Week 1 complete!

[BlueChicken12]

Just wanted to post and say how amazed I am that week 1 is already done but more than that - I didn’t hate it! I even enjoyed it! That is massive for me as I don’t think I’ve ever had a single positive experience running before now.

I’ve been reading the really helpful guide that was posted on here and that has been a godsend - especially when it comes to slowing down my running (not a problem I ever thought I’d have haha)

I just wanted to ask if anyone had any advice re: avoiding shin splints? I’ve been warming up/stretching more which has helped but any other suggestions would be very welcome.

[John_W Graduate]

Shin splints are best avoided by sticking to the plan - they generally come on when doing too much, too soon. Respect the rest days and stick to 3 runs a week and keep the pace very very easy.

[BlueChicken12 in reply to John_W]

Thank you! I will be sure to stick to the schedule. I’ve been using two of my rest days as swimming/strength training days but maybe I need to take it a bit easier for a while until my body adjusts

[RunforMum Graduate]

Well done! Good luck with week 2!

[BlueChicken12 in reply to RunforMum]

Thank you!

[Folkylass Graduate]

Well done on W1.Exactly what John_W spoke about. Definitely shin splints are avoidable if you just stick to the plan. Don’t over do it and always make sure you take your rest days and please don’t run more than three times a week. This way will see you benefit in more ways than one and avoid shin splints.

Good luck with W2 👏👏👍😂x

[BlueChicken12 in reply to Folkylass]

Thank you! ❤️

[Strivetogrow]

Well done! I am on my 3rd week of the programme. I did it also 2 years ago and then I had issues with my knees. Started again in order to give myself more routine after taking magnesium to support bones and enjoying the programme again. Nice pace ensures no injuries. Keep going

[BlueChicken12 in reply to Strivetogrow]

Amazing - well done to you! Magnesium is a good idea, I will have a look into that

[Fionamags Graduate]

I'm not sure what the answer is for shin splints - they are not pleasant though so I'm sorry to hear that. But you have finished week 1 and enjoyed it - so congratulations! I hope you sort the shin splints soon though.

[BlueChicken12]

Hi everyone - just wanted to leave an update in case anyone comes across this who is in the same boat as me. After run 1 of week 2, I was really sore the next day and for about a week after despite following all the guidance - going super slowly, staying hydrated, doing all the stretches etc. I booked in with a physio who told me I have severe hypermobility which led to a patellofemoral injury and not to run again any time soon under any circumstances!

It’s a biomechanical issue and hopefully after a few months of rehab and strength training I will be able to give this challenge another go. It’s a bit frustrating as a relatively healthy and relatively young person but I’d encourage anyone struggling to seek out professional advice as like me, there might be an underlying reason why and not anything you are doing wrong!