Flexibility of a runner?

8 watchers
Jan 2012
3:34pm, 10 Jan 2012
695 posts
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Mr Alf Tupper
very very important for young runners that are still growing but not so much older runners, although would still be benifitial for injury prevention / running economy!
Jan 2012
3:35pm, 10 Jan 2012
11,034 posts
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JohnnyO
HAve you got short arms? Or long legs ?
Jan 2012
3:36pm, 10 Jan 2012
1,371 posts
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southendal
Maybe both, like an early hominid.

Seriously, would love to be more flexible. What's the answer?
Jan 2012
3:36pm, 10 Jan 2012
696 posts
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Mr Alf Tupper
stretch
Jan 2012
3:37pm, 10 Jan 2012
6,943 posts
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ChrisHB
They probably had a suitable machine in medieval times. Or ask the CIA.
Jan 2012
3:38pm, 10 Jan 2012
6,944 posts
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ChrisHB
Sorry, I realise this is meant to be a serious thread.
Jan 2012
3:38pm, 10 Jan 2012
833 posts
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The Duckinator
More flexibility = greater stride length = faster pace for same effort. You don't need to be Olympic gymnast level but it's quite beneficial to have a reasonable amount. I've worked on my flexibility for around 6 months and I've gone from hardly being able to touch my toes to being able to get the palm of my hand touching the sole of my foot. That period had also coincided with a massive jump in running performance AND hardly a niggle to speak of.

Quads, hamstrings, calves (calfs?), groin is all I do. Only takes 15 minutes per day maximum.
Jan 2012
3:39pm, 10 Jan 2012
3,388 posts
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Jhuff
Southend,

I don't quite know if there is one answer to the question..but my opinion and experience is that if you want to touch your toes you would loom to all possible options to make it happen and you won't give up until it is reality. That is what I would.
Jan 2012
3:40pm, 10 Jan 2012
697 posts
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Mr Alf Tupper
ohiooutside.com
Jan 2012
3:42pm, 10 Jan 2012
1,788 posts
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Loca
I run faster for a given HR when I have been working on my flexibility for a number of weeks. Could be some psychological effect also and obv this is purely anecdotal and non-scientific but I do feel my stride improves when I'm more flexible.
I understand if you are too flexible though your joints can be a bit unstable when running and this can reduce running economy.

About This Thread

Maintained by Jhuff
Ok....the floor is open for discussion. Let's try to get along and agree on everything...LOL

Ps, the title should be " flexibility needs of a runner". Somehow my phone messed it up ;-)

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