Stretching & horses?

I don't normally stretch before running (I'm too impatient for that!)  I was thinking though that perhaps I should start trying to and see if it made any difference one way or the other since my calves like to be tight a lot.  I do stretch afterwards and usually before bed as well.  Anyway,the RW website had a blurb about a study for USATF trying to figure out how stretching effects runners.  We've all seen the countless articles that say it might injure you more easily or that stretching really does help and even the ones that say it's non-conclusive.

Why do I never stretch beforehand?  Well, it has to do with horses.  Yes, you read that right.  Back in the day (because I'm sooo old ;) haha) I attended a therapy clinic for rehabing horse injuries, helping them cool down after workouts, etc.  (If you're curious they can do assisted stretches.)   Anyway, the instructor said not to have your horse stretch cold due to the microfiber tears that it can cause and a bunch of other details I won't bore you with.  Go ahead and laugh but most of my pre and post workout routine I implemented from how I was taught to ride/observing the horses.  I just had no idea when I was younger that when I picked up running it would translate into my actual workout routine. 

Is your cackling over there done yet?  No, I'll wait....OK, good...while I was filling out the form and reminiscing about this I was secretly hoping to be put into the stretch group so I could see for myself if there was any difference.  Alas, I am in the no stretching group.  Ah well, at least I won't forget to do them.

So now that you all think I'm perhaps more weird than most runners we will switch gears....my fun weekend got indefinitely postponed, blah.  My long run didn't happen Sunday because I slept in.  Ooops.  I did it Monday though and everything went well.  I'm excited to start marathon training again soon!

Now, stop smirking. :P