Warm-Up Stretches for Running the Tesoro Viejo Spring Classic Half Marathon

The Tesoro Viejo Spring Classic Half Marathon is more than just a race — it’s an experience! You’ll run through scenic landscape, shaded trails, and rolling hills, surrounded by breathtaking views just minutes north of Fresno. With amenities like the Ranch House Clubhouse and a festive atmosphere waiting at the finish line, it’s a day to celebrate fitness and community.

Before you hit the starting line, proper preparation is key. This guide will cover the best warm-up stretches for running to help you perform your best and stay injury-free.

Why Warming Up is Essential for Participants

Warming up isn’t just a race-day ritual. It’s your first step toward a safe, successful run. Dynamic stretches and light movement get your blood pumping, improve circulation, and loosen muscles and joints, preparing your body for Tesoro Viejo’s dynamic terrain.

The Spring Classic Half Marathon course takes participants around the circumference of Tesoro Viejo, offering stunning views of lush green hills, vibrant wetland preserves, and the valley’s newest homes.

Most of the trails are unpaved and rolling, making a proper warm-up especially important for tackling the mild hills of the half marathon and 10K. For those in the 5K, the stroller-friendly paved paths provide a gentler option.

With trails that wind over bridges, through tree-lined lanes, and past the iconic Kissing Gate, your body will thank you for being prepared!

Dynamic Warm-Up Stretches to Try

Start with dynamic movements to raise your heart rate and activate key muscle groups, then transition to stretches that improve flexibility. Here's a sequence to get you race-ready for the Tesoro Viejo Spring Classic Half Marathon:

Step 1: Warm-Up Movements

1. Forward Skip: Engage your whole body with a skipping motion. Do 20-30 seconds per side.
2. Heel to Butt: Alternate pulling your heels up to your glutes while walking forward. Repeat 10-12 times per leg.
3. Knee to Chest: Pull one knee toward your chest as you balance on the other foot. Alternate sides for 10-12 reps.
4. Arm Circles: Stretch your shoulders with small, then large circles. Complete 10 forward and back.
5. Hip Rotations: Put your hands on your hips, rotating in both directions. Repeat 8-10 times.

These exercises increase circulation and mimic the motion of running, making them a great first step.

Step 2: Dynamic Stretches

Once your body is warmed up, dynamic stretches enhance range of motion and prepare your joints for the demands of running.

1. Leg Swings: Use a wall for balance, swinging one leg forward and back, then side to side. Perform 10-12 swings per direction per leg.
2. Modified Single-Leg Deadlift: Slowly hinge at the hips, extending one leg back while keeping the other planted. Alternate for 10 reps per leg.
3. Forward and Side Lunges: Step forward and into a lunge, then alternate stepping sideways. Complete 8-10 reps per side.
4. Mountain Climbers: Start in a plank position and drive each knee toward your chest in a rhythmic motion. Do 20-30 seconds.

Each stretch is designed to prepare your body for the specific challenges of the Tesoro Viejo trails. For more detailed instructions, check out this visual guide on warming up for a run.

Sign Up and Get Ready for the Tesoro Viejo Spring Classic

Mark your calendar for Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Madera, CA, and experience the Tesoro Viejo Spring Classic Half Marathon! Scenic trails, finisher medallions, hot cinnamon rolls, gender-specific tech shirts, and a lively festival with wine, beer, and music await. Plus, your participation supports the Tesoro Viejo Conservancy’s mission to preserve land, protect wildlife, and enhance access to the San Joaquin River. Register here!