Stretching for Runners with Kara Goucher

I am stretching like a Pro with Olympic athelete Kara Goucher.  I downloaded the Nike Training Club for iPhone and the routines were great.  I felt better after a run.  While the app is designed for women, it benefits men too. Stretching after a run helps retain flexibility, speeds up recovery and reduces injuries.

Usually, I am not a big fan of stretching.  I’d rather eat and rest after a run.  But that is not a good practice. Experts suggest that runners perform a cool down stretch after a run.  I do simple stretches for the calves, thighs, shins and ankle.  These are the most vulnerable parts for me where I get injured.

After downloading the Nike Training Club app, I added more stretching routines for my post-run. One of the workouts from the NTC app is a dedicated for runners.  Kara Goucher’s  Pro Running Stretches is a 15 minute routine with 5 types streches.  Each stretch will be performed for 1-minute and for three repetitions.

The stretches are performed by no less than Kara Goucher herself.  She’s one of the top American long distance runner.  Her personal best for a marathon is 2:24:52.  That’s fast!

Kara Goucher Personal Best Times

3000 m: 8:34.99
5000 m: 14:55.02
10,000 m: 30:55.16
Half marathon: 1:06:57
Marathon: 2:24:52

Here are the 5 stretches that you can get from the Nike Training Club app.  The NTC app is available for both iOS and Android phones.  It’s for FREE!!!

Stretching for Runners

List of Running Stretches from NTC app

Hip Flexor

Triangle Stretch

Leg Swings

Supine Scorpions

IT Band Stretch

The stretching for runners from the NTC app are easy to follow.  First five doesn’t require any equipment.  The IT band Stretch requires a resistance band.  I don’t have one, so I use a towel instead to do the stretch.

You can get more info about the Kara Goucher Pro Running Stretches from the Nike Training Club app. NTC app is available for both iOS and Android phones.  It’s for FREE!!!