Painful hamstring

birdy247

I think I origianlly did this when running. (on a pacey 8 mile run and then 3 days later on a even quicker 5 mile run). I now notice it when on the bike going hard in the drops. (not a show stopper, just a niggle)

Its basically the upper part of my left hamstring, just below the glute.

I was wondering what the best course of action is? I would usually do a longer ride at the weekend, but going to take this weekend off instead (had last 2 days off also). Just wondering if I should be stretching it or just trying to let it heal up. Cant feel it off the bike, only when running hard or cycling hard in the drops/going harder up hill.

Anyone else had anything similar.

p.s. I am not very good at being on a bike and not going hard, hence the total rest...

ut_och_cykla

I did something similar last winter. I took a rest from what irritated it most, iced it/used ibumetrin gel off and on for a few days and then when it had calmed down to a mild niggle stretched carefully after each exercise session (but still kept off what made it worse - striding along running) Fixed after a month. Riding long and moderately hard was not a problem - nor was jogging but riding/running hard got quite sore. rest adn common sense should sort you out - its a big muscle and can take some punishment even when damaged but what you don't want is scar tissue making you permanently tight ....so I was told.