Like most runners, I always try to stretch a little before and after my runs. I find that stretching helps loosen me up and cuts down on injuries. However, there have been a number of studies over the years that have found that stretching is not beneficial for runners. Honestly, I find the results of the studies very hard to believe. I know that if I did not stretch before and after my runs, I would have WAY more injuries than I do now, and I strongly advise all runners to stretch. With that said, the debate over stretching is an interesting one, especially with statements such as:
One study even found that distance runners with tighter hamstrings and calves are more efficient runners…During certain parts of the running stride, these muscles will absorb some of the energy of the body’s movement, like a rubber band stretching. Then, some of this absorbed energy can be given back (as a rubber band snapping back) during another part of the stride. The more energy absorbed, the less wasted. Flexibility, then, may not translate to better running times.
Yeah, but rubber bands have the tendency to break/tear…as do tight hamstrings and calves! If anyone has first hand experience of how not stretching leads to less injuries let me know.
