With my hamstring still bothering me, I gave some consideration to skipping my workouts today to give it a bit of a rest. On the schedule was a 50 minute run and a 35 minute bike ride. I really did not want to skip the workout if at all possible, but at the same time I really want my leg to heal properly. 
So, I decided I would pull out one of my old tricks that I used to use when I first started running. See, back then I went through the first 6 to 9 months of tight muscles all over my legs. One week it would be hamstrings, the next week it would be the right knee then the left knee, and on and on. I have always had a “rule” for myself that if I start running and had planned on going 5 miles, then no matter what I would RUN 5 miles. Many times during the initial “break in” period of my running, I would have to hubble-run just to get the stated miles in. I know, I know, not the smartest thing to do but it was important to me not to allow my mind to stop me – no matter what.
After I would have an injury/tightness, I would get home and jump onto the Internet to see what I should do to make things better. Well, every freakin time the advice would be to REST the legs for a few weeks to allow them to heal. No WAY, if I did that every time I would never have been able to run.
So, instead I bought myself a trusty old Ace Bandage. I would compression wrap my injury and off I’d go on my run. Sometimes, I’d actually have to “limp run” until my injury loosened up a bit to allow me to actually run (can you tell that I’m a bit stubborn?).
Today I just wrapped up the hamstring and on the treadmill I went. The leg felt great with no pain – plus after the run/bike it feels a bit better than before.
So, forget the see the doctor in the morning story – just purchase one of those trusty old Ace Bandages…
2 comments:
Thanks for the comment on my site about family fitness. I couldn't agree more with everything you said.
A bit of unsolicited advice on the hammie (pardon me if overstepping); are you overstriding? I have troubles with my right hamstring and really notice it coming out if I'm sprinting and/or overstriding. If I shorten up my stride, all is good.
I hear you on the medical advice thing. If we rested everytime there was an ache or pain, we'd never get anything done. Obviously, the trick is learning when something really isn't a minor ache or pain.
Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.
Good Morning,
re: I have troubles with my right hamstring and really notice it coming out if I'm sprinting and/or overstriding. If I shorten up my stride, all is good.
Hey - that could be it. I didn't have a problem until we got a new treadmill and ever since I started running on the treadmill - my hamstring has not been good. Yesterday when I had it wrapped -- it forced me to shorten my stride and it felt much better.
Thanks for the advice -- that just may be it!!!!
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