I never knew the importance of stretching until I started training for the Brooklyn Half Marathon
I am running both the Brooklyn Half Marathon and New York City Marathon this year. I never knew or understood the importance on stretching until visiting Stretch Zone
Jailene is a TV and Showbiz Reporter for The Mirror US. She is passionate about all things entertainment and pop culture, including Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, fashion and award shows. Prior to joining the Mirror US, Jailene worked at Hearst Connecticut as a statewide trending reporter and at WTNH as an assignment editor and digital producer. When she is not working, you can catch her singing her heart out at a concert or traveling.
Many people decide to do something extravagant before they turn a certain age. I said I wanted to do something I never thought would come out of my mouth, I wanted to run the New York City Marathon.
Before getting the email that I was selected to run one of the world majors on November 2 via lottery, I ended up signing up for the New York Road Runner Brooklyn Half Marathon on Saturday, May 17 and raised money for a charity. Never in my life did I think I would be running for two big races, let alone run in general.
I started training around January with many trainers and coaches emphasizing the importance of stretching before and after a run. Dynamic stretching is what a runner would want to do BEFORE they start their run and it prepares the body for the activity, increases flexibility and range of motion. Stretching after running offers numerous benefits, like improved flexibility, faster recovery and reduced muscle soreness. Both stretches, most importantly, will help prevent injuries.
I visited Stretch Zone in Darien, Connecticut to receive a stretch from Kam, who also went into full detail on the importance of stretching. He explained to me that getting a stretch from a professional rather than doing it on your own is very important for a runner and recommends to get one done at least once a week or after a long distance run.
When I ran my first five miles at Prospect Park, which is known for its sneaky hills, I did not only wear the wrong shoe but I ended up hurting my knee in the process. I have since changed my shoe and started incorporating certain stretches to my routine. I explained everything to Kam, which helped guide him on the kind of stretches that had to be done to help with release and range of motion.
At Stretch Zone, you are laid on a table with blue straps that helps the practitioner with an extra set of "hands". When laying down on the table, Kam said: "You have four jobs: we want you to breathe, relax, visualize (have that mind body and connection), and communicate the intensity scale."
The intensity scale us broken into 3, 5 and 7. Each numbers establishes a baseline for the stretch while making sure the body reacts well to the intensity. Kam explained: "3 is going to be a light stretch, 5 is a moderate stretch and 7 is a deep stretch with no discomfort. Emphasis on no discomfort because we want you to feel good with your stretch."
Kam provided one of the best stretches I have ever received. He made sure to communicate with me on each stretch and why we were doing them after providing all the information during our consult. I felt lighter, more mobile and relaxed.
I ran my long distance run the day after and felt no pain or discomfort. If anything, I was more in tune with my body and felt like I could have kept going.
I was that student in high school that almost failed gym because she hated getting sweaty or doing any physical activity. Now, I am here worried about getting hurt before running one of the two big races in my life.
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