Shin splints i think? Where did i go wrong and what do i do now.

[welovemarmite]

I think i have shin splints. I completed week 2 and had aches in ankles (one more than the other). I ran on MOnday when perhaps i shouldnt have done as i was still aching. Now i have trouble even walking. Pain in knees and ankles. Front of shins feel bruised. I am assuming its shin splints.

I was wearing trainers and now moved to running shoes (which are fab) on my first wk 3 run.

I do the walk before and after as laura says.

Have been icing my injuries and massaged the area with a homemade chamomile cream which is good for inflammation.

I am worried that I will lose my motivation as really dont want to give up. I love this.. HELP

[Tiger79 Graduate]

Try toe taps

m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=66r...

And have you have your gait looked at? I over probate so have trainers suit to that with insoles to support and stop my foot from rolling inwards

It can and will get better

[welovemarmite]

thanks, i will look at the video. Pain is a little better today although one ankle is weaker and more sore than other bits. Will try a very short walk to the post box later. Barefoot has been suggested to me because of back issues. BUT, not really had chance to try them before the pain started! I was in old trainers which is likely the problem, that and being extremely unfit.

[rocket22 Graduate]

I had knee pain & leg pain so bad I couldnt walk after my Week 2 run 1 for two days. It was awful because I was so motivated to get into it. I took a week out, bought some new running shoes (get your gait tested as this has massively helped me with the right shoes) then restarted week 2 from the beginning, and I havent had problems since - I just completed W5:3.

So I'd advise give your legs a week or two weeks rest, don't try to exercise through the pain, it only demotivates you in the long term. Restart when you feel no pain when walking and do week 2 again, or even week 1.

Just a word of advice on the barefoot - are you using barefoot shoes already? It is very common to accidentally heel strike when using these shoes, this will cause you awful problems. Try to run with someone who can watch your technique for a while if you are going to do this, or book yourself onto a course to learn how to monitor yourself. Good luck!

[welovemarmite]

i have only used them once. Where would i find courses that i can learn to monitor myself?

[rocket22 Graduate]

I honestly am not sure, I only know about it because my boyfriend did a coaching course!

I tried it once, he told me off for doing it wrong!

Have you had any training in using the barefoot shoes at all? If not, this might be what has caused you so much pain - landing on the wrong part of your foot in uncushioned shoes is going to send shockwaves up your legs!

Somewhere like this naturalrunning.co.uk maybe? I just googled "barefoot running course UK"...sorry I can't be of more help.