Runners - stretching questions

[rjamz]

How do I stretch my Achilles Tendon? Is there a specific way to get at it?

Also, I don't stretch before a run, but I do after during my cool down walk. There's so much conflicting info about stretching I don't know if I even should be doing it.

dixeedeluxe rxbeth

[bigapple]

I usually walk a few blocks to cool down and then stretch on my stoop (or a borrowed one). While standing, I place my toes up against the wall with my heel still on the ground to stretch my Achilles' tendon, one side at a time. I used to do the stair stretch (stand on edge of stair with toes and lower heel), but a friend strained hers that way.

While standing on the ground, I use the stoop railing or the outside edge of a higher stair as a barre to stretch the rest of my leg muscles.

This totally sucked this morning as my very inflexible (and much larger) butt was bent over in front of all the dance majors chatting outside the performing arts school next door.

[AndyCohen]

Like bigapple said, put your heel on the ground with your toe up against something and lean forward. This will stretch you calf as well. If your not feeling it, stand on a curb with your heel hanging over and push it down.

[dixeedeluxe]

I think calf stretches also stretch your achilles, right?

I do knee hugss and frankenstein walk before a run. Then do big stretches once a mile for longer runs....haha like 3 miles. Then stetch alll night

I'm very pro-stretch as a PT graduate.

[AndyCohen]

Yeah I stretch every leg muscle after a run and I'm never sore. H takes ice baths.

[rjamz]

I have been doing yoga in between run days, and that has really helped cut down on soreness

[rxbeth]

You could stretch before running if you feel like you need it if you have to walk briskly or jog a bit first. You don't want to stretch 'cold' muscles. Otherwise, stretch after.