Don't we stretch while running?

Training Advice/Discussion

9 years ago 09/18/2014 10:14pm EDT

It seems that through the past few years, static stretching has been proven pretty worthless, and now everyone is on the "Active Isolated Stretching" train which consists of....wait for it....contracting one muscle while stretching the opposing muscle - but wait, only for less than 2 seconds or it doesn't work. Isn't that essentially the same exact same thing we do every step we take while running? For example, anterior tibialis contracts lifting toes up while calf stretches and then springs back up. This all happens in less than a second - exactly the stipulations of active isolated stretching. So have we all been doing this technique for years while running but not knowing it? Haha

9 years ago 09/18/2014 10:38pm EDT

re: Heavyd84

Kind of. The active isolated stretching also serves as a warm-up to cold muscles without the pounding right away that running offers. It's a replacement to traditional stretching methods, but not something that should be altogether cut out even if it mimics running. Jumping into a run at 6:30-7 min pace right away with cold muscles isn't exactly the best thing for you.

9 years ago 09/18/2014 11:04pm EDT

re: Heavyd84

I don't know. I've found holding a calf wall stretch for 30 seconds each side helps me a lot. If my calves are tight, I run 5 minutes slowly and then do those evil static stretches. Never bounce or force, just hold them. It works. I can run easier and faster after. I'm sold on minimal static stretching.

9 years ago 09/19/2014 6:42am EDT

re: Heavyd84

Do your tendons ever tighten way up after a long run? This is pretty common; what's going on there then?

9 years ago 09/19/2014 8:56am EDT

re: Heavyd84

This is once again an issue of one size does not fit all.

Stretching can be either the least or most important thing you do to help your running.

In HS, I would stretch from late August until June 1 running 50 miles per week and not stretch at all from June 1 until August 15 running 90 mpw. It made no difference.

For a long time I thought that if I ran every day that was enough stretching and for a long time, it was. Now as I approach 50 and recover from ITBS, it is not.

While I do not recommend it for others with ITBS because it has been a long road to get to this point, currently, if I do not do the stretch where you pull your foot behind you to your butt, I can not run a step. Once I have performed that stretch, I can do any workout I want to.

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

Don't we stretch while running?

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.