Week 2 done but...

[stephhxo]

Just completed week 2. During run 2 i noticed my legs felt quite 'heavy' and more achey than they had been during previous runs and i have been putting it down as natural pains as my muscles adapt to actual exercise! Anyway i woke up the day after run 2 with achey knees and so had 2 rest days before tonights run. They were/are still achey, but manageable. I took it VERY slow today and i sailed through it breathing wise.

Anyway with my achey knees i think my running technique turned a bit 'wobbly' tonight. During round 2 my feet started aching which is usual however my right leg from about half way down my shin to the foot was noticeably more painful, so much so by round 5 it felt like it was seizing up and i got really heavy footed. My 5 min walk was not any easier, i could hear my right foot slamming on the ground and a slight limp coming along.

What is this?!? Is this normal?! Was it a bad move to run through it? Any advice is hugely appreciated, i'm no expert with anatomy and injuries!

Steph

[Madcow62]

I've also just completed week 2 and found it tough legwise. I also find the third run of the week the hardest even though I've managed it twice before! Mind you yesterday's jog was made harder by my app stopping on the second jog ... I'm sure I got to over 2 minutes before I realised!

[oldrunner Graduate]

Hi Steph

I would give it a rest if you have any pain. I carried on running with a knee pain but then had to take about 8 weeks off until it went away. Basically, the earlier you stop when you might have an injury the better. The shin splints are common at the start and they go away after you get more experience but knees you do have to watch. Try some tubular bandage to support them for a few days. Good luck

[stephhxo in reply to oldrunner]

Hello. Thanks for your advice! I am resting up now, i'm hoping not to be out any longer than 2 weeks as i'm so eager to get back out & not lose any of the progress i've made. Off to have a gait analysis on Saturday to get some better fitting shoes for when i am ready.

Steph

[Statpuss]

It sounds like splints. I get this when I do any description of lower body exercise. I've found that stopping 4 minutes into the warm up walk (pausing the track so I still get the full warm up) and stretching my calves and shins really helps. The stretch that works best for me is a sort of lunge, really stretching out the calf, and some good ankle circles. I also find that, once the splints start, it's best if I don't stop. If I stop and stretch again, the pain gets much worse and it's much harder to get going again. Instead, I slow right down. As long as I keep moving, I can work through it. If it gets worse, go see your GP. Hope that helps!

[Statpuss in reply to Statpuss]

I should qualify -- the calf/shin pain sounds like splints. The knee pain is more likely to be wear and tear that needs resting or taking to the doc.

[stephhxo]

That's brilliant thank you! I will try the stretches.

In my last run on Sunday (still on rest), i noticed that the pain was actually better if i didnt stop. I stopped once thinking i could stretch it out but that was awful, i thought i was going to cry and questioned whether I would even make it home without ringing my partner asking to come & get me!!

If only it was easy ey! I really want to get going again!

Steph