Why are my hamstrings so tight?

Question

two days ago I went running. I went out pretty hard, and I did 2 milesX2, as in 2 miles, rest 2 miles.

anyways, I did something of a cool-down, and I stretched for a bit afterwards. Since then, though, no matter how much I stretch, my hamstrings just return to their previous tight state. I have a race tomorrow--please help!

Answer 1

stretch more, do and ice bath and hope icy hot will do the trick. Have you run at all since your workout? You should do something of a light run to try to loosen them up.

Answer 2

just strech every hour and you will be fine.

Answer 3

Since the race is tomorrow, there are a few things that you can do:

1.  Ice Bath - fill a tub with water, add ice, sit there for 5-10 minutes.  This constricts the blood vessels releasing the toxins that are there.  When you get out, new oxygenated blood goes in.

2.  Massage - I don't know what you have available, but you can use a tennis ball or a small medicine ball (hard shell).  Put on the ground and then lower your hamstrings on it and move your body. You can control the pressure and location.  Very inexpensive too.

3.  Do a short workout - this can just be a short slow jog or a small interval/dynamic warmup.  Then do a good stretch. Don't stretch on cold muscles.

You will probably need to do a combination of all 3 of the above.  I would recommend doing it 3, 1, and then 2 and then you can do a repeat of 1 and 2.

Just make sure that muscles are tight and not injured.  

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Drink much more water and walk a few miles.  Stretch in the shower with the heat to loosen the muscles.

Good luck tomorrow!