In just under four weeks, I'll be in NH running my first race of 2010, the Big Lake Half-Marathon.  So, my weekend long runs are getting longer and will continue to do so for the next 2 weeks.  This weekend, my Sunday started with a 9-miler.  Today (Monday), my stiff calves are telling me that I probably did not spend enough time stretching them afterward! I'll definitely be putting more time and thought into my post-run stretching routine this week.

Knee1 has a very nice list of stretches (with video to guide you through them step-by-step).  Though many of these exercises are highlighted for post-surgical rehab, they really are appropriate for everyone. Stretching is listed as part of the treatment regime for all of the common running injuries listed in this feature story.  But that doesn't mean you should wait until you're injured to start stretching!  In fact, stretching and strengthening your leg muscles is a great way to avoid injury.  See this article and this article for details and suggestions.