I am in the process of training for my first marathon and have had one leg problem after another,but I refuse to give up. I was fitted for orthotics because of lower leg problems and that seems to have cleared up. Lately though my right quad feels like it is just freezing up. I warm up for at least five to ten minutes and always stretch after a long run (6 miles), plus I have been icing my lower legs and also using a vibrator on my calves and quads. I start out running slowly and build up speed and when I feel my quad tighthening, I stop and stretch,but to no avail . Can you offer any advice or should I just keep plugging away ?
PG - this story is a good argument for cross training. While I do not have enough information to know why your quad is tightening up, it fits the picture of a muscle that is over used in one plane. Take up another sport one day a week. Something like roller blading, slide boarding, or free weight training. Naturally, you should keep up with your stretching, and as a matter of precaution, make sure you are properly hydrated. One final thought, make sure you are getting enough essential phytonutrients and minerals. I strongly suggest that people supplement with a whole food supplement (as opposed to vitamin products). There is overwhelming evidence in the medical literature regarding the use of powdered fruit and vegetable extracts over isolated vitamin products.
Good luck.
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