Do you stretch before and after you run?

I normally stretch after but not before, which I think is one reason I'm having shin splint issues. I've started (today :D)doing calf and shin stretches and exercises so hopefully they won't be a problem this year when my mileage starts to add up.

I understand stretching before a run is generally frowned upon unless one has already warmed up a little bit. It's basically akin to trying to stretch rubber bands right after you pull them out of the fridge.

If I stretch before a run, I usually walk a bit or jog maybe 5 minutes and then do the stretch.

Current theory is to NOT stretch before exercise. Warm-up, which can involve what some people may categorize as "gentle stretching", but is really just bringing blood flow and awareness to the muscle groups that will be used.

What is your current routine before running?

I stretch. I don't do a lot of stretching before, but I have very tight calf muscles, so I do tend to try and stretch those more. Like Lani said, I usually do a warmup first. Lately I've been using my Stick, and that seems to help.

I've been trying to integrate this stretching program (http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-263-266-11461-0,00.html) into my routine, although I find it difficult to figure out some of the stretches.

It really depends on what time of the day that I run as to how my prerun routine is. If its first thing in the morning, I try and warm up for maybe 5 min and then stretch. If its at night then I usually don't stretch, since my legs are already a little loose.

I have tight calf muscles too, so I tend to spend more time on them.
My current calf/shin stretches that I've been doing every morning since Thursday seem to be helping a lot. I ran 5 miles Saturday (in the heat of the day :eek:) and my calfs/shins didn't hurt at all and were very loose. I think I might have figured this thing out.

I use to have major problems with shin splints. What I found works best for me is before I start to warm up I trace the entire alphabet with my feet, from a sitting position both legs at the same time. I still have some pain at times but much better than I use to. Sometimes it helps to do some short jobs after warming up instead of going right into walking fast. I hope this helps

I use to have major problems with shin splints. What I found works best for me is before I start to warm up I trace the entire alphabet with my feet, from a sitting position both legs at the same time. I still have some pain at times but much better than I use to. Sometimes it helps to do some short jobs after warming up instead of going right into walking fast. I hope this helps

I tried this yesterday and it really helped. Thanks for the advice! :D