“Keep Calm and Stretch On”
For my Fargo-area peeps, this is the week you’ve been waiting for – it’s Fargo Marathon week! I’m so excited; this is one of my favorite weeks of the year and has been for the past 10 years I’ve been running.

Stretching does the body – and mind – good.
Last week, I gave some pre-race tips and, in the spirit of Fargo Marathon just days away, shall do the same this week. Being that the days leading up to a race should focus on giving your body a break and staying mentally fit, this week, it’s all about one of my favorite topics: stretching.
I’ve shared my love of stretching on this blog many times and now I have a chance to again via one of my favorite past entries. Because stretching is so important, I invite you to read my 5 Essential Stretches for Runners. And, most importantly, take the time this week to stretch. I mean it; no more excuse of, “I don’t have time to stretch.” Make time! Most runners are tapering so I promise 5-10 minutes of post-cardio stretching is something you have time to do. And, mentally, stretching is so good for you too – crucial for the week before a big race.
Okay, I think I made my point so onto bigger things: Good luck to all Fargo Marathon runners! I’ll be out there Friday night as a wheelchair runner for Ainsley’s Angels, and again Saturday in a bright blue top and holding my big ole 2:05 pacer sign. So if you see me, say (actually, yell) hi. Better yet, come run with me!
Do you have questions about stretching or just pre-race week in general? Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or tweet me @runlikeagirl311 on Twitter.
As always, if you like this post and think other runners would too, please share it on Facebook or Twitter.