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Running...help needed

quickfin
quickfin Posts: 78 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Some info before the question:

I started the C25K 3 weeks ago.
I am running outdoors on the sidewalks.
I've had this problem twice now.

When I run I have some pain in my legs, nothing serious just a bit of pain so after my first run(45 sec) when I'm supposed to be walking I'll take time to stretch.
My second run (60sec) on saturday I had this feeling on the outside of my leg by my shin and lower by the ankle I fell like I was getting bitten by bugs. After this it appeared as though I had 2 bumps on my leg where the bite sensation was.

This has happend twice once during the first week and now during the second week as well.

When I do other cardio I do not have a leg problem at all...

Any ideas as to what this could be?

Replies

  • gmpearson
    gmpearson Posts: 138 Member
    These are called shin splints. They are very common, and can be caused a number of ways, the most common being the shoes you are wearing or hyper-exertion of muscles that you are not used to using. In your case, you started C25K, so you are probably stressing your legs which is causing the shin splints. remember to start off very easy, as the program is designed to progress over time. If you have a local running store, it is advisable to visit the store and let them fit you for a pair of shoes that is made for your running/walking style (pronation and gait). If you do not have a running store, you might visit your doctor or a local podiatrist so that they can recommend shoes or inserts that will help.

    Be sure to do lots of dynamic stretching before and after running.

    Google shin splints, and take a look at relieving the pain (ice, advil, etc).

    Most of all... do not let it get you down - treat them, but don't stop exercising! Good luck!

    Greg
  • gdunn55
    gdunn55 Posts: 363
    Could be a number of things. Because you normally run on a treadmill you have shock absorbers built into the machine where on a sidewalk you don't.

    Your shoes could be wore out and time for a new pair.

    The bumps, I'd say probably some type of bug.
  • chase7512
    chase7512 Posts: 76 Member
    Not to sure about the bumps, but I completed the C25K back in 2010 and have since been in a few races. I have completed my first 10km and am now going to be training for a 1/2 marathon this summer and I do have a few tips that helped me out a lot in regards to running.

    1. Figure out what type of running shoe you should be wearing (motion control, stability, or chushioned)
    2. Dress to the weather (not too much, not too little)
    3. (optional) I found spending a few dollars on the dry wick clothing, water bottle (w carrier), and a MP3 player of sort
    4. Do some squats / lunges instead of stretching before a run
    5. If you need to strecth at the beginning or middle just do a light stretch.
    6. Match your breathing to your stride ( breathe in for 2 steps (through your nose), breathe out for 2 steps (through your mouth), etc..)
    7. Try andalways keep your head up

    If it's a lower leg problem and it isn't some sort of bite I would definately look into the proper shoe type cause I had no idea and ended up having to change mine.
  • rascaln
    rascaln Posts: 2 Member
    the lumps could be small muscle hernias of the lower leg that are due to pounding on pavement that you may not experience on a treadmill or other cardio. apply ice on the bumps and then heat when they resolve.you may need better shoes or arch supports to absorb the impact. warm up legs before running and stretch lower legs. if bumps don't go away you should see a doctor and have an ultrasound.
  • quickfin
    quickfin Posts: 78 Member
    Thanks to all who responded!
This discussion has been closed.