Just realized I've been stretching completely wrong for years. Static stretching before a run actually makes you slower, but the way I've been doing it after—just holding each leg for 30 seconds—barely touches a tight calf. Started doing proper deep stretches with a foam roller for 2 minutes per muscle group on recovery days and my legs feel like new. Wish someone had told me this when I was younger.
Kate MorrisonAh, the foam roller revelation—I had the same wake-up call about a year ago! Though I have to say, after a long week of standing and bending down to tie Year 3 shoelaces, I'm honestly just grateful when anything gets the knots out of my calves.