92. to stretch or not to stretch?

Running tip #92

It’s time I addressed the controversial subject of stretching.

Runner’s World answers the question “Should I stretch before or after my runs?”  with a simple, “Neither.”  And, it’s true, if you do an easy 15 minute jog before any workout or race you will likely not need to stretch … but there are occasions where I would answer, “Yes” to stretch or not to stretch.

YES:

1.)  The social stretch  – after a 15 minute warm-up jog when you’re waiting around for people to finish using the restroom … do that half-hearted, hold-your-leg thingy while you catch up on gossip.

2.) The endorphin-release stretch – after an evening bath and you have your PJ’s on because, like the ritual of brushing your hair 100 strokes that really does nothing for “healthier hair,” it feels good.

3.) The pre-race jitter buster stretch – after you put your race shoes on and you have what seems like hours to wait before the gun goes off, it’s something to do with all that nervous energy.

4.) The new yoga mat stretch – because it’s pretty and new, and you want to use it before it comes to reside permanently in the front hall closet.

5.) The intimidate-the-other-teams stretch – when you want your cross-town rivals to think your team is a smoothly operating running machine, circle up and have your biggest dog bark, “Stretch, two, thee, four!” with military precision.

6.) The show off your flexibility stretch – when the faster runners can’t even touch their toes and it’s your one & only chance to win the workout, lead the stretches in all your slow-twitch plumage!

Please add your own to the list 🙂