I was able to get in a solid 16 mile long run this weekend – 3 miles alone, 7 with my friend Brooke, 4 with Marcus, and then the last 2 miles alone. I can usually handle marathon training runs by myself in the winter, but the mental strength of the summer calls for back up! I was so happy to have a couple awesome people to keep me company for some incredibly humid, gruelling miles. After I finished, all I wanted to do was stretch in the A/C, and cool off for a bit. Marcus came back in the house, and found me like this…
I’ve been having some issues with my right hamstring/hip area, and this stretch always tends to do the trick. I’ll put both legs up on the wall, and then let my left leg drop on the other side, as if I am just laying down. This really helps to isolate my hamstring and stretch it well, especially after my legs are fatigued from running for over 2 hours.
Another stretch that I really like to do is pigeon pose. It is the best way for me to get my hip stretched pretty well, and I can really feel the stretch in my butt – always a hard place to get!
I was attempting to stretch out my back a bit with cat, but that didn’t go so well. Winnie turned it into a game…
Her money shot, I know! I wish I knew the name of the next stretch, as I know there is a more technical term for it. I just call it ankle to knee, as I just cross my leg, and put one ankle on the opposite knee – pretty simple, right?
I do my best with that one to not round my back out too much. I feel the stretch significantly more in my hamstrings and glutes when my back is kept straighter. And I definitely like to get in a little stretching for my calves, and really try to elongate my muscles. It is amazing the effect that tight calves have on my body! They really crawl up my whole leg and leave them quite a bit more sore and fatigued than necessary.
The last stretch I like to get in before I wrap up my stretching is again, for my hips. I hold this pose for a bit longer, as I really feel my muscles need this one after long runs! Again, I have no idea the name of this! Any yogi’s want to help me out a bit?! Let’s not tear me up on my form – I know I need some work 
Are there any stretches that you like to do after you run for your hips, hamstrings, and lower back? Please share them with me! I need all the help I can get!
*** Remember, I am not a certified health professional (I only want to be , so please do your stretching at your own risk. ***
Pigeon pose is my absolute favorite! Both the normal version and lying on my back, which one of my yoga teachers likes to call “dead pigeon,” which really cracks me up. Legs up the wall is also fantastic for recovery! I’ve always heard the last pose just called a supine twist.
Post. Absolutely. ANYTHING?
Pigon pose!!!
There is one that is pretty “scandalous” as you really need a partner to do it. But, you basically lift your leg out and up and they press you leg back as far as you can comfortably take it. It feels great for the back of your entire leg. But, go slow as it can be dangerous! LOL. They use it in the NFL alot when the players are cramping on the sidelines.
pigeon pose is THE BEST!!
Apparently, there is a favorite among your readers! My first thought was pigeon pose! I just learned the correct way to do it that takes the stress off of my knee (by making sure your foot is flexed). I love it!!
Love all those stretches, although pigeon is my favorite.
Love all of those stretches! I am doing those after my elliptical cardio tomorrow thanks for sharing http://blog.starsystemz.com
I do the up-against-the-wall stretch after long bike rides. OUCH. So good! I’ve recently added pigeon pose but I need to do it more often.