Peoples opinion on stretching?

I am in my second week of C25K and obviously am just starting to make the runs slightly longer and I did my first run of the second week after I did a few stretches, but the day after my legs feel a bit tight.

I was just wondering do people here advocate stretches if so do you have any good guides that I could have a try of or have just a good warm down after I have finished the run.

Thanks for any input that will help my journey to becoming a competant runner!!

Stretching is absolutely very important. Have a look at this article:

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/staying-healthy/the-rw-complete-guide-to-stretching/484.html

Generally it's not recommended to do static stretches before you're properly warmed up. Stretching should be done after your run. 

Good luck!  

Worlds worst stretcher here. I've cycled for 30 years, run for 10. Never really been injured.

cougie - Pretty lucky then! 

I think because I have a mostly sedentary lifestyle, stretching is really important for me- even if just getting up from my desk to walk round the office and do a few exercises. I notice that if I don't stretch after my runs, then sitting at my desk the next day I feel a lot more achey! 

Boo to desk jobs

I might occasionally stretch something if it feels slightly tight, but I'm not convinced it does much apart from ease my mind. With the exception of say track events, there's such a limited amount of limb motion required when running that I don't really see the poiint of it.
The research done on the subject also suggest that it does bugger all. 

Tried it when I first started and found it was more likely to tweak a muscle than the running itself. Haven't done it for a year and no ill effects. Not saying it isn't useful for some folk, just not for me. Found a foam roller useful for my illiotibial band when that was a bit gimpy, and would recommend that without hesitation, but suspect that's more treatment for an issue than general practise.

I always used to do stretches but then I read an article that stated you shouldn't stretch before a run as it affects the elasticity of the muscles and therefore the muscles are already tiring before you've even started! I have it a go and so far so good, the only change I would recommend is to slow down a bit for the first mile or so and stretch when you've finished (if you're knackered like me!!)