Week 2 - Pain in shins?

[ra220]

Hi all.

I've just done Week 2, Run 2 and am noticing a pain in my shins. I've heard about shin splints before, but this pain was not present during the run, only afterwards. So I'm wondering if it's something different? Any ideas welcome - thanks

[misswobble Graduate]

It could be just that you're new to running and you're exercising under-used muscles. I think most new runners find that they ache for a while, eg knees, ankles, shins and calves. Hopefully as you progress through the programme, taking the rest day in between runs and doing the warm ups and cool downs, things should improve.

[JHarveyL Graduate]

I had some shin pain in Wk2 - a little bit when running but, like you, also afterwards. It didn't seem as drastic as what others have described on here. Following some comments from other lovely members of this forum, I tried shortening my stride a little (something about my feet landing under my centre of gravity, although I've never managed to work out whether I am or not) and the pain disappeared.

[misswobble Graduate in reply to JHarveyL]

You just run and make sure feet land under your body (hips) and not out in front of you, which causes overstretching.

[GrumpyBruno]

Hi ra220 - I went through the issue of very bad pain in my shins when I started running. I didnt follow any plan and definately did too much too soon, which gave me massive pain in my shins. The reason you get pain afterwards is that when the muscles and ligaments cool down and contract the tightness causes the pain. Basically my only advice is to take things slowly and follow the plan (I wish I had when I started), and definately, definately make sure you do the warm ups and lots of stretching afterwards. Try stretching your calves everyday, regardless of whether you run, as shin pain can be caused by tight calf muscles - which could be expected for someone just starting running. Finally - dont give up. I really though I would have to stop running as the pain was unbarable after and for a number of days after too, but once I cut down and stretched and built up slowly the pain went away, so keep at it!

Good luck.

[ra220 Graduate]

Thanks everyone for the tips I'll keep an eye on them, but all the time I can still run, I fully intend to!!