What is the most logical next event?

How to prevent your legs from getting hurt from the splits
Improve flexibility.
To prepare your body for this new position, you'll first need to work on improving your flexibility. Try focusing, primarily, on the muscles in your lower body.
Improved flexibility in the hips, quads and hamstrings is the primary goal, as you prepare to do a split. There are many different ways to improve flexibility including yoga and stretching.