C25K and/or Running Advise

aeap322

I just completed the first week of C25K, and my biggest obstacle right now is with my muscles, and not the cardio part of it. I'm actually barely breathing heavily, but by the end of the exercise I have a really hard time completing it because my calf and shin muscles hurt so bad. I stretch before and after, and even get in the hot tub after as well. I also have New Balance running shoes, so I don't think that is the problem either. Is this normal for someone who was never a runner, or am I doing something wrong?

kit_katty

I had a lot of trouble with shin splints when I started C25k. There are websites, I believe coolrunnings has a good section on what stretches are for what area of shin splints. This usually happens when you're going too fast for your body, going too hard too fast. I'd say take a few rest days, make sure you're not running day after day, maybe do some cross training. Your body will adjust and you'll be fine. But pain isn't good and can lead to stress fractures. Good luck!