3 Stretches You Must Do On Race Day

Most triathletes train extremely hard up until the week before their race then they taper down. Carb loading,lite bike rides and other moderate intensity activites complete the last week before the race.

Then the problems happen....

I've seen triathlete after triathlete throw all of their hard training down the drain all because their bodies started breaking down. To think that it all could of been prevented with a few simple stretches

1) Hip flexor stretch with twist

Not twisting to the opposite side makes the stretch completely different. This is because the hip flexor is attached to the low back and the low back must be turned to really pull on the hip flexor. Most triathletes have a problem with their running because their foot turns out when it lands.

While this isn't noticable it does affect your total time because it slows each step down. So next time you drop down to before a hip flexor stretch make sure that you twist to the opposite side of the hip you are trying to stretch

2) Hip rotator stretch

This is also known as the figure 4 stretch due to the position that your hips are in. Regardless of what you call it, it is a very effective stretch and must be done.

3) Hamstring stretch

Most people make the mistake of doing a typical hamstring stretch but the most effective version is done is your slightly shift your hip to the opposite side of the hamstring your are trying to stretch. This movement will increase the pull on the hamstring and get into it a lot deeper.