This is my daughters first year running track and she has potential, but she runs really tight and I would like to know of some techniques I could have her to to loosen up a bit. Any info would help. Thanks

Kate O'Neil

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This is a great question! Tight muscles make running much more difficult. I have certainly struggled with this over the years. I have had a lot of success with the Whartons' Active Isolated Stretching routine. You can see some of their products at this site.

http://www.whartonperformance.com/page7/page7.html

I recommend ordering their stretch book and buying a stretching rope. If your daughter starts stretching out with this routine, she should feel much better on her runs and be able to run faster. Stretching after her runs should help as well. Also, don't forget to stretch the upper body! I think a lot of us runners forget to do this because we are so preoccupied with our legs, but having a tight upper body can impede your stride.