Solsenz wrote:

 

Have seen mixed thoughts on warming up prior to a race. For my shorter races, I usually do an extensive stretch. Have never been one to do some jogging beforehand, as I'm always worried I'm using the fuel I'll need, but have stretched. Is stretching well still ok? This is my first half, and I want to finish, but most important don't want to get injured. Thanks.

Last summer at my daughter’s graduation as a doctor of Physical Therapy I had a great conversation with one of her classmates. This classmate’s Doctoral project was on the value of stretching prior to exercise: focusing on -- did it prevent injuries? I was happy to hear that their research showed that it depended upon the individual. There is no blanket statement which can be made concerning the value of stretching.

My happiness came from the fact that I have been an athlete all my life. I, personally, have never witnessed any value from stretching.

In regard to running alternating jogging and walking in 2 minutes periods is what works for me. In a 5K, 10K, 5M race — I will do about 3 or 4 sets of the running and walking. For a half marathon, 20K, or longer — 1 little jog and some walking is just fine.