pride comes before a shin splint

[JeremiahObadiah]

How very, very annoying and no doubt self inflicted by not doing enough pre and post run (and walk) preparation.

I graduated soon after Christmas and felt so pleased with myself, a few gentle consolidation runs and then the cold icy weather made running round here too daft.

During that time I was walking more and began to feel like I had a bruised shin.

The tender/bruised feel persisted once the weather improved, I tried a couple of NRC recovery runs, which felt fine whilst I did them but the shin sort of aches when I’m not moving. I decided I should get it checked.

I managed to see the Gp, thinking he would say ice it, rest it etc and be relatively dismissive. Instead of which he has booked me for an X-ray and given me some exercises.

Very annoyed with self for derailing own running. I did do warm ups and cool down stuff but obviously not enough.

Obviously shin splints are a common occurrence in new runners. I think there are better exercises out there than I have been given, if anyone has experience, I’m very happy to hear advice/recommendations .

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Shin splints of course is an umbrella term that can describe many causes of shin pain .And as you say It is not uncommon in new runners.As always it's important not to run in pain ,

Try as much as possible to reduce impact, maybe running on grass if you can .

Over striding and heel landing can also contribute.

You may find this article of use .

runnersworld.com/uk/health/...

[Mothmoss Graduate]

How frustrating - hopefully the positive side to come out of it is that you'll learn more about that area of the body and how to look after it, which will enable you to keep on running🙃 in the future. Good luck with it.

[Mothmoss Graduate]

Also, please share any useful info you discover if you get the time 👍

[Southernrunner]

I feel your pain, I got to the end of week 8 in November and had to stop running because of shin splints. After 2 months of cycling to keep fitness up, strength training and the odd very gentle short interval run here and there I”ve just completed week 5 again. Rest, new shoes, icing and physio has helped. Good luck!

[JeremiahObadiah Graduate]

Thank you for the replies.

I wasn’t that worried but the GP seemed to take it a lot more seriously than I expected. So I’m avoiding running for the moment and doing gentle walking, as in a bit slower and less distance than I would usually walk.

Frustrating, as I was really being a very sensible slow and steady, gentle jogger and was not trying to get to 5k in a hurry or pushing myself on speed , I’m relatively fit overall but not the youngest in the pack!

I used to do lots of weight lifting but now my shoulder tendons don’t like that. Then I walked as much as I could and developed plantar fasciitis… seems my body is desperate to get to that couch at every opportunity !!

I do think a physio appointment could be very worthwhile, once I’ve had the X-ray.

I will update if I get any useful advice .