Finger Numbness

[keaveny]

Okay, so everything is going better than expected with the bike and running.

However... this past week I have noticed numbness in my pinky and ring fingers on my left hand. 48 hours after a brick and I still notice it.

Anyone ever have this? I just keep thinking during my rides as they get longer, 'man I gotta get aerobars.'

By the way I was told brick meant Bike, Run, "ick". It seems my run after bike is always easy and faster. In fact, I hate to run now unless I have biked first.

Thoughts?

[karming]

Is the numbness on your ring finger on the lateral aspect (the side closest to the pinky)?

If so it probably has to due with an ulnar nerve compression from riding in the handlebars for too long. It's the same nerve that results in the numbness when one hits their "funny" bone. All you have to do is either get more padded gloves or, cheaper still, change your hand position more frequently. Might want to have someone look at you positioning as you may be applying too much weight d/t improper fitting/positioning.

I don't run faster off the bike but my 10k post-bike times are much closer to my stand alone times than one would expect. Might be the extra adrenaline rush during races.

[Aussie Rob]

I have some specialized BG gloves with an ulnar nerve pad. I like them a lot. Although 2 days after a ride seems troublesome to me. I'd consult a doctor.

Congrats on having good legs off the bike, many people inclusing myself do not. Being able to run fast straight off the bike will be a huge advantage on race day.

[keaveny]

I still feel the numbness today. I suppose it isn't numb so much as it tingles at the fingertips and when a clinch a fist. I felt it a bit on my right hand (same fingers) during a long ride, but it went away while my left hand has continued.

As for the run after bike, again, if I go for a run I keep thinking, "I should've gone for a ride first, I would be much faster and feel much better." I feel so good running after the ride.

Anyhow, I guess my question is should I continue running after the ride or will this likely wear me down, even though I feel great right now?

It basically will amount to me doing a brick four times a week (after every ride). I have done it for the last two weeks and am not sore in the morning and feel great during. I just wonder if in the long run I am not doing my body any favors.

[Aussie Rob]

Bricks aren't a problem if you feel good doing them. Just listen to your body.

I'd get your hand checked out. Something seems wrong to me.

[keaveny]

rob said:

I'd get your hand checked out. Something seems wrong to me.

Okay, Rob, MD, you are scaring me, here. Enough already.

I already have an appointment next week to get a red spot whacked off my nose, so may as well get my money's worth and have my fingers looked at.

I do have Raynoud-like symptoms in colder weather so I wouldn't be shocked if it were circulation-related and not nerve-related.

Hmmm maybe it is the fact that I still smoke...jackass me! Makes no sense; ride and run for a couple hours, constantly weigh myself, watch what I eat, then light one up! Did I say, "jackass me?"

[Aussie Rob]

I don't mean to scare you, and im no MD, which is why i think you should consult one! It's probably something minor, or perhaps nothing at all....but numbness that doesnt go away for days? Seems odd.