Sore lower legs

[Abbimo]

So i decided during lockdown to try couch to 5k to help keep me active as im not the most active person. I tried joe wicks workouts at home but my young kids would just get in the way. Lol

Anyway ive just finished week 1 but i noticed from day one i have this pain/tighness in front of both my legs in shin area. I quite enjoy the runs so far and want to be able to get into it but this feeling in my legs when i run is starting to put me off. I have read it could be shin splint whatever that is. Do i carry on and push through the pain when running will it ease as i do more?

It doesent hurt on the walk part just when i run. Any advice is much appreciated as i want to keep this up.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Spartacus22 Graduate]

Its sounds like shin splints to me too. (Not a medical pro) just a fellow sufferer in week 1. I used to run a lot. It tends to be mainly from your running posture try looking at videos on YouTube for how to land with your feet and your legs and upper body posture

[Speedy60 Graduate]

You can ignore the odd ache, but don't ignore pain, you will only end up with an injury. Take extra rest days until your legs feel better.

Next time you go out, however slowly you are running now, run slower. Don't stretch your legs out in front of you, keep you feet under your body and take small strides. Try not to land on your heels or slap your foot down hard. Land mid foot, roll forwards and take off from the ball of your foot.

Make sure you warm up well and always do cool down stretches before your muscles get cold.

It is a lot to think about all at once, but after a while it will become natural.

Good luck

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Hi Abbi, follow the links, there is some info there. And I agree with everything speedy just said. Don't want you to have those pesky kids getting in the way again 😁

[Chatrouge20]

It maybe your trainers, often foot wear is the cause of shin splints.

[Fospa]

Dont run through the pain. These are shin splints. Probably a sign of wrong trainers for your running style..when lockdown is over, go to specialist running shop, who should check your running style. I spent £150 on trainers and whereas in the past I would have spent £20. I now dont suffer from shin splints at all..hope this helps..

[ToulouseNicki]

I find doing stretches after the run helps with aches. There is a video to show you how.

[Wobblyknees]

I agree with everyone that it sounds like ‘shin splints’ I was advised to shorten my stride when jogging. It helped.

[Justinian Graduate]

Shoes make a huge difference. You might want to try something with more cushion or support depending on your feet. Follow the links offered above, they helped me tremendously. congrats on finishing week one and Good luck!

[Giner]

Hi I have had the same problem and I was given some exercise to do and it is helping. Walk on your heels for 20 steps with your feet pointing outwards then do the same but point your feet inwardly.

[Gazelle25]

Hi do you have good cushioned running shoes?

[Abbimo in reply to Gazelle25]

I just have the nike resolution 5s. To be honest at this moment in time so early in i cant afford to spend a big amount on running shoes incase its not something im going to be able to keep at. I will try some the advice given and see if things improve if not then..well ill have to do an alternative to keep active that isnt too painful 😊

[Hidden]

I too am new to c25k and have always stopped before due to shin splints. My son is guiding and supporting me and I have repeated weeks until I was happy with my achievements

I have found massage helps, running your hands/thumbs along the area of soreness with some black pepper and lavender oil in a carrier oil, twice a day really helped. That is along with shoe supports and leg exercises as above

Keep at it, things will improve- honest xx