Stretch to Recover and Perform

Running entails both aerobic (endurance-based) and resistance (strength-based) activity which represents two extremes of the exercise continuum. For our body to continue to work efficiently on this continuum, we need to constantly work on our muscles to maintain optimal elasticity. To maintain the elasticity, “recovery” is the key to get back to the original form for the next training session.

Need for Stretching

Stretching got a bad reputation in recent times with conflicting advice. A simple search shows tons of literature pointing out why static stretching is bad and how it can affect performance. There is also a lot of literature supporting stretching and the need to prime our muscles. As a runner who has focused goals, what to do on stretching can be quite confusing.

Before we go further, in our previous post on recovery, we introduced stretching as one of the recovery mechanisms for runners. We introduced active, passive and dynamic stretching examples. Here is a quick recap.

As we workout, we put our muscles and tendons in action. Stretching after the workout aids in muscle recovery and reducing the post workout onset of soreness. While the exact mechanism of how stretching helps in muscle recovery is not very clear, many runners and athletes swear by stretching.

Stretching for Runners (click to zoom)

Post-Run Cool-down stretches

These are done immediately after the run. These are static in nature and are done slowly with controlled breathing. These are meant to help runners in multiple ways.

• Primary benefit is to help with restoration of immediate range of motion of heavily contracted muscles during the run. It also helps in restoring the elasticity in muscles.
• Stretching with slow and controlled breathing also brings the heart-rate down and helps get ready for daily routine after an intense workout.
• Reduces the perceived feelings of soreness and stiffness. Stretching also benefits athletes mentally through psychological mechanisms.
• Increased blood flow to elongate the muscle fibers and prevent the formation of muscular adhesions.
• Post run stretching is also said to get the body into an anabolic mode by the release of several growth factor hormones.

Key points to keep in mind for cool-down stretches:

• Keep the stretches static and slow
• Most importantly ensure that the stretching is pain free
• Don’t hold the stretches for too long (beyond 10s)
• Focus on muscles that have niggles and problematic
• Control the breathing as you stretch

Here are a few suggested stretches that can be personalized based on the niggles that a runners would have.

• Calf stretch
• Heel drops
• Quad stretch
• Hamstring Stretch

Stretching to improve Range of Motion, for Recovery and Performance

Tight hip flexors can come in the way of hip extension preventing runners to get a strong stride. It also tilts the pelvis anteriorly reducing the ability to fire the glutes and increasing hamstring stiffness causing injuries.

Ankle range of motion is often observed to be low because of tight calf muscles and reduced ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. Reduced ankle mobility also interferes with the runner’s ability to take the shock effectively. This can cause a variety of injuries at the ankle joint and plantar.

Low hip flexion is often caused by tight hamstrings and glutes. Ability to flex the hip effectively helps in better swing, and knee drive there by helping with better stride.

Here are a few suggested stretches to improve the common range of motion issues found in runners.

Please note we do not have a clear answer to how much we should stretch as runners. In general we advise a short stretching routine as part of your cool-down. More elaborate and dedicated stretching routine can be done 2-3 times a week that includes stretching and mobility based on the range of motion restrictions. Please note that stretching is one of the many recovery tools that we have, and is not the only one.

Prepared by Team GeeksOnFeet for the love of running

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