[4boysmom]

Two weeks in a row I've had the same problem. Sunday long ride, followed by a short run. I've been pushing the ride. During the ride, I notice a bit of tightness in my groin. Quick change, then off for a run. Holy crap! OUCH!!! The run hurts! Tightness in my groin. Once I make it to the end of the street, I'm fine. But, getting to the end of the street, I'm tempted to quit.<br><br>
What am I doing wrong? Or am I finally doing "bricks", rather than just "running off the bike"?<br><br>
Ride numbers aren't at all impressive. Run numbers are great. Did a 2.5m loop at a 7:48pace. 5K PR pace is 7:35.

 

[pcsronbo]

is it groin or is it hip flexor?<br><br>
please, no pictures, I'm married <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>
But seriously, the location in that area is somewhat close, but the muscles are different and it could be different answer

 

[4boysmom]

Ah... could be hip flexor. How do I tell the difference?

 

[pcsronbo]

Groin is much closer to the hoo-ha, wherein the hip flexor is more towards to the top of the leg. Although sometimes when I piss mine off (hip flexor) it can manifest about half-way<br><br>
For me, what it is is a weakness on the hip flexor so the repeated leg lifting wears it out. Chronic issue for me, working to strengthen this winter

 

[4boysmom]

So, perhaps this is why my coach is on my case to do strengthening exercises? Still not certain if its more groin or hip flexor, though. Either way, I 'spose I should start on the strengthening exercises, eh?

 

[pcsronbo]

actually... start with some rest. You need to figure out the cause. Bike or run.<br><br>
I would suggest you start with dropping the run. See if problem manifests later in day.<br><br>
If no, then try a post bike WALK (fast) and see<br><br>
But most likely it's a strength thing, but you need to let it heal first.<br><br>
My own experience only...<br>
Groin - bike or run<br>
Hip Flexor - run (never had an issue on bike)<br><br>
Could it be flexibility ? Do you stretch BOTH post bike/run? If not, that's easy. You might be able to figure out which is tender.<br><br>
Stretches<br><a href="http://www.velogirls.com/resources/publications/stretching101/stretching_lower.htm" target="_blank">http://www.velogirls.com/resources/p...hing_lower.htm</a>

 

[4boysmom]

It only hurts the first 1/8th of a mile up the street, then goes away quickly. Also, both times I had done long runs the day before (10 and 12m), which included some hills. Not sure if that is a factor or not...<br><br>
The link looks great! I'm already doing some of the stretches. Will add some of the others in, too.<br><br>
I am so guilty of not doing anything post long workouts. Yesterday, I finished my run, hit the shower, then loaded up the van for a 3hr drive up to hubby's family. Today, post workout, I showered, then sat down at the computer to look at the data. Yah, I know better...

 

[pcsronbo]

hurt = bad<br>
no stretching after long run = bad<br><br>
u r bad girl!

 

[4boysmom]

You don't look like my coach, but you sure do sound like him!<br><br>
Post daily runs I am very good about stretching. I run from the gym so while I'm there, I'm still in 'workout' mode. Weekend, when I run/ride from home, once I get back home, 'workout' mode is gone.

 

[rottensquirrel]

From your posts it sounds like a soft tissue issue probably a hip flexor strain/tightness post bike. I would agree with the stretching reccomendations. However if the groin pain becomes more persistent you should see an orthopod. Groin pain is the most common manifestation of a hip stress fracture.

 

[Thor]

Got no input on WHAT the problem might be, but I do have a few comments...<br><br>
RonBo is right. Some rest might lick that injury. If it were me (do as I say not as I do), I'd keep training right through it, and if it got worse, then address it one way or another, probably in cutting out bricks for a while and going easier on the bike. But if you can handle rest, try inserting more rest periods or even a full week. And start/continue stretching.<br><br>
You asked a series of questions that implied the question of "Is it supposed to hurt when you do brick runs?"<br><br>
NO! Worst is that your legs will be heavy and very fatigued. But they should NOT hurt. Nor should you have muscles so tight such as to cause pain. A tight groin is not right. Even when you get yourself to do a 120 mile ride and try to run off the bike, it should not hurt as a physical pain. It hurts because you are so fatigued and your legs just don't want to go and have been used to one repetitious movement for so long before asking it to do another. But it shouldn't hurt as a physical pain, especially as you describe.

 

[jroden]

I think the bricks give you the highest chance of injury for the least payback in terms of overall improvement--I'd space your run at some other time of day or wait until the next day and just do a few bricks closer to race season--i think they are a low percentage workout that could be reduced or eleiminated without any real loss.

 

[Thor]

Agreed. If you don't have a race for a long while -- like, say, several months -- you can easily do away with the brick runs. Pick them up two months before your big race and you should be all set. I personally like bricks, but if I were injured I'd definitely eliminate them. I'd stilll run everyday, but I'd space the run first then the bike. Which is easier on the body. Ideally you could space them one in the morning and another at night.

 

[4boysmom]

Thanks all!<br><br>
As far as my schedule--15miler next weekend, marathon in April, 2-day 210m bike tour in May, then sprint tri in June.<br><br>
I do think I am dealing with tightness. I am just starting to get serious about yoga. My coach got me a DVD for Christmas. I'm thinking that was a hint???<br><br>
I also probably rode too hard. I've been under a great deal of stress and it just felt good to let it rip. Weather this weekend is not looking good for a road ride, so I'll be stuck on the trainer. I never ride too hard on the trainer, so if there is an injury, I'll get a break.