{"id":5114,"date":"2010-08-20T08:52:08","date_gmt":"2010-08-20T15:52:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/?p=5114"},"modified":"2010-08-20T08:52:08","modified_gmt":"2010-08-20T15:52:08","slug":"a-new-running-toy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/?p=5114","title":{"rendered":"A New Running Toy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Yesterday I teased about my new running toy. I am excited to incorporate it into my regular stretching\/foam rolling routine.<\/p>\n<p>I bought a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B0015RUVCE\/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&amp;pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&amp;pf_rd_t=201&amp;pf_rd_i=B001RJINM0&amp;pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_r=1JM0N8RE27PGA1MK6RAJ\">Calf Stretcher<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_28081.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5120\" title=\"IMG_2808\" src=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_28081-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_28081-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_28081-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_28081.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2817.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5121\" title=\"IMG_2817\" src=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2817-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2817-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2817-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2817.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>I received it on Thursday before I went to the pool and could hardly  wait to try it out.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2816.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5127\" title=\"IMG_2816\" src=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2816-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2816-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2816-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2816.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>There are so many different ways we can totally EFF our bodies up. Not stretching is the most common. And something that I definitely need to be better at.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/legmuscle.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5122\" title=\"legmuscle\" src=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/legmuscle.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"377\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/legmuscle.gif 300w, https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/legmuscle-238x300.gif 238w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>You can tell if you aren&#8217;t stretching enough. The obvious signs are tightness, soreness and pain when working those muscles. If something is painful, stop doing it and find out why.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/prostretchmain.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5123\" title=\"prostretchmain\" src=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/prostretchmain.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/prostretchmain.jpg 180w, https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/prostretchmain-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/a>I&#8217;ve heard a lot of good things about calf  stretchers and how they are a MUST for runners&#8211;really, for anyone that  works out.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">It&#8217;s used to prevent AND treat plantar faciitis (inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">It stretches the lower leg and foot.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">It stretches the hamstrings and Achilles Tendon.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">It can also treat lower back pain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">It can treat and prevent: ankle sprains, cramping calves, and hamstring pulls.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">It improves lower extremity strength, balance, flexibility and stability.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2812.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5124\" title=\"IMG_2812\" src=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2812-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2812-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2812-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2812.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>The brochure recommends it for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">Swimmers<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">Runners<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">Football players<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">Recreational athletes<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">Gymnasts<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">Professional athletes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2815.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5125\" title=\"IMG_2815\" src=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2815-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2815-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2815-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2815.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a>The brochure recommends that you wear tennis shoes\/running shoes when using the Calf Stretcher. The above photos were taken when I first unwrapped the stretcher. I was too excited to try it!<\/p>\n<p>The brochure also comes with a ton of exercises to stretch the various parts of your leg. I&#8217;m looking forward to reading them and trying them all. I hope to see an improvement in my legs. Here are the names of some exercise:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Gastrocnemius or &#8220;Gastroc&#8221; Stretch: stretches the upper, bulky part of the calf that attaches to the knee.<\/li>\n<li>Soleus and Achilles Tendon Stretch: stretches the smaller of the two calf muscles which connects underneath the &#8220;gastroc&#8221; and attaches to the Achilles Tendon.<\/li>\n<li>Hamstring Stretch<\/li>\n<li>Plantar Fascia Stretch: stretches the connective tissue along the bottom of the foot.<\/li>\n<li>Anterior Tibialis Stretch: stretches the muscle found on the front of the lower leg.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2811.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5129\" title=\"IMG_2811\" src=\"http:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2811-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2811-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2811-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/08\/IMG_2811.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Why don&#8217;t you stretch? I don&#8217;t do it nearly enough as I should because it&#8217;s slow. After a run, I&#8217;m amped up and it&#8217;s hard to sit still long enough to stretch. I&#8217;ve been doing much better lately!<\/p>\n<p>Stretching increases the length of muscles and  tendons&#8211;which improves flexibility and range of movement. This means limbs and  joints can move farther which improves your performance. And reduces your risk of injuries!<\/p>\n<p>Other benefits of stretching include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reduced muscle soreness after workouts<\/li>\n<li>Improved posture<\/li>\n<li>Reduction of lower back pain<\/li>\n<li>Increase blood and nutrient flow to tissues throughout the body<\/li>\n<li>Improved coordination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>QUESTION: Do you use a Calf Stretcher? How does it make you feel and has it improved your flexibility?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Yesterday I teased about my new running toy. I am excited to incorporate it into my regular stretching\/foam rolling routine. I bought a Calf Stretcher! I received it on Thursday before I went to the pool and could hardly wait to try it out. There are so many different ways we can totally EFF our [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[224,260],"tags":[1388,1385,1386,1387,8707,8730],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5114"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5114"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5114\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5140,"href":"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5114\/revisions\/5140"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5114"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5114"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.110pounds.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5114"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}