Pain at calf/shin

[raviscn]

I couldn't complete W5R3 as i got pain at 16th minute at shin. ( assume front part of the legs between knee and foot) then resumed walking. Surprisingly I could walk easily but couldn't run at the same pace of walking. It seems the running activity even at very lower pace has different impact wrt walking, I reran the W5R2 yesterday at much slower pace and was fine. Should I continue W5R2 few more times before attempting the R3?

[Instructor57 Graduate]

What you are describing sounds like it could possibly be shin splints, hower, this would be my best guess and not a diagnosis!

Have a look at this link it may help explain.

nhs.uk/conditions/shin-spli...

[raviscn in reply to Instructor57]

the pain didnt continue after I stopped running on that day. and after couple of days rest, i completed W5R2 with out any pain. I did some stretches' today, My next run is due tomorrow. NHS link suggests to stop the altogether for a while which is very disheartening

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to raviscn]

We would certainly advise not to run with pain .If you completed your previous run with no issues then you may be ok , but don't run in pain, if the pain returns then stop .

When you run try to reduce impact by running on softer ground if possible, perhaps grass rather than road .

Try and avoid over striding and landing on your heel, ideally land mid foot.

If your symptoms return you might need to give more time for recovery and follow the P.R.I.C.E routine as explained in the program guide.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Hope this helps

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Have you done any leg strengthening exercises and post run static stretching as recommended in the guide to the plan?

Are you following the advice in the guide in respect of minimising impact?

All the above will likely help.

[raviscn in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I do S&F on the rest day(between 2 runs) as they said in the plan.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to raviscn]

Every little helps .and the more you do as the runs get longer...the better it gets.We do expect aches and pains ...this is a new experience... but real...deep seated pain is a no no.

It is unlikely, but not impossible that it is shin splints at this relatively early stage...but we are as stated previusly not medical experts..so...

Check out the S and F links on the S and Forum..

Loads there on calves and leg work!

[Nilsam Graduate]

You are getting good advice from instructors on the forum so I have nothing to add on that side. But I wanted to say I was sorry to hear that it happened. I hope that you will get over it.

[raviscn]

i made three decisions.

1) upgrade shoes to have more cushion and support. (its surprising that the previous shoes had 2 different size in each legs! I missed that and so is the shop guy too!)

2) repeat W5R2 for few more times. ( i repeated it around 6 more times)

3) have the runs in slower pace and get acquainted with it.

Today I successfully completed W5R3 with out any discomfort. I am planning to repeat W5R3 few more times before moving to W6R1. Hope this would be alright .

[raviscn]

Excited to say completed W6R3 with out any issue. after the run I was super thirsty!

[raviscn]

completed W8R1. No difficulties. Ants were overtaking me.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to raviscn]

Excellent! You’re getting close to the end of the programme now. Good luck for those last few runs.