Did anything about your bike or riding regimen change about seven weeks ago?
Yes, in the month leading up to the injury I increased my mileage. I was definately overtraining. I felt a burning pain in my quads in the first mile of several rides. It was the feeling you get before a cramp. I wasn't stretching properly either. I was mashing up big hills in cold conditions wearing just shorts. And I wasn't clipped in. It's not that I couldn't be bothered.. I just didn't know what was optional and what was necassary.
In future, wearing knee warmers for atleast 6 months of the year will be necassary, so will stretching every day, and strengthening every other day. and of course going clipless.
If you haven't already, I would strongly recommend that you get a bike fitting; otherwise it's likely that you're only treating the symptoms.
There's actually nowhere around here that does them. I live in rural UK, about 30 miles away from Manchester, so I've been looking at the shops there. I've done many Google searches.. 'bike fitting manchester' etc etc. no luck.
..except for one shop, which may do them, but they have very poor customer service and reviews. I'd rather wait and find a decent shop further afield.
If anyone knows of any in Derbyshire/Cheshire/Manchester.. even Merseyside, Yorkshire or Leicestershire.. please let me know. I could take a day out to get it done
enfilade, my partner in pfps crime - no itb stretches? shame on you.
Shush it JC
I tried one yesterday, the one in Metzinger's video. Couldn't do many though, they seem to put pressure on the knees.. started aching after a minute or two so I stopped. I've been focusing on straight-kneed stretches and exercises as much as I can. I'll take up the ITB stretch soon if my knees are up for it. Foam roller in the meantime. Isn't that just as good as stretching? Kind of like a massage.
Judging by those legs, I assume you are pretty new to the sport
Not really, but I'm new to training. The muscles are more developed than they look in that picture, they're fully relaxed there. Still, very narrow legs and weak VMO's though. The physio said I need to build the muscles near the knee to help the patella track better.
It's difficult. I eat 4, sometimes 5 meals a day, always have done. Still only 125lbs :|
I've got bad clicky, popping knees at the moment. Anyone get rid of it? And how? Hoping it will clear up when my muscles are more balanced.