Leg pains.

[f0xache]

Hey all,

I started running with C25k in the summer. I now run 3 times a week and I’m about to do my first organised 10k run.

Throughout, I’ve had some nasty leg pains. It wasn’t the usual ache that comes from exercise. This was in/behind my shins, through the middle of my lower legs. I overdid it once and wasn’t able to run for 2 weeks.

Since then I’ve just been really careful to not overdo it but the pain is always there.

I went to my local sports shop to get my gait analysed. I never thought I’d be that into running that I’d be doing this but it’s free, they do it day-in and day-out, it didn’t matter that I’d never been on a treadmill before and it turned out to be the most important 15 minutes of my running career so far.

It turns out I very severely over-pronate. I’d done some googling on this before (recommend this for everyone too) and it simply means that my foot rolls too much after the initial strike as I transfer my weight.

This means the impact is going through my legs at the wrong angle and, frankly, it was shocking to watch it back. The guy said they’d be using the footage to explain over-pronation to future customers.

They got me to try a few pairs of shoes with better support to stop my foot rolling too far. The results were very clear to see in the video.

I haven’t posted here much but I realised that if I’d gone and had it checked as soon as I felt it wasn’t quite right I would’ve saved myself a lot of pain and injury.

I just wanted to say that it’s fine to go get your gait checked if you’re in week 1 of C25k. It may even be the ideal time. It’s not just for marathon runners. The people in the shop will be happy to help and you might be able to catch any issues before they arise.

*disclaimer: I’m not an expert by any means. There’s much debate online about shoes and what is/isn’t necessary. A while ago it was all the rage to run bare-foot. I’m just saying the check helped me and I should’ve done it sooner.

[f0xache]

In case you’re in the area, the place I went to and highly recommend is: facebook.com/pages/Essentia...

[davelinks Graduate]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I am in total agreement with you on this.

Until we see the video of our running action we mostly have little idea what is going on down there and the majority, wrongly, assume that they are neutral runners.

You could probably benefit from general leg strengthening exercises, such as squats.

[f0xache in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I thought that an old skateboarding injury had made my ankle less mobile and assumed my leg pain was from supination. I was really surprised to see it was actually completely the opposite!

[f0xache in reply to f0xache]

Also, thanks to all for the replies. I think strengthening exercises and general core strength should be my next focus.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

We advise all our Newbies to check out the FAQ post from IannodaTruffe There is a lot of very useful information there , especially about shoes and running

His advice on your leg strengthening exercises too, is a great idea...

runnersworld.com/beginner/a...

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

I’ve decided to bite the bullet and go for a gait analysis too. I’m prone to PF in my left heel, so it’ll be interesting to see what flags up. Thanks for the boot up the backside!

And good luck with your 10k! 😀

[f0xache]

Thank you!

That’s great, I hope it helps.