Painful shins

[emilyb95]

Hi all,

I did W8R1 yesterday and struggled - it was boiling hot and my legs just didn't want to move. I completed it, although I didn't enjoy it.

Over the last week or so, i've been struggling with sore shins. After yesterday's run I can still feel they're sore today. I have been stretching after my run based on the link i've seen on other posts, but it doesn't seem to be doing much. Is there anything else I can try? Thanks

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

I think your last post may give a clue.

If you are running hard and especially if you are overstriding, in an effort to maximise speed, then you are going to be prone to shin splints.

To minimise impact you need to reduce your speed, avoid heelstriking if at all possible, run on softer surfaces (grass or treadmill) and wear good shoes, preferably fitted after a gait analysis.

Keep up stretches post run. Do the leg strengthening exercises linked to in the guide to the plan and make sure you are drinking 2.5-3 litres of fluids each and every day, running or not.

Most people do not enjoy arduous physical work as a fun pastime, however when they slow down they actually enjoy their running so much more.

[emilyb95 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for the advice ☺️ I’ve been going very slowly for my last few runs as I gave up the idea of speed, and had been really enjoying it. It was just this one run I really struggled with as soon as I set off.

I’ll make sure to keep up the stretches and do the strengthening exercises. I usually drink 3+ litres of water every day so think I’m fairly well hydrated. Need to get some new shoes at some point I think, but I will need to wait until the shops reopen to get my gait assessed

[Broken_halo]

Hi, wow week 8 thats amazing, I am on week 4 but struggled with pain in my shins and ankles really badly similar to what you are describing, yoga and stretches not doing much. A seasoned running friend said it could be my trainers (brand new never been be used but were 12 years old..I know!) She gave me a pair of hers to try and the difference its made is amazing! So may be worth trying other shoes?

[emilyb95 Graduate in reply to Broken_halo]

Thank you!! You’re doing so well too, you’ll be week 8 before long - it goes very quickly! 😁

I think I definitely need to try other shoes. I currently wear Nike Downshifters which I find comfortable, but they seem to give me blisters every time I wear them on my heel (even though they’re over a year old and well worn). I have the same pair in 2 colours and both do the same, so it must be the design. Definitely something I need to look into

[Broken_halo in reply to emilyb95]

Thanks, I am supprised at my progress to be fair! Yes deffo try new shoes, ive teo blisters from my bad shoes and they bloody hurt hopefully this will improve now ive my new shoes. Good luck

[emilyb95 Graduate in reply to Broken_halo]

Thanks, I’ll give it a go! Good luck for your future runs 😁