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Stop Stretching Before Runs—Do This 7‑Minute Routine Instead

The 1% Better Runner with DLake

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Episode  ·  10:55  ·  Feb 3, 2026

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Stop stretching before your run. You're not preventing injuries; you're draining the very power and spring your muscles need to perform at their best.Ever feel like your pre-run routine might be working against you? For decades, we've been told that stretching is the golden rule before hitting the pavement. In this episode, I dig into the surprising science that flips that script on its head. You'll learn why that static stretching ritual could be sapping your power, discover what you should be doing instead to wake up your muscles and nervous system, and get a clear, simple plan to transform how you prepare your body to run faster and feel better from the very first step.Key TakeawaysDitch the static stretch before your run. It doesn't prevent injuries and it makes you weaker. Switch to a dynamic warmup instead.Flexibility and mobility are not the same. Flexibility is passive stretching; mobility is active, controlled movement. Runners need mobility.Stretch after your run, not before. Your muscles are warm then, which is the right time to gently work on long-term flexibility.Timestamps[00:22] What You'll Learn[01:08] What Is Flexibility vs Mobility[02:16] Why We Started Stretching Pre Runs?[03:17] What Should You Do Instead of Static Stretching?[04:45] Use This to Warm Up the Smart Way[05:33] What About Post-Run Stretching?[07:44] What the Science Says[08:39] Why Runners Need Stiffness, Not Looseness[10:25] Use This to Warm Up SmarterLinks & Learnings Get your free warmup the smart way training plan - https://dlakecreates.com/warmupfree Listen, read and learn more here- https://dlakecreates.com/stretchingThe 7 Minute Run Warm-Up That Actually Works - https://dlakecreates.com/warmupInstagram – https://instagram.com/dlakecreatesStrava – https://www.strava.com/athletes/120507 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10m 55s  ·  Feb 3, 2026

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