I have some slightly strange symptoms that I wonder if
anyone could give advice on.
Basically I last about 20 miles or so, often under quite a
bit of pressure during that time, ie having to work hard,
but generally feeling quite strong, and then my left leg
hamstring tightens and gets very painful (like its full of
lactic acid) and that leg loses all power. Resulting in me
not being able to hang in the road race bunch, which is
annoying 'cos I think I actually have a pretty good level of
fitness at the moment - having worked hard all winter.
Interestingly I had it in the middle of a race a couple of
weeks ago, but managed to ride through it and it was fine
after that.
When I reduce the intensity (by slowing down - usually off
the back of the bunch) the pain goes away - as though the
lactic acid is being removed, just like normal muscle, but
why is my left hamstring affacted so much earlier than my
right leg.
I havent noticed this in training at all, just at the gym
and in races.
I have been getting this at the gym on the exercise bikes
also, but slightly different. It started off with the
muscles feeling week and slightly tight, but I managed to
warm it up and stretch it and just ride through it and it
felt fine (maybe that was the wrong thing to do!!)
I've never had this before, and this is the first year that
I've used the exercise bikes in the gym (as I now work in
the city) - so maybe its them?
Has anyone experienced anything like this, or have any
recommendations? Please.