The Importance of Stretching Before a Mud Run

Mudruns like the Spartan Race, Warrior Dash and the Camp Pendleton Mud Run are not for the faint of heart because they are designed to push your fitness to the next level. It is important to stretch before a mud run, as well as afterwards to lower your risk for injury. Learn to stretch your muscles before any kind of endurance or strength-building activity.

Stretching is an often neglected aspect of fitness training. It is not as exciting as lifting weights and not as stimulating as an endurance event. Since many athletes consider it boring, they are inclined to skip it. However, stretching plays a vital role in any fitness program.

Benefits of Stretching

According to Mayo Clinic, stretching provides seven essential benefits to an athlete:

1. Increased flexibility
2. Improves joint range and movement
3. Can decrease muscle soreness and increase blood flow
4. Recover from injuries more quickly
5. Relive stress
6. Better coordination, grace and dexterity
7. Enhanced posture

Tips to Remember When Stretching

• Hold each stretch for one minute. Initially, you may only be able to stretch for 30 seconds, but gradually learn to hold the stretch for increasingly longer periods of time.
• Avoid ballistic movements. Stretching is a slow, gentle and progressive movement. It is not an exercise that requires jerky movements. Bouncing increases the risk of micro tears in the muscle.
• Forget the no-pain, no-gain attitude that might work for weight-lifting. Stretching calls for a completely different philosophy. Be gentle, relaxed and don’t push your limits. In time, you will be able to stretch further.
• Remember to breathe fully and deeply thorough stretching. Be sure to stretch both sides of your body equally. Stretch before and after an activity to cool down.