So.. Tonight..

vanessaclarkgbr

Without sounding like a creep - Berry's advice has kept me on the straight and narrow since I starting thinking the same as you a couple of months back.

Unfortunately, when I was 22 I took myself out running, 3 miles at a go without a plan 3 times a week. When I got shin splints I ignored them and kept running until I was in so much pain one day I couldn't walk and had to be collected mid run. Every time after that I tried running, aerobics etc, one shin would start up all over again, it just wouldn't recover (and I'm 40 now.)

Since I've been on here I started C25K - shin started again. I took the advice, got the correct footwear and stretched properly (a la Berry and Runners World links on how not to run before you can walk) and luckily so far all is manageable. You are not a US Marine, take it slowly and build up and you won't become injured (and highly demotivated by your injury!) I really really wish I'd known this when I was younger as it would have saved me (and numerous others!) a load of grief!

Also re drinking water - if you drink loads en route you might find you end up with stitch, some do. Personally I drink well over the course of the day and have a bottle of water ready in the car/at home for when I get in, I'm on C25K week 9 and that's working fine for me - good luck and enjoy!