Should you stretch before a run? How about after? What's the deal with foam rollers and that “stick” thingie?
All of these are legitimate questions. And science doesn't really give conclusive answers.
I personally do not stretch. I occasionally use a rolling pin (in place of the expensive rollers you can buy from running stores) if I have an especially tight muscle. Instead of stretching, I prefer to warm up by doing whatever activity I'm about to do. For example, before running I walk the do a short, slow run. For ultras, I may just start the race with a walk.
I used to do extensive stretching before and after running, but I didn't see a significant benefit. It just took up more time.
I would recommend, like everything else, experimentation. Find a good stretching or rolling routine, do it for a few weeks, and see how you feel. If it improves performance, recovery, or you find it to be enjoyable, keep at it. If it doesn't do anything for you, drop it.
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