Things You'll Need:
- comfortable clothing
- running shoes
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Step 1
Warm up. The goal of stretching before exercise is to lengthen and strengthen your muscles, not to damage them. Walk or jog for 5-10 minutes before stretching.
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Step 2
Some yoga practitioners/runners like to do a series of sun salutations to warm up. Sun salutations will stretch your arms, legs and side body. They can be done as fast or slow as you would like and are also a good way to raise your heart rate and warm up your muscles. (See links for instructions)
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Step 3
To stretch your hamstrings, start on all fours and place your right foot between your hands. Straighten your leg and bring your buttocks toward your heel. Folding your upper body over your leg is optional. Repeat on the other side.
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Step 4
Stand on your right leg and raise your left knee as high as you can. Hug your knee with both arms into your chest. Repeat on the other side.
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Step 5
Stand on the curb or on a step with the balls of your feet and lower your heels. Repeat several times.
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Step 6
Enjoy your run!
