9 Running Stretches to Run Faster
Posted on Mar 19, 2008 under Training | 26 CommentsRunning stretches are a very important thing to do before you go on any run and definitely before running a race. Other things are just as important, like having the right pair of running shoes, running with good form, and having a good warm-up run. When we used to meet up for practice on the trail at 6AM during the summer, before we started running our workout on the trail, we would start everything out with a good-paced warm-up lap, which consisted of running a perimeter around our baseball fields behind the gym which was about 1,000 meters. The warm-up run was not meant to be so fast that it affected our actual run, but fast enough to start to break a sweat and warm enough to loosen our muscles and relieve any tension, which is what you really want to do.
With your muscles loose, stretching will be a lot easier, and will benefit you in many ways. Stretching before running is definitely important: first of all, as a preventative measure. Runners pull muscles all the time by not properly stretching. Keeping your muscles loose and stretched will also help in keeping your form while on a run or race, which will provide your body a better range of motion and longer strides to help you run faster. Your body won’t be tight and allow you to really focus on running rather than form.