If you deal with stiffness after running, you’re not alone.

A professional long-distance runner knows how to stop it before it starts.

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No runner is immune to it, no matter how many miles theyve logged.

woman sweating in the gym

New York City-based Nike running coach

Later, at Northern Arizona University, she traveled with her team as a top-seven athlete.

Post-college, she became a professional triathlete, then kept running for fun.

Eventually, she wound up with the Olympic Trials achievement under her belt.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

And a huge part of taking care of herself is dealing with post-run stiffness head-on.

Post-run stiffness is the worst.

I get most stiff after long runs, marathons, or half marathons.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

The repetition of the exact same muscles and similar stride length with no break really makes me stiff.

Get your steps in every day

Rojas top tip to help combat stiffness is to walk it out.

But even a quick walk around your neighborhood can help get your blood pumping.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

New York City-based Nike running coach

That includesrolling out her feet with a lacrosse ball.

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Do some resistance band exercises

After a run, Rojas turns to resistance band exercises for some relief.

Do some strength training

Rojas is also a big fan of strength training.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

Evendoing a shorter strength training workoutfeaturing your favorite full-body exercises can be highly effective.

Walk barefoot

One of the best ways to cool down post-run is walk around barefoot.

Switch it up

Even if you love running, check that thats notallyoure doing.

Rojas says she cross trains to avoid running too many miles.

You could also try Pilates, yogareally anything that makes you feel good.

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