Forums > Health and Nutrition > Tight hamstrings
This would be me.
Is it actually causing some trouble when you run? I know of a guy who finished 2nd to Bill Rodgers at Boston marathon in 1978; we were talking about stretching and he just smiled and got up and bent over... His hands barely reached half way down his shin. I know of another guy who set the world records for 1-hour run as well as 20,000m back in 1960s. Same thing. I also have a picture of a former world record holder in the marathon, doing some stretching exercises. He could barely pass his knees. It probably pays to be somewhat flexible; but, when running, your active flexibilty (somewhat as TChuck is suggesting) is more important--or more acurately,applicable--than passive flexibility (how far down you can reach). In other words, being able to touch your toes may not do much for your running at all. Unless your goal is to be able to touch your toes, I wouldn't worry too much about it for your running. Now, in regards to your cramping, what makes you think that it's NOT too much stretching that is causing the cramping?
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.
fu don't kung think
Me too, have been running for 15 years like this--no problems.
Funny! I used to be waytogomom, but recently dropped the mom.
I have been doing the exercises--I can definitely feel a stretch.
Good. Just gradually build the motion with these exercises especially the swinging motion. Start with half movements and slower and build from there as you do these. You will also feel your hip flexors loosen up as you do this (back swing). The last few I do very aggressively. Work up to 15 - 50 reps a couple times a day and before and after runs or in between. You can be a bit more aggressive after a run (warmed up) but again work up to it.
Hi Guy's
Hope I can get some advice on my first post.
Have a 10K this saturday that I've been training hard for the past 10 weeks (hoping for sub 44). I think I might have over done it though as my right hamstring, whilst not "sore", it just feels as if it's there (if you know what I mean)
After an interval session on Wed (15x400's), I ran 10 miles on Fri (5.5miles @ 9:30mms then 4.5 @ 8:00mms)
My intervals and my LSR's are going well but I needed a fast run (I believed) to give me some confidence that I could hold a fast pace for duration (this will be my frst trained for race), so I ran 6 miles on sunday (1st mile warm up then ran 5 miles @ 7:30mm pace). In the last mile my hamstring just felt like it was tiring. I went for a 4mile slow today and it just feels the same. Have done a few stretches and used a massage stick this evening "hoping" a day or twos rest will see me right.
I actually believe that I strained this whilst helping a relation move out of her house whilst continually stepping up into the back of the van with heavy furniture on Saturday and I simply over trained on Sunday when I should have taken it easy
Please tell me with proper rest that racing on Saturday is possible
For The Thunder!
When I first started yoga a year ago I couldn't come near touching my toes. After a couple of months of doing yoga I could. But I believe that the real tightness was in the hip area and not the hamstrings.
Anyhow I have found the best relief for cranky hamstrings is a nice long tempo run. I little variety in your effort throughout the week can go a long way,
26.2 it is
You are clearly overdoing it You did hard work outs on Wed, Fri, and Sun. Where is your recovery from this? You can't get stronger and faster if you don't allow body to recovery from "quality work". Sounds like a strain from overuse, severe delayed onset muscle soreness or the muscle weakened from overtraining causing your daily activity to tweak it.
Why the 15 X 400s? Unless you are high miles and advanced, I would not recommend anything close to this work out. Run easy the rest of week and cut miles a bit. Do not stretch the hammy too much - just range of motion dynamic movements are fine. Ice 2X per day for 20 minutes. Let your body heal and you can probably race but listen to your body! Don't jeopardize your long term running.
Are you familiar with this book? I was wondering if I should put it on my Christmas list.
The trigger point therapy workbook: your self-treatment guide for
pain relief
By Clair Davies, David G. Simons, Amber Davies
I have this book and it has been incredibly helpful to me. I recommend it highly and have given it to several people as gifts. I think everyone should have a copy.
Many thanks for the replies
Yes Tchuck I know thats the truth ......now
Niavely though that a rest day was similar to a recovery day. Don't normally do my 10 miles fast and run easy over the weekends but if felt the pressure of not running at my intended race pace for long enough and thought I needed to see where I was at. Stupid.
I'll see how it goes
btw ...mms was mean to be minute miles
I thought it was "When in doubt, throw it out."
