Super sore hamstrings - work out or no?

[shorewife]

My hamstrings are crazy sore right now.  I guess I tried to jump back into training too fast, and now I'm following a tri training plan and also trying to get ready for a HM.  I really don't think I pulled anything and they are just really sore.  Sore enough to slow me down running.  This has been going on since Saturday without much improvement.

I suppose I already know the answer to this but should I try to work through this or rest until I'm feeling better?  I'm worried if I rest then try to get right back into training then the same thing will happen.  Thoughts?

[kams]

Can you switch your schedule around to make today a swimming day? I would swim and then roll & stretch like crazy.

[juliahenry]

I think they recommend a gentle workout to help loosen up and speed healing but nothing too strenuous. Can you go for a slow run ad see how you feel after that?

I hope you feel better fast

[shorewife]

I ran yesterday. I was super-slow by default because my hamstrings hurt so much. I swam on Tuesday and kicking bothered them. I guess I could swim today and pull only? That would be better than nothing!

[juliahenry]

Yikes. So you've been in pain for 5 days and slow, gentle workouts aren't helping?

It's time to take a day off. And maybe some painkillers. Good luck.

[isabel]

Every time I do anything that makes my hamstrings sore, the pain lasts for several days regardless of what I do. I generally work through it. You might consider a rest day if you haven't had one since you injured them though. I take two rest days a week on the same days, so depending on when an injury happens I might work out 4 more times, or as few as once.

Good luck! Hope you start healing soon!

[Deleted]

This is one of those things I think is tough to answer. If it's soreness, I run through it (just a lot slower). If it's approaching "soreness that I think could lead to injury," then I'd take a rest day.

If you aren't already, ice or cold water soak after each workout. Before bed, epsom salt soak and do your stretches. Be careful not to overstretch because that can cause injury.

[shorewife]

Ok thank you everyone. I ended up bagging the swim today in favor of rest, and I may skip the 'easy' 30 min bike I have scheduled for tomorrow so I can hopefully be feeling normal enough by the weekend.

[Deleted]

I see you made it a rest day, so good for you! With that level of soreness, I probably would stick with a very gentle, flat-surface walk for about 30min, then a warm bath (my osteopath always recommends warmth first). Try to get the lactic acid out and get a little loose but avoid irritating. Hope you feel better soon!