Week 1 done shin pain :(: What can I do? I've... - Couch to 5K

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Week 1 done shin pain :(

Barbarajs profile image
BarbarajsGraduate
13 Replies

What can I do? I've read I've got to stop for 2 weeks....but I don't want to. I'm not in agony...it's only whilst I run. I've got decent Adidas trail running shoes,am trying to mid strike, have ordered gel insoles. Any other ideas? Going to alter my route and find some grass as the two path is hard surface and stony.

Am not giving up now....only just got bloody started. HELP!!

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Barbarajs profile image
Barbarajs
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13 Replies
MarlyParly profile image
MarlyParlyGraduate

Rest, ice it & elevate it as much as you can. Hot baths, maybe with arnica. Painkillers to reduce any inflammation. I would also recommend looking up some stretches & stuff on the nhs website, helped me manage the aches & pains. If it persists or gets worse after a while of doing that though it might be wise to rest otherwise you 'll set yourself back worse & for longer

Barbarajs profile image
BarbarajsGraduate in reply to MarlyParly

Thank you. I'm in a bit of trouble here because I don't have a freezer and don't have a bath!! I know....very abnormal. However I've had a hot shower and have some arnica. I don't understand it at all because I walk miles and miles for my dog walking business. I've been doing that for 5 years...I'm not a total couch potato. Maybe it's just the change of pressure..on my shins. I'm so annoyed as I'm loving it apart from this. I've slowed down today and I'm being careful how I run.

A friend who has run all her life told me to run through it and then others tell me not to. I'm very confused!!

Wonder if my shoes are completely wrong?

How frustrating...... :(

MarlyParly profile image
MarlyParlyGraduate in reply to Barbarajs

Pot58 seems to have some good advice. Maybe see if it eases with painkillers, etc & if not rest might be best, but not full rest, replacing with swimming or something less intensive. Running is much higher impact than walking, that is why your body is reacting. Hope you heal up quickly x

Barbarajs profile image
BarbarajsGraduate in reply to MarlyParly

Thank you so much for all your help. Fingers crossed some rest and painkillers will help. I had a look at another post about shin splints that someone had mildly in weeks 1 and 2 and he had found some exercise to do on stairs which had really helped. I've made a note of that too. Spend more time investigating this running lark than actually doing it :) :) :)

Thank you MarlyParly xx

MarlyParly profile image
MarlyParlyGraduate

Rest, ice it & elevate it as much as you can. Hot baths, maybe with arnica. Painkillers to reduce any inflammation. I would also recommend looking up some stretches & stuff on the nhs website, helped me manage the aches & pains. If it persists or gets worse after a while of doing that though it might be wise to rest otherwise you 'll set yourself back worse & for longer

pot58 profile image
pot58Graduate

Having had injuries in the past I would urge you to rest.Some aches and pains you can through but shin pain could lead to shin splints and you don't want that.But don't stop exercise.You could try cycling, swimming(if you have access to a gym).But I would definitely do core exercises.They will really help your running when you get back to it.Look on U tube....don't give up hope.You have done the hardest part....getting off the couch :0)

Barbarajs profile image
BarbarajsGraduate in reply to pot58

Thank you. I think I will try running on Friday on grass and see if it makes a difference. Then I've got the weekend off. Will see how I am Monday and maybe rest until Wednesday. Feel like I'll never do this if I don't carry on.

Really fed up :(

pot58 profile image
pot58Graduate in reply to Barbarajs

Well I am on my third attempt...long story cut short...car crash.I am fitter each time I try so I feel am making progress regardless

Barbarajs profile image
BarbarajsGraduate in reply to pot58

Oh bless you. I'm so sorry to hear that. Good on you for keeping going. My worries are nothing compared......thank you xx

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate

Hi Barbara - sorry to hear about your shin splits. I had this in weeks 2 or 3 of C25K. I've generally blamed running style and gait for shin splits, and my local running shop taught me how to run and avoid them. Simply search this C25k forum for 'stealth' or follow this:

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

In particular read my response to KittyKat - it is all about a shorter stride, landing more gently and quietly.

Barbarajs profile image
BarbarajsGraduate in reply to MarkyD

Thanks Mark. Will take a look at that. I do feel it's something to do with my 'style' haha.....the more I analyse it I reckon the worse I will be. Oh well I don't care what I look like. Can always start going out in the dark with a head torch if I look like a pillock :))

runswithdogs profile image
runswithdogsGraduate

I was getting achy for a stint and I found adding an extra rest day helped. I think some days I just must hit the two harder than others. Also adding the occasional treadmill session can give your joints a break.

Barbarajs profile image
BarbarajsGraduate in reply to runswithdogs

Thank you. Will take your advice re rest. I don't have access to a treadmill unfortunately but will be trying grass to see if it helps at all.

I'm can't run with my dogs yet as one has had a cruciate repair and I don't like to take one out and not the other!! One day :)

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