Once again , new study supports what I have always advocated an active warmup like drills or running ~5 minutes at 60% effort prior to a workout or run. If you stretch, try after your run.

 Journal of Athletic Training 2012:47(1):5-14
© by the National Athletic Trainers' Association, Inc
www.nata.orgljat
original researCh.
Acute Lower Extremity Running Kinematics
After a Hamstring Stretch
Autumn L. Davis Hammonds, MS, ATC*; Kevin G. Laudner, PhD, ATCt;
Steve McCaw, PhDt; Todd A. McLoda, PhD, ATCt
*Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN; tillinois State University, Normal
Context: Limited passive hamstring flexibility might affect
kinematics, performance, and injury risk during running. Preactivity
static straight-leg raise stretching often is used to gain
passive hamstring flexibility.
Objective: To investigate the acute effects of a single session
of passive hamstring stretching on pelvic, hip, and knee
kinematics during the swing phase of running.
Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial.
Setting: Biomechanics research laboratory.
Patients or Other Participants: Thirty-four male (age =
21.2 ± 1.4 years) and female (age = 21.3 ± 2.0 years) recreational
athletes.
Intervention(s): Participants performed treadmill running
pretests and posttests at 70% of their age-predicted maximum
heart rate. Pelvis, hip, and knee joint angles during the swing
phase of 5 consecutive gait cycles were collected using a motion
analysis system. Right and left hamstrings of the intervention
group participants were passively stretched 3 times for 30
seconds in random order immediately after the pretest. Control
group participants performed no stretching or movement between
running sessions.
Main Outcome Measure(s): Six 2-way analyses of variance
to determine joint angle differences between groups at maximum
hip flexion and maximum knee extension with an a level
of .008.
Results: Flexibility increased between pretest and posttest
in all participants (F1,30 = 80.61, P< .001). Anterior pelvic tilt
(F1,30=0.73, P=.40), hip flexion (F1,30=2.44, P=.13), and knee
extension (F1,30=0.06, P=.80) at maximum hip flexion were
similar between groups throughout testing. Anterior pelvic tilt
(F1,30=0.69, P=.41), hip flexion (F1,30=0.23, P=.64), and knee
extension (F1,30 =3.38, P= .62) at maximum knee extension were
similar between groups throughout testing. Men demonstrated
greater anterior pelvic tilt than women at maximum knee extension
(F1,30=13.62, P=.001).
Conclusions: A single session of 3 straight-leg raise hamstring
stretches did not change pelvis, hip, or knee running kinematics.
Key Words: straight-leg raises, flexibility

should you cut out stretching before running?

Does pre-exercise static stretching inhibit maximal muscular performance? New study indicates yes. I have always advocated an active warmup like drills or running ~5 minutes at 60% effort prior to a workout or run. If you stretch, try after your run.

Scand J Med Sci Sports 2012:

Review
Does pre-exercise static stretching inhibit maximal muscular performance? A meta-analytical review L. Simic1, N. Sarabon2, G. Markovic1 1Motor Control and Human Performance Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia, 2Institute for Kinesiology Research, University of Primorska, Science and Research Center, Koper, Slovenia Corresponding author: Goran Markovic, Motor Control and Human Performance Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Horvacanski zavoj 15, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. Tel: +385 1 3658 606,
Fax: +385 1 3634 146, E-mail: gmarkov@kif.hr Accepted for publication 3 January 2012 We applied a meta-analytical approach to derive a robust estimate of the acute effects of pre-exercise static stretching
(SS) on strength, power, and explosive muscular performance.
A computerized search of articles published between 1966 and December 2010 was performed using PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases. A total of 104 studies yielding 61 data points for strength, 12 data points for power, and 57 data points for explosive performance met our inclusion criteria. The pooled estimate of the acute effects of SS on strength, power, and explosive performance, expressed in standardized units as well as in percentages, were -0.10 [95% confidence interval
(CI): -0.15 to -0.04], -0.04 (95% CI: -0.16 to 0.08), and -0.03 (95% CI: -0.07 to 0.01), or -5.4% (95% CI:
-6.6% to -4.2%), -1.9% (95% CI: -4.0% to 0.2%), and -2.0% (95% CI: -2.8% to -1.3%). These effects were not related to subject’s age, gender, or fitness level; however, they were more pronounced in isometric vs dynamic tests, and were related to the total duration of stretch, with the smallest negative acute effects being observed with stretch duration of _45 s. We conclude that the usage of SS as the sole activity during warm-up routine should generally be avoided.

Mercy Wild Run

Mercy Wild run will be held May 5, 2012.

Mercy invites you to be a part of the Mercy Wild Run - Saturday, May 5, 2012!

ABOUT THE EVENT:
The event offers 3 races -
5K Run
10K Run
Kid's Fun Run (children ages 4-10)

RACE DAY SCHEDULE:
6:30 - 7:30 a.m. Registration/Packet Pick-Up at Sunset Zoo Main Entrance
7:45 a.m. 5K/10K Participants at Start for pre-race instructions
8:00 a.m. 5K/10K Runs Begin
8:45 a.m. Face Painting for Kids
9:10 a.m. Kid's Fun Run Begins
9:30 a.m. Awards Ceremony

REGISTRATION:
To register prior to the day of the race, return the 2012 Wild Run Entry Form (PDF) by mail to:
Mercy West Rehab
Attn: Amber Befort
315 Seth Child Road
Manhattan, KS 66502

RACE PACKET PICK-UP:
Packets can be picked up from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4 at Mercy West Rehab - 315 Seth Child Road. Packets will be available for pick-up the morning of the race also.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Registration for RoyalTracs5K begins at 7:30 AM, Race/Walk Begins at 8:30 AM.

Location: Northeast Community Park/Linear Trail, 680 Knox Lane, Manhattan, Kansas. This is an two loop course around the park. This is a Mixed Trail

- NO SPIKES.

For more information go to http://www.royaltracs5k.com/