Shin pain

[Stark75]

Hi everyone, just joined. I’m on week 2 of couch to 5k, was struggling to run 30 seconds at the start, but can now run 90 seconds, to me, this makes me sound awfully unfit, is this normal?, i also have shin pain, is this because I’m not ised to running?

Thanks!

[Hidden]

Welcome to the club!

We're all in the same boat at the beginning. Struggling, struggling, struggling but don't despair. You can get there. I'm just a little ahead of you, and it does get better

As for your shins, I'm sure someone will be along in a minute with useful advice.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Week 2 of 50k, really, lol that of course should be C25K, I thought when I first came across this site it was something to do with running for 25 kilometres, the 2 being to, not 25😊 .Well done on completing week 1. The shin pain is probably caused by not being used to running, have a few days off and when you start with run 3 of week 2, take it very carefully. 😊

[Stark75 in reply to AlMorr]

Haha couch to 50k....the dream 😂

[Skyemoocow]

I got terrible shin pain as well. I think it was a combination of not being used to running and not warming up properly. My runner friends recommended some stretches to do before I went out as well as cross training to strengthen my legs and I noticed an immediate difference. They also said about looking at new trainers that were more supportive but I seem to be fine at the moment. Good luck

[MutleyShuffle Graduate]

I had shin pain around week 4, and took a couple of days off to let it go down. Advice I received on here was to get gait analysis and good running shoes, also to try to land as lightly as you can on your feet - "kissing the ground with your feet" - no slapping! Go easy now 😊

[Stark75]

Thanks to all for the advice, i do tend to ‘slap’ when i run, will look at changing my running style if i can, & am certainly going to stick with it as i can feel slow steady improvements

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... it is full of tips.

Most new runner's aches and pains are caused by the impact of running, so do all you can to minimise the impact. Slow down, avoid heelstriking, keep footfall under your body not out in front, run on grass or treadmill and wear proper running shoes fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop.

There are links in the guide to stretches and exercises to do alongside your running.

Enjoy the journey.

[Stark75 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

That’s great, thanks very much, & i hope all is going well with you