Hamstring

[Catrin]

My fitter tells me that he isn't surprised my hamstring is giving me a little trouble. He said that when we are on platform pedals that our hamstrings are hardly engaged, but when we are clipped in they are certainly in use. It does seem to be improving since I only had one medium ride this weekend although I did do some light hiking.

Last night I went to spinning class and tried to back off a bit, and just got in from an easy 45 minute spin at the park. Trying to work my way up to a normal long ride this weekend, we will see how it goes!

[Catrin]

Today I took it easy and went for a 19 mile ride - and most of those were flat. No quad or hamstring pain at all during the ride and I was clipped in Tomorrow will shoot for 40-50 miles and see how that feels. My fitter raised my saddle a couple of MM yesterday, which was part of the problem.

I did notice, however, when I got off the bike a little tenderness in my hammie where it attaches at the top of my leg. I have noticed in the past when I've had really sore quads that it was like the soreness had to "work it's way up" and out. I am hoping that is what is happening here.

Each time the soreness is less and less, so I think that I have adopted the right approach - though it was hard today to limit myself to 19 miles...though it was quite windy!

[OakLeaf]

Have you tried rolling it out? When I strained my vastus intermedialis last year (no idea how) I was hesitant at first to use the foam roller, but once I got into it, SMR cleared it right up.

[Catrin]

Have you tried rolling it out? When I strained my vastus intermedialis last year (no idea how) I was hesitant at first to use the foam roller, but once I got into it, SMR cleared it right up.

No, I have not yet tried this. Didn't even think about it I have a small roller at home that I've never really used, will try it tonight.

I want to ride tonight, but am thinking it might be wiser to do some gentle stretching instead, I had quite short rides both Sat/Sunday, and went to spinning class last night though I did take it easier than usual. Tomorrow I've a meeting with my trainer, so I think I will just give my leg some TLC tonight.

[Catrin]

I had a gentle ride last night - I was aware of the hamstring's existence but it didn't hurt. Tonight I went to spinning class, and noticed it a lot more - especially in standing climbs. I tried to take it easy but noted at one point that there was targeted warmth in the area - though not pain, not quite... sigh.

No state forest exploration for me tomorrow I suppose. Will continue with the gentle rides and break down and try and roll it.

I am hoping the "warmth" doesn't mean much - I did back off even further at that point.

[indysteel]

Are you icing it and/or taking any pain relievers?

[Catrin]

Are you icing it and/or taking any pain relievers?

I wasn't sure if icing was called for this long after whatever happened, or if heat is better. I did some research on the internet and all the references were for icing right after the injury. I do take ibuprofen from time to time, though can probably take it a bit more consistently.

My usual habit is to ignore things like this until they go away I am trying to get better. I will take ibuprofen before bed tonight, and tomorrow when I get in from riding (gently) will ice it.

I swear all of this started after hiring a trainer/mt to stretch me...last time THAT is going to happen!