Three weeks to marathon, a hamstring pull.

? I was up to 50 miles a week training for a marathon when, with three weeks to go, I pulled a hamstring playing soccer. This was a week ago, and it is not healing. Please help!

Matt Hudachek, Stillwater, MN

For starters, you are trained. Nothing you do now will improve your marathon time so just focus on healing. If you can't run without a limp two days prior to the race, forget it. Ice the hamstring, wrap it up regularly and stretch, stretch, stretch. Lay in a doorway with the affected leg up the wall. Next wiggle your buttocks up as close to the wall as possible; you'll feel a stretch in the pulled area.

You should do some isometric strengthening as well. Stand with your affected leg heel under an immovable object like the bathroom sink cabinet or a car. Push your heel up against the object as hard as you can without pain. Your knee should be slightly bent, with you facing away from the object. Hold for 10 seconds, but don't hold your breath. Rest for 10 seconds and repeat as tolerated.

You may bike ride, and walking backwards is a good way to stay loose if forward walking is painful. Swim to keep from feeling like a caged tiger.

Jennifer Clark, MD, Columbia, MO

It's probably correct that not much will improve your performance in these final weeks. But another concern may be how to maintain what you do have and avoid slipping backward in fitness. While running is of course ideal, any tolerable aerobic work can be useful. Deep water running, uphill treadmill walking, cycling or elliptical training can all benefit you here.

Jack Daniels, PhD, Cortland, NY