Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon and Fun Runs

 MARATHON COUNTDOWN

Event Organiser
www.Swindon.gov.uk
Home | Contact Us |
Contact Us Event Charities Half Marathon Prize Money On Race Day Programme Preparing for Race Day Race Details, Course Maps and Gradient Profile Race Rules Races Within The Race Results Race Reviews 2011 Run England Runners Q & A's Training Preparation Training Advice Warming Up Cooling Down Road Closures Sandy Martin Fancy Dress Competition Sponsors, Partners & Media Partners Swindon Shin Splints The Right Gear Transport, Parking & Hotels Volunteers

Cooling Down

Why do I need to do a cool-down and stretch after my run?

Scientifically, we know it’s important, but nobody can agree on how much we need.

What we do know is that by gradually reducing the heart rate and finishing with a few stretches we assist the clearance of the accumulated bi-products of exercise (lactic acid, hydrogen ions, carbon dioxide) while controlling the dissipation of heat. We also know that stretching while the muscles are warm also helps the clearance of the bi-products, while giving muscles and tendons a bigger range of motion.

The harder you have been running, the longer the “cool-down” needs to be. The best way to cool-down is to ease down to a walk and keep walking until you have your breath back. Then jog lightly for five to ten minutes, followed by a couple of minutes of walking and lastly some light stretching.