STRETCHING

Regular Stretching is very important to maintain suppleness and help prevent injury. Runners should stretch at least once a day to attain flexibility and hence a smoother more efficient running style. Running will be more comfortable and you will perform better with less injuries.

Before Running - Your muscles will be 'cold' and relatively inflexible before you start running and you are therefore more prone to injury. Warming up and gently stretching the muscles will increase flexibility and lead to a more comfortable and safer run.
Stop and re-stretch if you feel any muscular tightness whilst running
CLICK HERE - for a series of pre-running stretches

After Running - Stretching after a run is a way of increasing flexibility as well as flushing out the metabolic waste products that are left in your muscles as a result of your effort. These waste products are the cause of stiffness, stretching will ensure that you are less stiff the next day.
Stretching after running is also important to avoid muscle shortening
CLICK HERE - for a series of post-running stretches