I am new to running this year, and it's gone amazingly well, until the last 2 weeks. I could really do with some guidance.
Long story short, I am 12 days from the GNR and have developed pain in my right shin that is more or less constant. Shin Splints seems the obvious diagnosis. It's not agony, but it's very sore.
I am DESPERATE to run the GNR, I have worked so hard to get to this point. So should I just rest it until the day, to hopefully recover? Or is there anything else I SHOULD be doing in the meantime?
Many thanks.
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WilberJohn
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How frustrating for you. I could say you should rest and not run until race day and then you could do a walk/run combo but if it is shin splints then it is unlikely this would work and you could make matters much worse and then be off for weeks, if not months. Can you see a physio and get a proper diagnosis to see what you're dealing with? They would also be able to advise you on whether you should run or not.
I have every sympathy with where you are because I have had to miss so many races due to injury and you never get used to the disappointment. I’ve just made the decision to pull out of a race that has evaded me for the fifth time now! Frustrating but I don’t want to run injured because I want to run for as many years as possible.
However, while I appreciate that this is important to you and you really want to do it and you’ve trained for it, the right decision might be to consider giving this one a miss. You have constant pain now and over 13 miles is a long old way to run especially with shin pain. And, as I said earlier, you could make things much much worse and then be off for months. Do you want to risk that?
There will be other races and your training will not be wasted. You’ve done it all and when you do take time off to rest and then return to the runs, you will get to that distance again much easier and quicker.
Let us know what you decide to do and remember, injury is temporary, running is forever 🤗
Such a great reply Irishprincess Sadly I’m out of the GNR as of this morning. My knee pain has suddenly flared up and it’s not worth the risk of it happening on the day. Reading your response here has really helped me feel certain that postponing until next year is the right thing to do. So sorry you’re missing your race too. Sending hugs (and cake).
WilberJohn it’s such a shame you’re in this unenviable position. Wishing you all the best with whatever you decide to do. ❤️
Oh no! And you seemed to be doing so well with your training. These things sometimes come from nowhere and stop us at the worst possible time, ie just before a race 😡
Sending you loads of healing vibes and a hug. Thank you for the cake, I’ve already eaten one slice 😋😂
Here’s to all of us on the old IC and let’s keep everything crossed it won’t be for long 🤞
I know!! It’s just so annoying-I’ve had great long runs and PBs galore over short runs. Nothing like this for ages. It’s such rubbish timing for a flare up. Hey ho-better than on the day.
So glad you’ve managed some cake. We’re off for a trip out today and there’s a particular nice bakery so I think I will be insisting on a visit there. For recovery purposes obviously! Wishing you all the best with your recovery ❤️🩹
Ohno! So disappointing. I would echo IP's advice. Having had to cancel races myself, I know the agony of the can I, can't I? Should I, shouldn't I? I can only add that, if you do have to pull out then you will come to terms with that pretty quickly and will be more determined than ever when your time comes.
only you can decide whether you’re going to run or not. You may or may not be heading for shin splint, but going from Graduation to a half marathon in such a short time frame, might be too much too soon 🤔
You could stay off running for a bit and see how it goes. Then make the decision nearer the event
I hope that whatever you decide you do well. Keep us posted 🙂
I think first and foremost you should get proper medical advice. Maybe see if you can be referred to a physio and see what they recommend. In the meantime try and rest it. Try not too worry too much.
If you have to pull out maybe see if you can defer the race till next year. The GNR will still be there when you ready to race. Take care 👍
Amazing that you are entered in the GNR, but what a shame that you find yourself injured.
I’m going to echo what everyone else has said, and say that it’s a heck of a long way to run carrying an injury that might leave you unable to run for months and months after. Is it worth the risk? Can you defer to next year? That’s what I would do in the circumstances. 🙁
Also, when you say you’re new to running this year, do you mean running from scratch? If so, maybe you’ve taken it a bit far a bit soon, hence the injury? I know it’s hard, but maybe dial things back a bit! Hard I know, as running is so much fun - but you want to be injury free don’t you?
I don't think I have overdone it, genuinely. I did the C25K and continued to build pretty steadily. I don't feel completely hopeless yet, it's a dull ache that's there and I haven't run for a week now, so I will just carry on resting it and see if it eases as time goes on.
Please see my previous reply: the race T&C give you an option for deferring to next year. Yes, it will cost more, but you wouldn't have to go through the ballot.
Fwiw, at this point I don't think it particularly matters as to why your injury's occurred. Maybe it's overuse, maybe not. (I did my first HM precisely five months after I'd started C25K, and a FM under a year after that. So shoot me.)
What I personally see as important is what you do now. For me that would be getting advice from a health professional and, subject to that, most probably deferring my place until next year.
Sometimes there’s no obvious reason-when mine first came on my physio couldn’t see any clear reason why mine had happened. Sometimes you’re just really unlucky. If you can get hold of a physio, they would be great to advise you on whether it’s a realistic and sensible plan to run or not. Sending you masses of good wishes. It’s a horrible position to be in. ❤️
It could be a number of things from shoes to running style. I got it on my marathon run last weekend and only had it once before. Best to see the professionals like doctor and maybe physiotherapy but it can be a tough one to diagnose.
He has said it's probably more likely to be down to a collapsed arch on my right foot. He has taped my ankle and shin up for support for now, and I have another session next Friday, 2 days before the GNR. He said I can run, but to expect it to be sore for a while afterwards, and to see a Podiatrist afterwards to get measured for some proper insoles (not before though)
I ran last night, to give myself 9 days to recover. Felt sore when running, but certainly not unbearable. Sore again this morning but that's fine
So long as it doesn't get worse this week, I am going to give it a go (albeit slowly)
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