Stretching Question

[Frenc]

I understand from various posts that it doesn’t do any harm if you don’t stretch immediately after you’ve run, you have a window of sorts. Does this apply to pre-run dynamic stretching too? I always do a set of good pre-run stretches then invariably I get side tracked between the stretching and starting the run. I wonder how long it takes for the benefit of the stretching to wear off? 😊

[Hidden]

Great point Frenc 👍, there's so many ways different people prefer to warm up, a brisk walk or dynamic stretches, ideally you want to start your run whilst those muscles are freshly warmed up, think of them as elastic bands, those bands are always easier to stretch and more flexible when warm rather than cold

[Frenc Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for replying Imc50, I think the answer is to not get sidetracked! Dynamic stretching, straight out the door, then warm up walk. Mind you, do you remember when it was freezing at the beginning of the year? No matter how much I warmed up my legs felt like ice planks! 😊👍😊

[Hidden in reply to Frenc]

Ah cold 🥶 legs eeeek not good, I was bypassing that problem, as I use calf sleeves 🤫, on the radiator they went and ahhhhhhh instant warmth 👍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Pre-run we need to get the blood flowing and our heart beating a bit faster in readiness. By definition that will send more blood to the muscles. So I guess as soon as possible after you warm up you need to run.

I do a mixture of moves plus very gently stretching. In really cold weather I do this at home and then once I’m warm I can go outside and start to run immediately. Sometimes I drive to a route (about 10-15 minutes away) but I still do most of the warm-up at home although I do a 5 minute brisk walk once I get out of the car. That works well for me 🙂

[Frenc Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you! I’ve found as my runs have got longer, so has my stretching beforehand, including some that are very much made up! I just have to stop faffing afterwards 😆.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Your "window of sorts" can vary depending on your session. I did a hard 9 mile flat, fast run once and didn't stretch right away, I jumped in my car and drove off home. Halfway home (only a 15 min drive) I could feel my muscles tightening. By the time I got home it was too late, I was so uncomfortable. During dinner I had to stand as it hurt to sit. I can laugh now but it taught me that just a few half-hearted stretches are always better than nothing and as soon as possible.

[Frenc Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I can relate to this! If I run at work, it’s really easy to literally forget to stretch after as I’m straight back to doing work stuff. I plonk myself down and find it difficult to get back up! 😊😊😊

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon]

Could you do your stretching after you've left the house (so there's no need for faffing afterwards)?

Alternatively, how about making sure you're ready to go so you can do your warm up stretches in the house then leave immediately?

I've found that faffing can be a serious time waster when skiing, the solution being to have everything ready beforehand.

[Frenc Half Marathon in reply to SkiMonday]

Actually that is a brilliant suggestion, and so obvious I feel a bit daft not having thought of it! I live in an apartment block so could easily do it at the bottom of the stairs before I leave the building. I haven’t skied for an age, but I remember having to be incredibly organised before hitting the slopes! Have a great day SkiMonday 😊😊😊.

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon in reply to Frenc]

Thanks Frenc, glad it was useful.