Linking current research to running
By Nikki Reiter
As a fidgety-runner-type-who-hates-sitting-at-her-desk and worries about maintaining good posture, I’ve been incorporating stretching a few times a day, in addition to multiple walks to fill up my cup at the water station and my mid-day run (with all these breaks, you probably wonder how I ever get any work done!) Personally, I’m more productive this way as it allows me to work in concentrated time slots with a clear mind.
Question:
I was wondering as accomplished coaches and runners what your opinion is on stretching before you run? I know that there is a major difference to dynamic and static stretching, but does either in your mind have value, especially to younger runners?
This is a great article in Running Times. Not only does it refer to Jean Claude Van Damme as the “Muscles from Brussels,” it hits the nail on the head when it comes to preventing ITBS and understanding the cause of the problem. It’s the second most common running injury and can easily be prevented and quickly treated through strengthening of the hip stabilizers and glut muscles, not simply stretching and foam rolling.
