minute warm up and cool down walks and stopped the circuit training I was doing (for a different sport I'm involved in) and have ached far, far less and can now get out of bed in the morning without groaning from stiff and achy limbs!

[BoltonGnome Graduate]

Interesting article. I had mild pain in my hip and running was actually recommended to me - unless it caused more pain, of course. Up to now running seems to have helped my joints a lot. Realise not the same for everyone but glad I didn't automatically assume that joint pain and asthma would stop me running. Joints feel fine & my inhalers have kept me going so far (on week 8).

[Josepha2263 Graduate]

I haven't done any stretching at all since starting the c25k, I've done w8r1 so far and had no problem whatsoever only in w8r1 I had a mild stitch which went away very quick.

The five minutes walk before and after seems enough for me. I'm not a great lover of stretches before exercises normally I would just walk for 5-10 minutes until I feel warmed up.

[Inominate in reply to Josepha2263]

The dynamic walking warm up has very thankfully seen me through to week 8 without injury. I still do also do a gentle stretch of each of the leg muscle groups before I start just to evaluate if any muscle is particularly stiff- occasionally I have extended the warmup to make sure the muscle is ready to go.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Great article... I actually think a lot of running myths are made up by people who can't be arsed to get their big bottom off the couch!!!!

[Inominate in reply to ju-ju-]

Yes, I agree. Some people use the negative myths as excuses to avoid the effort; often they cannot get beyond these to experience the positives .

[dddd4 Graduate]

I am wondering about my post run stretches in light of this article. Only problem I have had I am convinced came from over stretching my calves in between runs when I thought I am doing longer runs now I'd better take this stretching lark a bit more seriously. I am using a thin massage roller and I think that might be better than the stretches. Anyone got any opinions?

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This was interesting to read and like swnynmor I do not perform stretches pre or post run. Surely this just supports Laura's excellent advice of undertaking warm up and cool down walks and above all to gradually increase distance / speed. Having said that, if stretches work for you then continue with them. We are all individuals with our own wants and needs and we know what is best for each of us. Raspberries to rules and dogma is what I say !!