"To stretch or not to stretch this is the question. Whether it is better to be warm not pulling muscles or relieving aching thighs." -William Shakespeare

It doesn't take a rocket scientist (or a sixteenth century playwright for that matter) to understand the importance of stretching as it pertains to running. It does however require at least some knowledge to know when, why, and how to stretch.

Athletes and Athletic Trainers have different views. Ask 10 people and you're liable to get 10 varied answers.

From what we have read it is better to do both. Stretch or warm up slowly before running. Allow your muscles to warm up before hitting them with a several minute to several hour pounding. How would you like it if someone jerked you out of bed in the morning and made you start working without your morning cup of joe?

Be sure to let your leg muscles calm down after running try to go from a Run to a walk for a few minutes at the end. This will partially cool down your muscles. Ever get done running and you can still feel your leg muscles firing? Let your muscles cool down for 20-30minutes or in a cool shower then do your stretches.

Here are some stretching tips from About.com

Stretching Do's and Do Not's

Do..

• warm up thoroughly first
• ease into a stretching routine
• only static stretches (slow, rhythmic movement)
• pay attention to your breathing (take deep belly breaths)
• make stretching a habit
• relax
• listen to your body

Do Not..

• hold your breath
• bounce
• force a stretch
• hold painful stretches
• stretch injured muscles
• hurry through your routine
• compete

(Source)

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