Longish ride and muscle soreness

[teigyr]

Today I did 50 miles which is the longest I've done in about 7 years! I even included a nice little hill that I couldn't do last time I attempted it...this time I swore at it under my breath and told it I didn't ride that far only to be turned away. At around mile 45 I felt the normal joint soreness you feel when you haven't been on the bike for a while.

Here's the thing - I am bad about stretching. I need to stretch and I try to be diligent. After I got home, I noticed that a spot on the outer side of my leg about 4" up from my knee hurts when I touch it. The inner part of my thigh, across from the spot that hurts, was having spasms as I sat on the couch. DH says I need to stretch. I know that but what would stretch the side? The spot is strange, it's almost like it's a knot in the muscle maybe.

I think I'm adequately hydrated and I had Cytomax and a protein bar. I ate when I got home, also.

I have a stretching book that I'll look at. This is strange, I've never had this happen before but then again I've never been so out of shape before either.

I'm just really happy I told that hill off evil little bugger...

[crazycanuck]

I'd love to give some stretching help but i don't know the names of the stretches! I just do them after my rides.. and at Pilates..

Sorry dear. I just wanted let you know your post hasn't been ignored!

Where's Knot when ya need her?

C

[mimitabby]

Teigyr, watch that thing! someone i know had a blood clot in his leg, it was a sore (VERY) swollen part!!!

[TsPoet]

No real help here, either. Sounds like you had a good ride, way to go.
I get knots in my calf and The Stick can really help, especially if you are talking day after - the Stick hurts when used, but boy do I feeel better the day after when I use it.
Stretches are the best idea, though - For a 50 mile ride, I like to stop ~12-20 miles in and stretch, that helps a great deal.
Good luck, and nice ride.

http://www.thestick.com/

[tangentgirl]

You could try a foam roller, too. Same as the stick, it's ouchy to use, but it makes a difference afterwards.

[velogirl]

that's not a typical spot for a blood clot (DVT).

the pain on the outside of yoru thigh above your knee is likely IT band. it could be inflamed from a bit of over-reach, mis-alignment on your saddle, or a leg length discrepency (that leg is shorter) and enhanced by the fact that you rode longer and harder than you have in the past. a foam roller will do wonders.

the spasm on the opposite side is likely your body's response to the tightening IT band.

don't panic. yes, stretch, but more importantly, increase your duration and intensity gradually and you'll likely avoid issues like this.

[mimitabby]

glad you pros got on here. I got a little nervous because our friend ended up in ICU!

[IFjane]

You could try a foam roller, too. Same as the stick, it's ouchy to use, but it makes a difference afterwards.

So does a rolling pin - and since I don't bake any more, it's a good use for it (other than a bang on the head to SO every now and then! )