Here I come- couchto5k!

[Rozy]

Good morning, just returned from my day1 run1, feeling great but my shins really hurt when i was running- I am guessing its my weight (80kg) any suggestions on easing this pain.. Other than loosing the weight- which I am soo trying..

[Hidden]

Hi Rozy, well done for getting the first run out of the way I'm starting week 3 tomorrow, so not far ahead of you! I can't help with the shin pain but I know some of the more experienced runners will be able to. I'm trying to lose weight too and I run Map My Walk in the background while the podcast is playing on my iPhone, and then sync the calories burned to My Fitness Pal and that seems to be working really well as the pounds are definitely coming off!

[GettingFitter Graduate]

Well done Rozy. A great start. Some people get shin splints because of their shoes. Welcome to the forum you'll get lots of support and the programme is superb.

[DownNotUp Graduate]

It may not be the weight. I weigh more than you and I haven't had that problem. I have lost quite a bit since I started the program so it is certainly good for getting the weight off.

[misswobble Graduate]

Good start!

Just go slowly, no rush. Take it easy as there are 9 weeks worth of runs to go. Proper,running shoes are important. You don't need to spend a fortune

If you keep running you will lose weight. Don't eat or drink any extra though as your runs/walks are only short so,you don't need to make up lost calories at this stage.

If you want to speed up the weight loss you can of course ditch any junk food and eat clean. Also step,up the exercise and walk more, swim, cycle etc

[Hidden]

Yup, mIsswobble is right, good shoes are a must. I got shin splints in week 2, so horribly painful, gait analysis, usually free at sports shops, will find out what kind of shoes you need. I haven't had so much as a twinge since I got my shoes.. I don't think your weight has anything to do with it, lots of runners here weigh more than you. Slow and steady, the weight will come off if you stick with it. Good luck with the programme, keep us posted.

[Rozy in reply to Hidden]

Hi, just bought myself proper running shoes- and suprisingly had no pain on the treadmill, which I walked and ran on for 30 minutes... I am not sure if it was the yoga I did before it or the shoes or maybe it was a one of painless run who knows, will see tomorrow when I do my second day... Will b informing- thanks for post

[5kOrBust Graduate]

Hi Rozy, well done for starting! Stick with it, you'll be so glad you did. I've just completed week 1 and already feel better for it. I'm about 100 kg but bought a pair of decent shoes (for just under 30 quid) and I've never suffered with shin splints, so my advice is to buy the best shoes you can afford, appropriate for your gait/running style. Good luck! Steve

[Rozy in reply to 5kOrBust]

Advice taken-bought myself a new pair of trainers, second run tomorrow, lets see

[MarkyD Graduate]

Hi Rozy - I love the photo, and can see how you chose your C25K screen name.

It's a bit early to be recommending you to head to your local 'proper' runner's store for gait analysis. They will want to see you running, and probably have you on the treadmill. Go and see them when you feel confident. We'll all tell you that the staff in 'proper' running shops will be lovely, helpful and keen to work with you. Don't go to the 'out-of-town' sportswear retailers... you know who I mean.

Shin-pain is very common for us newbie runners. You can look up 'shin splints' to find out more about cause and treatment. Most likely reason for your pain is over-striding'... by this I mean that you are stretching too much, probably landing on your heel, and taking steps that are too long. When you run next time, concentrate on taking shorter, lighter, quieter steps. If you want to run faster, keep the same short steps, but increase the cadence.

Folks on here will be bored of me saying this, but try and run as quietly as you can... assassin-style. Running quietly will make you take shorter steps, and this could prevent shin-splits. That was the advice that I got from my running shop when I had gait analysis... and I went into the shop to get help avoiding shin splints.

Your body is still getting accustomed to running, so please do as Miss Wobble says and take it slowly and gently. You have the rest of your life to enjoy running. There is no rush.

[Rozy in reply to MarkyD]

Good advice- will be trying tomorrow, thanks MarkyD