Wiped out by shin splints

Have just had to cut W2R1 short due to a horrible pain in both my shins which I think is probably shin splints I'm gutted as I had a really good breathing pattern down, good pace, wasn't getting too tired and was actually really enjoying it. Is the only solution to go a few weeks without running and give them time to heal?

[misswobble Graduate]

It might not be shin splint

If you are new to running go very slowly. You can up the pace much further down the line, once your running legs are built

Have an extra day of rest and see how you feel 🙂

Shin splint is serious but I think it's an overuse issue, which may not apply to you so early in the programme

Not a doctor obviously so can't get sure

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

I am used to walking to and from work plus being on my feet all day for my job so I'd be surprised if my legs weren't at least a bit more resilient to exercise! I have a week off work now so will use it to rest up properly and start up again afterwards. Maybe I should slow my pace a bit too, I just run at a speed that feels natural I'm not pushing myself or anything but that might help too.

[misswobble Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Slow it right down. That is if you are well enough to run. Walking is not the same as running but I get where you're coming from. You will have to proceed with caution. C25k is great but just go very slowly, which we say to everyone.

The pain is inflammation. Ice is very effective! Ice all you can

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Yeah makes sense, I'm giving it the rest of the week off as I'm off work too so won't be on my feet as much which should help. Then after that we will see. It doesn't feel like I'm running particularly fast but will try and slow it down and see if that helps!

[Wannaberoadrunner Graduate in reply to misswobble]

That's useful to know. I had what I thought were shin splints from the very first run, which got a bit worse each time I ran. I was told about shin splints and the symptoms fit the description I found online.

I still felt twinges every now and then for months, but then I just decided to go out and run and it just went away on its own.

I understand shin splints don't do that, so I think it was down to me doing too much, too soon.

[McFitty Graduate]

Lord my shins were on fire for the first few weeks! I was used to walking 2 hours a day with my dogs too. Calves killed me too. It may well just be those muscles screaming at you because you're putting new demands on them.

It wasn't until I really slowed down (and I mean really slow), that they started to ease off. Hopefully it is just early niggles. Really hope it settles for you. Good luck ☺

[Hidden in reply to McFitty]

Thanks! Not sure if it's muscle or bone that's hurting but hopefully my new running shoes will help too, my old decrepit trainers were terrible.

[Tomas Graduate]

I agree with Miss W and mcfitty. Unlikely to be "real" shin splints, but probably "just" unpleasant muscle ache from a new exercise regime. Maybe give yourself an extra day to recover, but you're unlikely to cause any real damage b running for 90 seconds.