Cramps. Pulls. Strains.

As many runners in Portland likely already know, the often-cold, always-fun Portland Shamrock Run was last Sunday, drawing a crowd of over 30,000 people. Bands were playing, babies crying, people shouting and wearing tutus – it was generally a scene of chaos and gaiety.

But you know what really puts a damper on all of that?

I’ll tell you: Cramps. Pulls. Strains.

All of which I had close brushes with a few days before the race, and narrowly avoided with some good stretching in the nick of time. Unfortunately, this is something lots of people don’t take the time to do.

Also somewhat unfortunately, stretching is really boring, so I’ve taken to getting my stretch on in a slightly more entertaining way: yoga. I know, I know … how original. But the long, slow poses are perfect for preventing injuries and keeping a runner’s body in fine form.

Though yoga is certainly an activity amenable to the home setting, Portland offers a wide variety of great yoga places, from Yoga Bhoga in Southeast to Yoga Pearl in … the Pearl. And if you’re budget conscious, keep track of the deals; they’re always being offered.

Either way, take time to figure out how to stretch and tone the legs (and entire body) you count on, not just for running but for life.