So yeah, I woke up today to see my Garmin dead. I freaked out and stabbed a man. Then, I decided to charge it and take short walk with Ben. When I got back I didn’t feel like running anymore. I felt like crying and punching someone. But, I decided a run would make me feel better, so I went for it. (If you can’t tell it’s TOM and I’m ridiculous today 🙁 it’s out of character and I thought I’d note it.)
I was supposed to do a speed session today, but I’m lazy. I did 2 1600s instead of 3. The first one was ROCKIN! The second was okay.
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Mile 1: 8:34
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Mile 2: 7:58 (walk break here)
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Mile 3: 8:05
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Mile 4: 8:34
Running Stretches – I often get asked about my favorite stretches and thought I’d share this lazy stretch I love. This is a good one for female runners because our IT Band and hips are often tight.
I sit in a chair and carefully cross my leg “boy style”. Then, I gently lean forward until I feel a stretch in my outer thigh. Be very careful not too tweak your knee here. 
Do both sides and note any differences in tightness between legs.
Ben says it’s looks like I’m meditating. Nope, I’m just dreaming about chocolate cake…
Question: What’s your favorite body part to stretch?
Mine is my stomach – I can’t wait to Thanksgiving to get my stretch on!
seriously when did IT band stretches become so fun?? i love feeling that tight muscle loosen up!
I do the figure 4 in yoga all the time. It feels so good!
Haha. My favorite stretch is like sprawling across the bed when my husband gets up to shower. It feels sooooooo goood!
I will definitely be adding this to my stretches! Pesky IT band allllways acts up!
I do that stretch all the time at work. I have had glute/ITband issues for a long time and that is one of the “feel good” stretches to get my arse to stop annoying me 🙂
Hmm, good stretch to add to me repertoire! I’ve been having some hip issues lately, so maybe this will help.
I LOVE stretching my legs. Seriously…love. I also like stretching my back, though it’s more like cracking it. Such a good feeling hahaha..especially in the morning!
That’s a good stretch. I forget about it so thanks for the reminder. 🙂 I would say stretching my hamstrings feels the best, they get so freaking tight!
runningtobeskinny.com
Ha ha! I was like how do you stretch your stomach?! That’s great!
My calves are always tight, so I like to stretch those!
I love hamstring stretches – just your basic bend over at the waist and stare at your kneecaps.
I dream of ice cream sundaes…..then I wake up and wonder if anyone’s been looking at my flat butt as I’ve been hinged over.
🙂
Stomach stretch – LOL. That’s hilarious. Are you this with your clients?
Sometimes I use the Runkeeper app as a backup, it seems pretty accurate.
I’ve been looking for a good stretching resource, because I don’t know what to call my favorite stretches. I often do a variation of the one you showed but I stand up and “air sit” holding a molding or doorway. One of my all-time favorite stretches is the one where you stand up, cross your legs and reach down to touch the the opposite hand to the opposite foot, then switch it up by recrossing your legs the other way.
I love the air sit too!
My favorite is my BUTT! I love the glute stretches, what can I say!?
How do you like your forerunner? I’m looking for a new gadget to help me with my training and I’m overwhelmed by the choices!
I like it, but I have nothing to compare it to.
My back! Or maybe my obliques. Actually… my glutes! Does a total body stretch count?!
Haha stupid Tom =/ Always ruining things! Loveee stretching my IT band and hips. My favorite.
Favorite stretch: Side bend. It always feels the best on my obliques and back!
Oh man, so i read this as “So yeah, I woke up today to see my Grandma dead.” and my heart like sank… glad it was just my sleepy eyes!
WHAT!? I am doing this stretch while catching up on blog reading (I mean working…) great minds!
I love stretching my hips, but I need to be better about stretching my calves. Or training my husband to rub them like a physical therapist would…
hahahaahaha I like the stomach stretch! I think today was a crap morning for everyone! I woke up in a sour mood too. Good for you going on a run. It was raining here & I am a coward & stayed in. My favorite place to stretch other than my belly is probably my hamstrings! Feels sooo good! Also shoulders. They need it a lot. Hope your day gets even better!
Lmao! I dream about chocolate too! Yuuuumm
I love to stretch my IT bands too…but also my neck and shoulder muscles…they get so tight sitting at a desk all day!
Hey I moved my blog…brand new and better, just got it up and running today!
…and of course I mention you’re blog with some regularity 🙂
http://www.christinjoyful.com
Good luck on the new blog!!
thanks! 🙂
My whole day was awful yesterday, until I ran. After 3 miles I felt like I had a totally different perspective. After today’s 5, I was able to make some choices and be at peace with other things.
I love stretching my IT bands!
My entire family of runners never stretches! Drives the group fitness instructor in me NUTS!
Just as you suggested, my hips are the worst. I use the stretch you demonstrated as well as pidgeon pose (from yoga).
And I hate getting to the gym only to find my iPod dead. I should hook it up in my car instead.
The Kidless Kronicles
Pidgeon is my favorite and hardest pose!
Me too! I still can’t do the full version, back knee bent, toe to head, hands up and over onto foot on head. GAH! Pigeon prep is enough for me!
My whole body while lying down and then I may or may not want to fall asleep on the floor…