It is a fortnight since my last run, after which the niggling ache in my shins became too disagreeable to ignore any longer and I was forced to stop burying my head in the sand like an ostritch and acknowledge I had a problem, which was not going to go away on its own.
I have spent the past two weeks with my sensible head on nursing my shins back to good health. A combination of RICE, strengthening exercises, Pilates, daily yoga and dog walks seems to have done the trick and this morning I went on my first recovery run. I headed out onto the kind surfaces of the woodland and heathland commons near where I live and used the intervals of w6r1. I can't avoid slight inclines, even on my most level routes, but my legs coped fine and I felt encouraged by the outcome of my run.
I am mindful not to rush myself and know that recovery from shin splints takes time. I have decided to take at least two rest days between runs and keep intervals going for a while longer to allow my legs to adjust gradually. Any niggles and I shall ease up and stop if necessary. Hopefully I will be able to build back up to the 5k I achieved within the run/walk/run of w9. My aim after that is to run for 5k so that I am ready for my first Parkrun when it eventually starts up again.....🤞🏼.
After reading up on shin splints over the last couple of weeks, I have ordered new sports orthotics for my Mizuno trainers as I over-pronate and some research has suggested this could contribute to shin splints in new runners who are progressing to longer runs. I wore orthotics in my previous trainers, but have not felt the need for them in my Mizunos, however anything is worth a try if it fends off injury and keeps me running.
Happy running to those who can, and to those on the IC, be patient and kind to yourself, the runs will be there when you are ready.
Shin splints!!!! 
Shin splints - this really helps me!
Crippled by shin splints
Shin splints? 
Shin splints 
