Hamstring Problem

Improvised Massager

My right hamstring started acting up last night. Just cool to say that … makes me feel like a pro athlete. “So, Lebron. What happened out there in the second half? Seemed like you were hobbling a little up and down the court.” “I won’t use it as an excuse, but my hamstring started acting up.” Oh, there I go again. Dreaming about the spotlight.

This was an unscheduled run. RunKeeper has me on a tight schedule. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Don’t get me wrong. I would love an off-day right about now, but I also know my body pretty well. (Don’t get silly with that statement). I tried to massage out the tightness last night (again, take your mind out the gutter) and throughout today, but it wasn’t permanent relief. It could be that I was using an Herbalife Personalized Protein Canister as a massager, but at least MacGyver would be proud. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

The last time I had this same feeling, I did a light cardio session and a post-cardio stretch. Let’s try that again.

3 Easy Steps to Relieve Hamstring Tightness

STEP 1: Deep massage throughout the day. Be mindful of any progress.

STEP 2: If no progress after 8 hours, deep massage and go for a 15-20 minute hill run with an easy pace. I stress the word “easy.” No need to push. Your only goal is to move and loosen.

STEP 3: Deep massage.

Disclaimer. I’m not a doctor. I didn’t even Google this. I just know it works for me. Keep the easy pace and don’t push it. Just get moving and get that hammy warmed-up and get ready to answer those burning media questions on the sideline when you’re back to 100%!

Did It Work

Followed the steps to a T and yes, it did. Ready to roll for tomorrow’s 6-miler and I won’t worry another second about hindering my marathon training plan. Depending on the original severity of the tightness, you still may feel something, but in my case, I feel much looser and free to return to training.

RunKeeper 10-01-2013

Tuesday, 10-01-2013