1) It takes a lot longer than two weeks to get over a pulled ham. With
a severe pull, you can be talking months to get back to full speed.
2) Some one year after a severe pull I still have a little pain. Some is
from some secondary bursitis, but after longer tempo and intense speed
sessions the ham is still a little tender. According to my doctor, with
the severity of the last pull this may be the gift that keeps on giving
for a long time.
3) Stretching is your friend. Get a copy of Bob Anderson's book and
get after the ham routines diligently.
4) One of the problems that led to my pull was trying to change my
running biomechanics to make up for a lack of turnover with length of
stride. This seems to be a sure way to tear up a ham.
Finally... The pain will eventually go away. In my case wrapping it did
absolutely no good. Physical therapy, rest, stretching and going to
shorter strides and faster turnover finally helped me overcome the
injury.
Best of luck.
Keith "spiral sliced hams" Holmes
I have found that after a severe hamstring tear a minimum of six weeks of
rest from running is usual. During the down time I have cycled or roller
bladed. When you can start running pain free again try integrating 3 x 30
meters of backwards running as a part of your warm up. Stretch the
hamstring muscle group two or three times a day, range of the stretch
should only be to the stretch reflex and held for only a couple of
seconds. If you weight train, use the hamstring curl to help off set the
quad / hamstring imbalance. I do 160 reps in 4 sets of 20 drop sets with
little rest between sets: ie 4( 20 x 50lbs, 20 x 25lbs). Full squats with
light weight and many reps may help. ie 4 (12 x 135lbs).
Good Luck
GK