Do you stretch before you run?

Heidisue

Heidisue

Cathlete
I know, this is such a simple question. I was just wondering cause I heard somewhere that you aren't suppose to stretch your muscles unless they are warm. :)What's your input. I am trying to reach a 10 minute mile. Is that pretty average or am I really slow? I am just starting and have been running maybe once a week for the past couple months. To all of you runners, I think you are fabulous and I am trying to get there. Any suggestions about good fuel (food) before you start?
 
I only stretch after a run. If you are going to stretch beforehand, make sure you warm up with some brisk walking for 5-10 minutes first. Never stretch cold muscles!

As for your pace... well, let's just say, I would be THRILLED if I could maintain 10 minute miles (for more than a mile or two). I'm a lot slower than you are. Speed is all relative, and everyone has a different natural ability. Go at your own pace and don't worry about how fast other people think you "should" be running. :)

And as for fuel... well, I don't eat before any run that's an hour long or less. Before longer runs, I will usually have oatmeal and a banana an hour or two beforehand. It's best to stay away from high-fat, high-fiber and high-protein before a run - they can upset the tummy. You may have to experiment and see what works best for you - every body is different.

Keep it up - it will all feel like second nature soon enough and you'll be an old pro, giving other new runners advice before you know it. :)
 
I always warm up before I do any exercise. I stretch at the end when your muscles are warmed up.
Ellen
 
THanks so much for the tips. I love running. It's such a sense of strength to me. I appreciate your info.

Emily, looks like you are an avid runner! 26+ miles is Amazing! I think that is so awesome!
 
i usually just warm up with some walking first and then stretch when i'm done. mostly due to time issues, i rarely can get in more than 5 miles at a clip, and that's because i can't run a 10 minute mile, lol. so i think that pace is a great goal to have! i run about an 11 minute mile on average.

like emily, i rarely eat before i run. i love to have some optimum rebound cereal afterwards though.

good luck reaching your goal!
 
I ran cross country in high school and college and we only jogged before every practice to warm up - we did active stretching, but only static stretching afterwards...still do today!
 
I will walk to warm up and then stretch before a run. I don't stretch for long but I do it none-the-less. My post-run stretches are longer. :)

I have been running for over a year now and started out with a 12 minute mile so don't feel bad at all. It's not about how fast you can go initially but just about being able to do it! I can now maintain a 10 minute mile pace comfortabley for a good amount of time now but TRUST ME, I did not start out that way! Take your time and ease into it! It will improve a little bit every time you run. :)
 
I do some light stretches before a run....hamstrings, quads, calves....light! I do a more thorough stretch after my run. That is the best time to get a good stretch in...when the muscles are warm.

As for food...play with it and see what works. Oatmeal is good, banana, toast with PB. I've heard some like yogurt. See what works best for you.

As for pace...don't compare yourself to others or label yourself in any catagory. When I see a runner, I never think "Wow, he/she is fast/slow..." whatever. I am just thrilled to see someone running and hope they are enjoying it as much as I do. Your pace doesn't define you...your heart, will and determination does.
 
I have recently started using a foam roller to warm up my muscles before a run. I do stretch after.

For just starting a 10 min pace is good!...:)

Before most of my shorter runs (3-6 miles) I usually have water and a half a protein bar. For a longer run of 9 miles or more I will have wheat toast with peanut butter or oatmeal with protein powder. The summers are hot where I live so I try and stay hydrated thru my long runs by carrying water or a sports drink...:)
 
Wow! Thank you so much for all the responses! It's so good to meet you all and to know there's so many who love running! I know that I wouldn't be near my 10 min mile if it wasn't for Cathe. It's awesome to feel stronger, isn't it! I will keep track of what I eat before I run and see what works best for me. Bananas sound really good, so does peanut butter, brown suger oatmeal yum... I must be hungry right now!:) I am really excited about my goal. I have awesome music on my ipod and it really helps. Thanks so much for your input. It's so nice to know that I can come here if I need any support or help. Thanks so much!
 
HeidiSue..there is also a cheetah (runner) check-in in the Check-ins and Challenges, made up of runners of all speeds and ages and goals. You are quite welcome to join us at anytime...:)
 
I stretch after I run. You definitely want to make sure your muscles are warm before you stretch.

I found a great way to shave time off of my miles but I had to let go of my Type-A-only-run-no-walking personality. It was amazing how walk breaks helped to cut down my time in marathons and half marathons. Anyway, it's Jeff Galloway's program. www.runinjuryfree.com or www.jeffgalloway.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top