Flexibility Issues (Read 463 times)

Like you, I've always been very inflexible--from the time I was a little kid. It's my primary weakness as a runner and the reason I'm injured now. I often let my frustrations with how much I suck at stretching keep me from stretching. Which is dumb. Don't be like that.

I am by nature inflexible as well, but I don't think, honestly, that it has affected my running much. I don't need to touch my toes when I'm running, after all. I do have to be very careful about not adding mileage too quickly, making sure I keep most of my miles easy, going very easy on speedwork . . . but these are good things to do, period, and I've always thought of them as being more about my biomechanics and strength imbalances than about my flexibility. Basically, I work on what I can work on: strength training, and running smart. I do regularly stretch after runs, because it feels good and I enjoy it. Over the years, I've tried working on improving my flexibility; sometimes I've tried quite hard. But I just can't make much progress on it. Because it doesn't seem to matter much with running, I've stopped worrying about it.

for as long as i can remember, each time i've ever tried to cross my legs whilst sitting down, i fall backwards and bang my head (this has resulted in at least 5 concussions, 2 of which required overnight hospital stays). I blame my attempts for doing so on the media who just glamorise flexibility weird thing is though, i can easily do the 'touch the toes' & 'clasp the hands behind the back' numbers, but crossing the legs just leads to a world of pain (on occasion leading to Vomitsville & double-vision). sadly it's all down to the fact my femoral's ain't alligned properly (i had Perthes disease as a kid). inflexibility sucks ass