I finally updated my GEAR PAGE!!!! It only took me 3 years;) I have included my favorite (with links) RUNNING GEAR, SHOES, CLOTHING, FUEL, BLOGGING STUFF, BOOKS & MOVIES and BIKING GEAR. Check it out!!! I am very passionate about my favorite running stuff.
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A reader asked me the other day about my favorite post-run stretches. Here they are!
1. This is my absolute favorite stretch ever. Reasons for this one being my favorite: Brooke usually attacks me when I do it, I get to lie down and it helps stretch out my IT Band really nicely.
2. Pigeon Pose. This also feels so incredibly good because it is a great hip opener and it really stretches out my hip flexors which need a good stretching after a run.
3. Downward-Facing Dog. I have the world’s tightest hamstrings and so this stretches them out real nice. Plus, it feels good to get a little blood to my head after running for a while. Brooke really enjoys copying me.
–Runner’s Lunge. Another hip flexor stretch that I love. The hip flexors are what lift your legs up when you run so I love spending time stretching them after a run. Good thing my hair isn’t crazy sweaty;)
5. And all throughout the day I stretch my feet out because for some reason this training cycle they have decided to be crazy tight.
(I am sure the below photo is exactly what you were hoping to see this morning;)
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NIKI did it again. She is my most favorite photographer.
This child of mine. I will share the rest when I get the disc!
I snapped this one with my phone:)
We were both starving by the time we finished and there was no time to do anything but get our favorite meal in the entire world from Cafe Rio.
PS why am I so obsessed with clothing that has little animals on it?!
Once Brooke went down I had a date with the show Extreme Weight Loss and some fruit snacks. I had to try both packs to see which one is better… turns out they are the exact same.
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What are your favorite post-run stretches? How often do you stretch after a run?
Anything on your body really tight lately? Anything hurting?
What is your go-to restaurant?
Share some of your favorite running gear lately with us!!!
96 comments
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
I do almost all the same stretches!! :)
I have been a panera bread addict lately
Great photo shoot of Brooke. She is getting so grown up. Love the yellow and black.
Hollie
I always loved to stretch my calves on the stairs post run. It is really nice to stretch those out when needed. That being said I’m not running now so I don’t have any post running stretches ha ha.
Hurting on me right now…hahaha not muscle related of course. My favorite workout gear is pretty similar to you I guess, I’ve been working out and just walking in the glycerins as we as the asics nimbus which I have no complaints about.
That photo of Brooke is absolutely stunning. I know me (as well as everyone else) can’t wait to see the rest!
Karien @ Running the Race
Stunning, stunning picture! Can’t wait to see the rest!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I do most of the same stretches except no lunge and I add a good old fashioned straddle stretch to loosen everything up.
My husband loves the extreme weight loss show but I just can’t love it, then again I’m not into reality tv at all!
Nothing currently hurting but my right outer hip has been the first thing to get tight lately so I’m on top of it.
The pictures of Brooke are gorgeous!
Sarah @ KS Runner
I’ve always been really bad about stretching after (um…or before) I run. It’s catching up to me now and I’ve been having some issues with my hip flexors. So thanks for the stretches. I do love doing pigeon though!
Lately I’ve been craving anything Italian – all the time!
I’ve been loving all the new stuff that Oiselle has been coming out with lately. Their tanks are great and I love their Roga shorts.
Sana
I can’t wait to see the rest of the pictures! Brooke is the cutest!!!
Flower
I am addicted to my spibelt even after 4 years, best purchase ever. I think everyone should own a spibelt!
Ashley @ KickAshMom.com
My daughter is obsessed with those fruit snacks. You should see the Elsa dress my sister in law made for her daughter. It’s adorable
Fun Fit Girl
Brooke’s picture is better than my senior portraits – just putting that out there.
Some favorite gear right now would be my bright pink trigger point foam roller, my Newton Kistmet and my foot rubz ball.
Also, I thought you would like to know in my house, we buy gummies in bulk. yes, it is completely necessary
Linda @ Running4two
I cannot wait to see the rest of your pictures!!!!
Thanks for the stretches, my hamstrings and glutes have been super tight lately.
Erica { EricaDHouse.com }
Love all those stretches (especially the first with my chronically tight IT band.)
Amanda @ Positively Amanda
I always try to stretch everyday after I run. My calves seem so tight lately so that is what I have been focusing on stretching
Gracie
I just bought a stretching strap and I really like it. My joints are pretty flexible, so it takes a pretty extreme stretch to get into the muscles. The strap helps you safely get to that endpoint.
Desiree @ RunSmiling
Thanks for the stretches! I always forget about the pigeon pose and I love that one. I also like for my hamstrings the one where you lie on your back and have one leg on the air and loop a belt around your foot and while keeping both legs straight gently pull your leg towards your body (I hope that made sense)- feels so good!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
I love my Saucony shoes. I don’t know what I’d do without them.
Brooke’s pictures are going to be great!
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
I have to stretch after every run or I really feel it. I do your favorite pose (and have a similar picture with my nephew tackling me while down!), the pigeon pose, wall calf stretch, butterfly pose, a half-spinal twist (or a supine spinal twist), and leg pendulum stretch (side to side and then front to back), and hamstring stretch with legs up the wall.
My right glute is tight. It has been for months now off and on. Every time I go in for a massage, she works both of them and I die.
My go-to restaurant is Chipotle! Yum! I could eat it everyday. Except for the one in my city. It’s no good. I have to go to one in another city.
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
(Hit submit before finising my comment!)
Love, love, love the new picture of Brooke! Beautiful!
Laura @ Live, Run, Sparkle
That pic of her is so pretty!!
I really get tight calves after runs or workouts these days so I like to stand really close facing a wall and tilt my toes up to be on the wall, heels on the floor, and push myself closer to the wall. It leaves me with an amazing calf stretch :)
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
My go-to restaurant is always The Cheesecake Factory (or Red Mango in a pinch)…I do a lot of stretching now that I love Pure Barre and became obsessed with the technique and how I feel after the workout and the stretching. Right now my right hamstring is slightly tight so I make sure to stretch that real good.
Brynn
That picture is simply stunning. What a doll!
I love pigeon pose for a great stretch!
Katie
wow beautiful pics! Can’t wait to see the rest… I love her dress colors.. mustard yellow=my fav!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
Those pictures!! She could seriously be a model.
I love all those stretches that you shared…my hips are always tight. But I actually find that sometimes stretching can aggravate things so I need to be careful. I have found that my best bet is usually the foam roller.
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog
OHMYGOSH THOSE PICTURES!! Those are STUNNING! Gah she is so stylin’.
My hip flexors get crazy tight too, I do pigeon a lot, but I forget about runners lunge!
My go-to restaurant lately is Chick-fil-a, I love their wrap for when I’m being “good” and their nuggets when I’m indulging ;)
Susan
I love stretching! I have actually been told I am not allowed to stretch my hamstrings anymore. They feel tight but they are actually over stretched. Also, for now, I can’t do pigeon pose because I am working on my hip alignment in PT. So, I do quads, hip flexors, calves, back and chest. I am glad my PT knows my body because I was kind of making my issues worse with stretching…
kristin @ W [H] A T C H
that’s a great set of stretches. i feel like i need a better post-run stretching routine.
Renae @ MissFit Mixed Chick
All of those stretches look like something I need to be doing every day. I have the world’s tightest muscles. I don’t know why I don’t do yoga.
Janelle
Hey Janae, Peanut Butter Fingers posted something that I think you’ll highly enjoy today! Here’s a hint… apple fritters.
http://www.pbfingers.com/2014/09/03/healthy-doughnut-recipes/
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
I do a lot of calf stretches for my feet as well as roll them on a smaller version of a foam roller with nudges on it. It’s freezable too and feels so good on my feet. Got it at Target. It does wonders for the feet. I never realized how important stretching was until I got injured. Before that, I rarely stretched. It was always the one thing I skimped on. What kind of headphones do you like? I need a new pair and looking for something wireless.
Maria
your daughter is adorable! Pigeon pose is hands down my favorite post-running stretch.
Kathleen
My calves sound like your hamstrings, they are so tight! We I go get a massage all masseuses are shocked at how tight they are!
Amanda
My calves are BEYOND tight too! I’m getting my first sports massage on Monday, I hope it helps!!!!
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
The pigeon and runner’s lung feel great after a run, I also like anything with my feet up in the air because I tend to carry stress in my low back.
My go-to restaurant lately with my kiddos is Taco Bell ;)
Some of my fav running gear is the C9 premium stuff at Target, love their bras, socks, and shorts. I really like Lulu tanks and tights. I just tried my first pair of Asics (Gel Pursue – http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-GEL-Pursue-Womens-Lightning-Purple/dp/B00LNI0XCS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409750496&sr=8-1&keywords=asics+gel+pursue) and I am totally in love.
Brianna @ I run He tris
What a beautiful picture! She’s precious. My feet have been really tight lately, too. They have never given me a problem before and all of a sudden in the last few weeks they started hurting/tightening. One of my favorite stretches is the first one you showed. My favorite running gear are Nike clothes, mizuno shoes, sweaty bands headbands, jaybirds, and Moving Comfort bras!
Kristine
Those pictures of Brooke are beautiful! She is too cute for words!
I ate two bags of fruit snacks last night too :)
I’m super bad about stretching. My run is usually on my lunch break so I’m limited with time. I have to get better about that!
Jennifer
I am the worst about post run stretching, but I do stretch before bed every night. J Alexander’s is my go-to restaurant. I love their veggie burger!!
Gwynn
I always stretch after a run/workout. Always. Favorites are the splits and pigeon pose.
My feet are tight too!
Go-to restaurant is Chipotle.
My favorite running gear would have to be my running shoes Asics GT-2000 2. I love them for my personal foot type (mainly neutral) because they are so comfortable.
Beks
I need to be better about stretching after running. I’m in the beginning stages of the 10k trainer by Zen Labs, but stretching after my workouts would probably be for the best.
Shawna
Brooke is SO gorgeously adorable! that pic of her is incredible. you’re a blessed mama for sure. ahhh i’m the worst about post-run stretching, mainly bc i run in the am and barely have enough time to shower before running back out to bike to work. i need to build more margin into that but of course i sleep til the very last second before having to run…sigh. consequently, my legs are often hurt and right now i have some tendonitis/shin splint combo going on…bummer.
Amanda
My calves are SO tight lately. Possibly on the verge of exploding (because I’m never dramatic). I’m trying out my very first sports massage next week to see if it helps!
Favorite post-run stretch is when I lay on my stomach and my little sister punches my calves. She accepts payment in the form of chocolate chips. Its a win-win if ya ask me =).
Brooke = too cute. OMG.
Caroline @ The Little Things
My calf muscles are so incredibly tight right now, and I’m not so much of a fan of it. I do all the stretches you talked about here, and am definitely a fan of them.
Lauren @ The Foodie Runner
I always have to stretch after my runs or I will be crazy tight/sore for the next run. I love pigeon pose too because it really targets where I’m the most tight!
My new favorite piece of running gear is my Garmin Forerunner 620 – it is Ah-mazing! :D
[email protected]
i love these stretches..my hamstrings have been so tight lately its ridiculous!!
That pic of Brooke is gorgeous! My, she is growing up quickly, its crazy!
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl
I am SO in love with my Bottleband lately!! It makes it super easy to grab water to carry on your run :)
Sena
Thank you for sharing the stretches! I am GUILTY of not stretching enough (read: at all) after I run. I need to incorporate these YESTERDAY!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
my calves are always so tight!!! drives me crazy…
Sarah C
Where did you get those jammies? I need a pair…obviously…:) And I need to buy a pair for all of my cousins too. Can you tell I’m a little fox crazy?
Everything on me is tight…I should take time to stretch more, but with two littles it’s hard to squeeze that in at the end of a workout.
Laura
What a stunning photo.
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Laura
Ooh I love this! I’m training for a half right now and am so lazy about stretching post-run. I’m going to write these down and give them a whirl this afternoon. Brooke is seriously the cutest, I can’t wait to see the rest of the pictures. I wish they made that little fox shirt (dress?) in my size!
[email protected] Life Is Sparkling
I miss Cafe Rio SO badly. I need to come back to Utah just for their pork ;)
Beth
My piriformis has been really tight lately so I’ve been loving two yoga poses lately to stretch that area out: cow face pose and lord of the fishes pose. That photo of Brooke is fantastic–bet you can’t wait to get the rest of them back!
Christa @ Living Unbalanced
Frog pose is my favorite stretch…it hurts so good.
Stephanie
Sometimes I feel like you read my mind. I just WebMD’d (Thats a verb, right?) why my hip was hurting so badly last night… Thanks for the stretching tips!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
The pigeon pose has been my favorite lately. My feet have been super tight also – I keep stealing my puppy’s toy balls to roll my feet on!
Lately I’ve been loving my Garmin 10 and I’m waiting for the weather to cool down so I can wear some new running jackets I got from GapFit.
Kate
When I take the time to stretch (which is not as often as I should) I do all of these stretches. Note: for tight feet, roll the arch of your foot on a tennis ball — it really massages the muscles and gets them to relax. It hurts so good.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries
First up, that photo of Brooke!!! OH MY. Just adorable. Can’t wait to see more!
I love pigeon pose and runner’s lunge stretches a lot too. My hips seem to be pretty tight lately, so they always feel so good. A basic touch your toes hamstring stretch always feels great too.
Holly
I need to try the pigeon stretch, thanks! And can I get Brooke’s dress in my size? Adorable! My go-to restaurant is Punch Pizza in Minneapolis. It is the theeeee best!
Jasmine @ A cupcake for my thoughts
I do all of those stretches above, I also have really really tight hamstrings and I always feel like they’re so tight before I run. I went on a run the other day and I think I pushed way too hard (if that’s even possible) but my calfs were in so much pain, I could barely walk so I’m trying to find as many calf stretches as possible and do them every day! I desperately need to get better at stretching properly after a run, it makes such a difference!! Brooke is the MOST adorable toddler ever (besides my little sister, of course!!) her eyes are so so beautiful!!
Kristina @ Blog About Running
I love the runners lunge. After a long run there is literally nothing that feels better to me since my hips tend to get really tight on any runs that are in the double digits. Thanks for sharing your other favorites for the hip flexors, i’ll definitely try them out! :)
Brooke’s stripy dress is seriously so cute!
Emma @ Life's A Runner
Haha, I LOVE watching fitness shows and eating chocolate / ice cream. It’s like the people on the show are burning the calories for you! ;)
That picture of Brooke is breathtaking! Definitely can’t wait to see more. <3
Linda @ Fit Fed and Happy
Hip openers are great for runners and all other kinds of athletes. It’s also the most disregarded kind of stretch! I always end my practice with it.
Christina
I really need to do more pigeon pose. I normally do some dynamic stretches before a run not for very long just to get things awake. And I’ve learned instead of going right into my house i stay in the driveway and stretch after otherwise i walk inside and someone needs a piece of me and I won’t stretch (3 kids and a hubs).
Cute pic…gonna do a 6 miler while boys at school and daughter with grandparents but first laundry and dishes.
Christina
Forgot to say I watched that show last night and felt bad for him like he was def depressed and is going to regress. He needed you to give him an apartment makeover! Seriously his place was depressing and he was such a nice guy. Reminded me of Robin Williams all laughs and yet sad.
DontBlameTheKids
Go-to restaurant: Open City in Washington, D.C. Nothing beats blueberry pancakes for dinner! If you ever come this way, try it. It’s near the zoo, so it’s pretty popular for families.
Kristen
I’m currently nursing a case of tennis elbow. I don’t even play tennis:-(
My go-to restaurant is a new brewpub that opened in our town. They’re a CSB (like a CSA only with beer instead of veggies!) and we joined as mug club members early this year. Not only do we get a great discount on good small batch beer they have wonderful locally sourced food too!
Rebecca Jo
Cant wait to see the rest of the pics… you have such a BIG GIRL on your hands now!
Kris @ Canadian Girl Runs.
My favourite post-run stretch is exactly the one you are doing! My glutes are always my “problem zone” and the first thing to start to get sore when I haven’t rested enough/stretched properly/done enough squats :)
Kay
Thanks for the stretching tips! And I love Brooke’s outfit for the photo shoot!
Laureen @Peachylau
I love these stretches too!
Katie Did What
Okay, Brooke is such a little beauty!!! And I love you for adding Martha Stewart Cupcakes on your list of favorites.
xo
Leslie @ Life Begins @ 30?
I love that Brooke helps you stretch. So cute! I’m bad about stretching…I try to do a barre class during the week to help with stretching.
Nikki @ will run for pizza
Love that pic of Brooke! She looks like a lil baby model. And I LOVE pigeon pose lately. I’m bad at stretching but have really needed it lately. I’ve been dealing with plantar fasciitis this year, so stretching my feet has been an all day thing lately.
Ashley
I’ve never really wanted kids but seeing Brooke makes me reconsider my stance every single time because she’s so freakin cute I almost can’t handle it. She makes it seem like having a little kiddo around to hang out with would actually be pretty fun! You are one lucky girl (and vice versa)
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thanks so much Ashley!! I am so lucky to have her:) I hope you are having a wonderful day!
Melissa @ Mel's Miles
Your pictures are going to be beautiful! Can’t wait to see them :)
Kathryn @ Chicks Dig Running
Pigeon is hands-down my favorite running stretch! It just hurts soooo good when you have tight hips (as I have for what feels like forever). I have a few other favorite yoga poses that I use to stretch but unfortunately I have no idea what they are called so I can’t share. Basically yoga just makes my body happy!
My calves have been getting really tight lately, so I’ve been doing a lot of rolling with my The Stick. I’ve had that thing since high school and have been using it like crazy the whole time. Of course I love my foam roller too but The Stick is just the absolute JAM!
Favorite running gear lately has been my hats! It has been so sunny and hot out here and I feel so much better having my face shielded a bit from the sun. Plus I like to pull my pony through the back without a hair tie sometimes to cut down on friction-induced breakage (my hair is very high maintenance!). And of course, lots and lots of sunscreen! When is Fall going to come??
Lacey
do you know about broken toe pose? it is a great one for your feet! I sprained my foot a few years back and this was my rehab. here’s a pic:
http://www.yinyoga.com/ys2_2.0_asanas_toe_squat.php
The Hungry Runner Girl
Lacey! I can’t wait to start doing this! THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
Omg Brooke is too cute! Is it horrible I want to copy her outfit? haha I love the nautical stripes! ;p
Fiauna @ Read.Run.Radiate
Yay! I’m so excited you updated your gear page! I’m going to check it out right now.
I agree with you that Downward Facing Dog is the best post-run pose. I also like to do a Mermaid stretch. Feels soooo good.
Right now my feet are tight too. I stretch them several times a day and roll on a tennis ball. I’m also in the process of switching to a more cushioned shoe. Hopefully my plantar fasciitis with calm down before Big Cottonwood next week.
Cortney
I’ve been loving the new Beach Body program Piyo by Chalene Johnson. I do it right after a run when my legs are nice and warm and before tightness sets in. The best part is doing the workouts in the comfort of my own home! Amazing program for runners! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDUhT0DQQHY
http://www.beachbodycoach.com/COACHCRTNY
Your daughter is gorgeous.. those eyes!!! Wow!! My baby just started her sophomore year of high school yesterday! They grow up to fast!
I just ordered the Brooks Glycerin 12’s because of your review. Excited to try them!
Chelle @ Blogs Like a Girl
I love Extreme Weightloss! So much more emotional than the Biggest Loser.
The Silent Assassin
Love your post run poses. On your first pose, (stay in that position) if you scootch your butt up to a wall, it frees up your hands and then you can push down on your right knee…actually not push down, but push towards the wall… hopefully that makes sense. i can try to send you a pic later =)
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
Some of my favorite stretches as well!
Awks Irish Girl
Thanks for these, definitely going to give them a try after my next run! Especially pigeon pose, that’s a new one to me :)
Teresa
I have that same dress in Brooke’s puctures for my oldest daughter! Love it but we have to wait for it to cool off some down here before she can wear it.
Nessa
My favourite post run stretch is definitely my calves, they are super tight. I’ve noticed a big difference in my recovery time since I’ve started spending more time stretching and foam rolling after running.
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs
That photo of Brooke is too cute! What a sweetie :)
Courtney Henry
I love the color you have on your toes!! You don’t have “runner’s feet” at all lol
Leigha @ The Yooper Girl
Try doing downward dog and then taking one arm on the opposite leg’s ankle… such a good stretch!
Shandi
It’s like you read my mind! My IT band has been killing me lately!! Thanks for the tips!
Runwright
I love that Brooke joins you in stretches. Kids learn by copying their elders and she is learning some great, healthy habits from you. Kudos!
melissa
Janae, that picture of Brooke is too cute! Can you tell me where did you get her that dress?
thank you!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you!!!! It is from gap!
Amanda Olson
Atta girl stretching janae :) my quads have been really tight lately so I’ve been putting extra effort into them. Check out my post on 5 stretches for knee pain!
http://runningyourbody.wordpress.com/2013/07/27/on-5-stretches-for-knee-pain/
Christina M Williams
Pigeon pose is my absolute favorite. It releases something in me.