“Stretching causes many injuries.” – It may surprise you to learn this, but I’m not a big advocate of stretching. After having worked with tens of thousands of runners, and conducting surveys, I’ve discovered that those who stretch regularly have more injuries – often as  direct result of stretching. While there are some specific stretches that help some individuals, I believe that most people who run and walk don’t need to stretch at all.

In many other sports, like tennis, basketball, soccer, golf, etc., stretching warms the  muscles up, for activities that the body was not designed to do. Running is significantly different than those other activities. We were designed to run and walk long distances – our ancient ancestors covered thousands of miles a year! Stretching pushes the tendon and muscles beyond what they are currently ready to do, often into injury.  

Learn more about stretching in Jeff’s book Running: Testing Yourself. You will find the book at:  https://shop.phidippides.com/collections/books-dvds

ANNOUNCING the new Galloway Run-Walk-Run training app! With coaching, motivation, nutrition, a FREE run-walk-run timer, and more!

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