why do pitchers run so much

[CanadianKid]

Running AFTER pitching is just as important as running before. It helps get the lactic acid out of the arm.

[R_MIOK]

Today when i was with my pitching coach he was telling me that Roger Clemens would run miles before he pitched. I was just curious why did he do this?

[EdmondsFan#1]

Alot of pitchers will run (long distance and sprints) because it builds Stamina, keeps them in shape, and it builds up leg muscle. Leg muscle (core strength) is important because your legs should be pulling your upper body through, and the more in pitching legs are the main source of power. The more power your legs have, the faster you will pitch.

I'm sure someone could give you a more scientific answer with all the words I cannot spell...

[R_MIOK]

Alot of pitchers will run (long distance and sprints) because it builds Stamina, keeps them in shape, and it builds up leg muscle. Leg muscle (core strength) is important because your legs should be pulling your upper body through, and the more in pitching legs are the main source of power. The more power your legs have, the faster you will pitch.

I'm sure someone could give you a more scientific answer with all the words I cannot spell...Yea, I understand that part but I was told he ran long distance DIRECTLY before he pitched.

[paul5150]

I doubt he ran that far right before pitching....just a little before pitching to get warmed up is normal though

[bbjunkie]

There are really two questions here. Why would he run just before pitching and why would he run for general conditioning.

First, you don't throw to warm up, you warm up to throw. Running is probably the most efficient way to do that. I'm certainly not a highly conditioned athlete, but being a long time runner, I can say that it takes a certain amount of running to enter the state where your top athletic performance becomes the baseline. It is sometimes called the "zone". Where everything slows down and your perception clears and becomes focused on the task at hand. I don't know how far Clemens runs, but it wouldn't surprise me if he needs to run a few miles to enter his zone.

Second, for cardio/pulmonary conditioning there is no more efficient exercise than running. If your joints tolerate the beating, its the way to go. Regular running 5-10 miles will keep those areas of your conditioning in top form.