Flexibility and Running

[rsctt83]

I do alot of leg work and coupled with running is a perfect receipe for tight hips. My coach suggested that I try Bikram yoga as training for Death Valley last year. I was like "no freaking way am I doing yoga", he said shut and just do it. I was amazed at how much better I felt in morning. So as time progressed I took what worked for me from yoga and added some other stretches and that became my routine.

I am at a very high workload everyday and I do not have time to stretch prior to my daily running. I usually run at lunchtime and than hit gym after work for CF/PT type workouts. When I am done with this I do my stretching/yoga routine.

I am not good with names of stretches and postures and would be happy to give you my routine but I do not know how to describe the stuff I do verbally that would paint an accurate picture of what the heck I am doing.

I always tell people getting ready to head to BUD/S to sign up for a variety of yoga/stretching classes, some places give you the first class free. This way you experience a wide variety of stretches/postures and you can choose those that work. These will help you recover at night after tough day of training and be at your best come next morning. Anything you can do to assist your body to recover at BUD/S will pay huge dividends as days and weeks pile up.

[zachalex]

scskowron, check out sealswcc.com there's a video about stretching and describes how stretching your calves actually prevents shin splints. Not the most scientific, but it works.

Here's the link... The video is on page 3

http://sealswcc.com/Videos.aspx

[od]

Originally Posted by kgperryman

I know flexibility is an extremely important aspect of BUD/s because it helps to prevent injuries. But, I was wondering if anyone had any information on how whether flexibility had any other effects on things such as running endurance. I can score decently well on the PST but I've only recently began to consider that perhaps my lack of flexibility may be keeping me from progressing, perhaps by limiting my stride length? When I make an attempt to touch my toes, I can reach about the halfway point of my shin. If anyone could provide some insight, it'd be very much appreciated.

When I was in the navy, part of the PT test was the toe touch. Is this not part of the test any longer?

Enjoying the discussion. My contribution may be less than significant. I do recall reading years ago in an endurance article that stretching becomes less benificial for longer distance runs, like 10 or more miles. I took it as an excuse not to stretch before, but still found stretching to provide some relief after the runs. Since then, I have reincorperated my stretching, usually after a warm up, largely because I have noticed a significant loss of flexibility.