No chases by Dobermans (couple of non-plused Spaniels, with bemused “what is that idiot doing” looks however), definitely no styles to negotiate. There was however a mountain of steaming horse manure and rotting hay blocking my usual walking route... so the ex-RAF in me said “straight through it”... any volunteers to help clean the trainers?!
Immediately felt tougher this time round... after the second run segment, my shins definitely told me they were there! By the fourth run segment they were on fire. Seemed to be partially solved by slowing the run down as much as possible, and the walk segments weren’t quite as brisk.
It’s the shins and stitches that have always stopped me progressing with running much in the past, they’re a real deal-breaker and de-motivator. Thankfully stitches seem to be non-existent, but hoping that the shin issue eases up as the runs progress... any top tips on getting over that hurdle or prevention??
Just the one day off now rather than two (work commitments mucked yesterday’s scheduled run up)... so W1R3 on Saturday afternoon. Roll on...!
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AlphaExecDave
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The advice in the FAQ pinned posts is to get a gait analysis and decent running shoes if you are planning to go beyond week 4... It may be too early for that yet but all I can say is that once I got good quality running shoes all my leg aches disappeared...
Already one step ahead there... running in professionally fitted Brooks shoes etc. I’m hoping that it’s a time and progression thing and the onset of the shin issue gets delayed the more I run. Guess time will tell more than anything...!
Don’t know if I’m allowed to mention it, but KT tape is great - you see athletes taped up with the stuff...could help with the shin splints, maybe. Just a thoughts, anyone?
Ok, let's deal with those shins first...
I've found the only real help was from a tip picked up from my physio (old ski injury), which basically involves walking or running backwards, depending on which you can manage. On a treadmill you can increase the incline to say 5% and go slow. This appears to counteract the forwards motion and you don't need much, a few minutes was all it took for me before and after each run.
All these symptoms are temporary as your body adjusts, nothing lasts forever. Slowing down, as you say, also helps. It's just hard. It's a talent in itself if you have a competitive nature, which I'd say you do.
Now, your stitches, you'll get advice about slowing down, pushing out your tummy when you're suffering and not drinking while or just before your run, that's the best advice you'll get and this is also a common new-runner complaint. Time will help, unless you eat or drink a substantial amount before a run. I struggle with a run even 3 hours after a decent meal. I now keep meals light on run day, but can eat a banana (or boiled egg as today's test showed!) immediately before.
Don't miss the strengthening workouts in-between. I struggle to fit them in, but it's to my detriment. I use a Pilates/gym ball and follow a basic knee- strengthening plan which was designed for pre-ski runs but it works.
So, hope that helps to keep you on track. Good luck with your journey.
Looking out for updates as I think this is going to be a hilarious, if bumpy, ride.
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