Should runners stretch?

[@MicahSmart]

I think that the only time a runner should be doing static stretching is after runs, for the purpose of increasing range of motion, *if* the range of motion in the muscle they're stretching is less than needed for proper running form. For example, if you can only raise your hamstring to 45° of flexion, it might benefit from stretching, but if you can get it to 90° of flexion easily then stretching it isn't necessary for running (in my opinion). Personally, I like doing doing gentle, short-duration (2-10sec) stretches after runs sometimes too, because I find it relaxing (especially in combination with slow deep breathing) and I *think* it slightly decreases the neural tone in the stretched muscles, which makes them feel less tight but doesn't actually change the muscle itself. I'm not 100% sure about that mechanism though, it might just be my perception.

[@McMeatBag]

This matches up with what I've seen from a lot of other athletics. Are you flexible enough to get in the positions you need for your sport? If so, you don't need more flexibility. There's definitely been this obsession with being as mobile as possible that's probably not good.

[@jihadsafi2988]

Would you recommend introducing new running techniques such as increased step rate or stride length for experienced runners who are pain or injury free in order to somehow improve their performance? And would that require them to decrease their input in terms of pace or endurance for a while?

[@aresmars2003]

All I really know is after 15 years of running I'm significantly less flexible than I was (and never very flexible), and I'm not any faster. So I'll say I'm in the "Too stiff" but don't know how to help best.

[@cannibalmanimal2336]

It doesn’t seems to really make sense to stretch our muscles before using them, as opposed to warming them up. IMHO we as runners use various hacks to compensate for improper movement, and stretching’s just one of them.

[@arthmphries]

Hello, can you help me? I spoke to a friend today and because I am always injured. He told me not to stretch before I go for my run only stretch when I come back is that true or not true? Arthur

[@malachimacias4477]

It’s definitely over used and used as a warmup tool