Question to any runners out there.

smkuhn1419
smkuhn1419 Posts: 16 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I just got back into running again about two weeks ago. Admittedly I'm in bad shape especially for a 21 year old. I used to run when I was in school. Not track due to transportation issues but in gym I could run a 6 minute mile and keep up with the track stars. So I always enjoyed "competing" with them daily and always pushed myself. I never had issues with my shins but two days ago my left shin really started to throb. I pushed myself pretty hard that day so I'm not sure if I went too hard. But I gave it a rest with ice 20 mins on and 30 mins off. Today I tried again but after 10 mins of easy jogging it started to throb again and I had to stop. I switch to the elliptical and that seemed to take any pressure off. I'm curious if anyone has had this issue and if there's anything I can do to help it heal. I'd really appreciate any advice because this is kinda a bummer. Thank you all ahead of time :)

Replies

  • hbrittingham
    hbrittingham Posts: 2,518 Member
    Sounds like it could be shin splints. You are pushing yourself too hard too fast. Look up Couch to 5K and ease back into running. That will allow your muscles and tendons to build up over time.
  • Clarewho
    Clarewho Posts: 494 Member
    Agreed, however good you've been in the past you need to build back up to it gradually. Try to resist the temptation to do too much too soon as you could end up having to take weeks off for recovery.
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    I agree with the above suggestions and i would also say think about the right shoes if you haven't been fitted already. Go into a running store and ask for a gait analysis. It should be free or minimal fee. If they don't know how to do it, go to a different running store. when they look at how you run, they should be able to fit you for shoes to meet your running needs
  • liznotyet
    liznotyet Posts: 402 Member
    presuming you are otherwise healthy, when or before it hurts, stop, find exercises that build strength (don't neglect balls of your feet, ankles, toes as stabilizers for running) and when you go back to running start with shorter strides. It may not even feel like running for a while but you are acclimating your body for impact and building endurance, and not getting sidelined by injury right out of the gate.
  • smkuhn1419
    smkuhn1419 Posts: 16 Member
    @hbrittingham @moyer566 @liznotyet
    I didn't really think about easing back into running. I just wanted to get out there and go. I'll definently look up that Couch to 5k. I don't want to further my injury. And I wonder if Dick's Sporting Goods can do the gait analysis. My running shows probably aren't the best for me. Thank you guys. :smiley:
  • smkuhn1419
    smkuhn1419 Posts: 16 Member
    Clarewho wrote: »
    Agreed, however good you've been in the past you need to build back up to it gradually. Try to resist the temptation to do too much too soon as you could end up having to take weeks off for recovery.

    Yeah I sorta just went all in. Big mistake :frowning: I'll definently ease back into it. I don't want to make my injury worse or cause new ones. :smile:
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    I don't know if they will be able to help you. it's generally better to go to a retail store. runners world has a thing where you can search for running stores near you
  • smkuhn1419
    smkuhn1419 Posts: 16 Member
    moyer566 wrote: »
    I don't know if they will be able to help you. it's generally better to go to a retail store. runners world has a thing where you can search for running stores near you

    OK :smile: I'll look it up. Thank you!
  • MobyCarp
    MobyCarp Posts: 2,927 Member
    smkuhn1419 wrote: »
    @hbrittingham @moyer566 @liznotyet
    I didn't really think about easing back into running. I just wanted to get out there and go. I'll definently look up that Couch to 5k. I don't want to further my injury. And I wonder if Dick's Sporting Goods can do the gait analysis. My running shows probably aren't the best for me. Thank you guys. :smiley:

    I wouldn't trust Dick's to do a good gait analysis. If you have any specialty running stores in your area, they would be a better choice for that. Look for places that sponsor races and have training programs for running in addition to selling running shoes. They're more likely to have the expertise you need in finding the right shoe.
  • utahmomof10
    utahmomof10 Posts: 133 Member
    I have been to several running stores and have had hit-and-miss experiences on getting good advice on what I need. After spending a year battling shin splints including physical therapy and changing shoes at least 3 times based on various recommendations from different running stores, I finally went to a running lab associated with a local hospital and had a real-life functional running evaluation. It was so extremely informative, and following their recommendations has finally helped me be able to run farther, faster, and more often while staying injury free. If you're planning on doing a lot of running for a long time, I would seriously recommend having that done. It was a little costly (~$150), but that's a lot less than I spent on physical therapy and multiple pairs of shoes trying to figure it out up to that point. I wished I had done it a lot sooner.
  • rachelouhoo
    rachelouhoo Posts: 1 Member
    Look into high quality running sneakers

    Focus on breathing and listen to your body

    Slower smaller strides

    I agree with multiple posts, read articles on runners world

    Look into kt tape or calf compression stockings. I prefer the tape for my long runs and half marathons.

    And most importantly, hydrate

    Happy trails
  • smkuhn1419
    smkuhn1419 Posts: 16 Member
    utahmomof10 wrote: »
    I have been to several running stores and have had hit-and-miss experiences on getting good advice on what I need. After spending a year battling shin splints including physical therapy and changing shoes at least 3 times based on various recommendations from different running stores, I finally went to a running lab associated with a local hospital and had a real-life functional running evaluation. It was so extremely informative, and following their recommendations has finally helped me be able to run farther, faster, and more often while staying injury free. If you're planning on doing a lot of running for a long time, I would seriously recommend having that done. It was a little costly (~$150), but that's a lot less than I spent on physical therapy and multiple pairs of shoes trying to figure it out up to that point. I wished I had done it a lot sooner.

    I definently want to run long term. I have a small goal of doing a 5k first then working up to 10k and a half marathon. Full marathon really intimidate me. Even just half marathons. But I'm so impressed by them. Especially for the charities and good causes that they sponsor. I've been taking it easy on my shin. Doing the elpitcal helps take the constant pressure off while still allowing me to get my heart rate up. I'll look into running labs near me. And especially getting me a really good pair of shoes. The ones I have are a cheap Walmart pair so I now know that they aren't helping me one bit. I did notice that when I first started running I hit down on my heels first instead of my full foot. So my posture and placement was all wrong. But I do agree that 150$ is worth it since I'm planning long term.
  • utahmomof10
    utahmomof10 Posts: 133 Member
    smkuhn1419 wrote: »
    utahmomof10 wrote: »
    I have been to several running stores and have had hit-and-miss experiences on getting good advice on what I need. After spending a year battling shin splints including physical therapy and changing shoes at least 3 times based on various recommendations from different running stores, I finally went to a running lab associated with a local hospital and had a real-life functional running evaluation. It was so extremely informative, and following their recommendations has finally helped me be able to run farther, faster, and more often while staying injury free. If you're planning on doing a lot of running for a long time, I would seriously recommend having that done. It was a little costly (~$150), but that's a lot less than I spent on physical therapy and multiple pairs of shoes trying to figure it out up to that point. I wished I had done it a lot sooner.

    I definently want to run long term. I have a small goal of doing a 5k first then working up to 10k and a half marathon. Full marathon really intimidate me. Even just half marathons. But I'm so impressed by them. Especially for the charities and good causes that they sponsor. I've been taking it easy on my shin. Doing the elpitcal helps take the constant pressure off while still allowing me to get my heart rate up. I'll look into running labs near me. And especially getting me a really good pair of shoes. The ones I have are a cheap Walmart pair so I now know that they aren't helping me one bit. I did notice that when I first started running I hit down on my heels first instead of my full foot. So my posture and placement was all wrong. But I do agree that 150$ is worth it since I'm planning long term.

    Yes, it sounds like there are several things you can do to get started. First, get the evaluation before you buy shoes. You can do the eval in your crappy shoes (they will also do a portion of the test with you running barefoot to see what your feet are really doing when you are running). The results of the evaluation will help to guide you to what type of shoes you need.

    For your current shin discomfort, I second the recommendation for trying some KT tape. There are several videos on YouTube that can show you how to apply it for shin splints. Here are some stretches you can do a couple of times a day to help alleviate the pain, along with icing it and massaging it. These stretches are similar to what my PT had me do. If it doesn't start getting any better, you may want to consult with a PT for some more aggressive and targeted treatment.

    I wish you all the best! Getting into running has been a rocky road for me, but it's getting better. I've done plenty of 5Ks, and would love to work up to a 10K. A half marathon still intimidates me a little, but I haven't completely rejected the idea in my mind. LOL Baby steps, I guess.

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