SITE Nearing 200,000 hits.  It is incredible to think that this rag tag site has a possibility of going over 200,000 hits before years end.  Lord help us!!!  We are your children, we are runners, and we have no life.

 

ACUSHNET VOLUNTEERING:  If you are not running, and would like to help out at the race, let me know.  This will gain you 10 SES bonus points.  braunjh@comcast.net

 

Lynn V is stretching it out:

 

Hi JB –

 
I have been thinking about this for some time.  I seem to avoid stretching much like my husband avoids folding the laundry and making the beds.  I have come to realize, only after an injury in early July 2010, there are good reasons to stretch.  I was scared at the thought of not being able to run, especially when I was preparing for my first marathon. 

With two little guys at home, 4 1/2 and 1 1/2, it always seems that I was short on time for many things, but especially my runs.  I would often cut my stretching routine down to the bare minimum to give myself more time to run.  Looking back, this wasn’t such a great idea.  Spending a few minutes stretching, might have prevented me from my injury.  

Stretching isn’t as thrilling as lacing up your running sneakers and getting outside for a run, but it’s better than spending ones time in the chiropractors office 3 times a week and not being able to run at all.  I have come to realize that stretching regularly is one of the most important things I can do to protect my body from pounding the pavement.  I have also found that the benefits of a good stretch helps get the muscles ready, increases flexibility and their range of motion while reducing muscle soreness after running those long training runs.

The lesson learned - build stretching into a regular schedule both before and after daily runs — do a pre-run stretch after a warm-up run, since “warm” muscles stretch more easily.  Stretching slowly and stretching often will keep runners running for the long-term.   Just some food for thought.  Now if only I could get my husband to make the bed! J

Lynn V.

JB:  This be Lynn Vasconcelos who is in serious training with her side kick Gretchen Parmentier for a fall marathon.  She is right about the stretching, but you have to do it correctly, and not just some motions you go through to look good at a race.  There is tons of stuff written about the benefits of yoga and stretching.  Just do like Lynn says, and do it right.

Lynn?  What's this with the no bed making?   I got to renew my contract with Mrs. B.  Nah!  Maybe I'll wait awhile.