Stretching Tips as You Prepare for Your Marathin

• Do not bounce-relax into the stretch. Ballistic stretching (bouncing) sets off a reflex to prevent the stretch
  
• Always use a slow gradual progression into a stretch
  
• Stretch the tight side first, spend equal time on both, unless there is an obvious difference
  
• Do not compare your flexibility to others
  
• Stretch to feel good-don't overstretch
  
• Stretch more than once a day
  
• Do not stretch supportive structures (i.e., ligaments)
  
• Know what you're stretching (i.e., basic anatomy)
  
• Relax other body areas while stretching a muscle
  
• Warm up and cool down should include stretching
  
• Use the force of gravity to increase the stretch
  
• Use breathing (exhale) to relax into a stretch
  
• Stretch before and after exercise
  
• Learn to control the area being stretched
  
• We change daily in our tightness
  
• Gauge the stretch by the way you feel at that time
  
• Do not lock the joint during the stretch
  
• Stretch twenty to thirty seconds at a time-increase the number of reps throughout the day
  
• Wear loose clothing to stretch in

Source: http://www.paulsethpt.com/articles/stretchingtips.html