a jogging question

littleblonde200
littleblonde200 Posts: 95
in Fitness and Exercise
a jogging question. i did my 1st jog/walk for the couch to 5k program on tuesday. i was thinking of doing day 2 later today (when its cooler) .My fronts on my legs are still aching (my shins i think there called) . Did anyone else find they ached there? and is it ok to run while still aching? I am a beginner to jogging again

Replies

  • littleblonde200
    littleblonde200 Posts: 95
    Just to add i am going to order some better running shoes today. I cant get properly fitted as i cant get to anywhere that does this. I live in a small town. But i will get some new running shoes.
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Hi, and welcome to the wonderful world of running! Don't call it jogging, it upsets us runners :wink:

    Yes, it's perfectly normal and very common to suffer from shin splints when you first start running. It's just from doing something new with your body.

    You're on the right track with getting new running shoes. Get them properly fitted at a specialist running shop, not just off the shelf.

    Edit: Just read you can't get fitted. Try this guide to finding the right type (neutral cushioned, support or motion control) here:
    http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/shoes/choosing-a-shoe-the-very-basics/481.html

    To stretch the front of your lower leg, kneel down and lean back. To strengthen them, write out the alphabet with your toes under the desk. Strange but it works!

    Finally, try not to do an exaggerated heel landing as lifting up your toes again and again is often the cause of shin splints. For years we were taught it was the right way but it doesn't suit many of us. Just let your leg swing forward naturally and let your foot land under your body - you may find it's on the mid-part of your foot rather than your heel and that might be more comfortable in the long run. Since I switched to mid-foot landing I've had far fewer aches and pains.

    Here are my beginner's tips, some might help:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

    Good luck, and come back to let us know how you're getting on with your running :flowerforyou:
  • csmith091
    csmith091 Posts: 12 Member
    I used to play tennis and I usually get shin splints from running on pavement/hard surfaces. I try to run on treadmills when possible, where shoes like Nike Shox, to absorb the impact from the ground, and if running outside I run on the grass, rather than the pavement. Not sure if you're having the same issue, but hope this helps.

    PS- Way to go for starting and trying to stick to it!!
  • littleblonde200
    littleblonde200 Posts: 95
    Thank you both. I have read a guide for running and chose my shoes based on that so i hope i get it right. They should arrive after the weekend. I don't really want to wait till then till i run again so will it be safe for me to do so? I will look up some more warm up stretches and see if that helps. I just read about the alphabet and it did actually feel to help a bit.
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    You'll be fine. Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile wearing flat leather track shoes! Learning good technique from the start will make all the difference.
  • littleblonde200
    littleblonde200 Posts: 95
    Thank you so much. Ok so i will run again later and see how i go on. I will take in to account the advise you have given and look up so more stretches and i look forward to my new shoes coming
  • Moriarty_697
    Moriarty_697 Posts: 226 Member
    One way to help shin splints when you're out running is to shorten your stride. Don't get discouraged, though, as they will get better with time. Shin splints used to be my big excuse for not running. Now, I'm getting ready for my third 5k and can't remember the last time I had them.
  • littleblonde200
    littleblonde200 Posts: 95
    Managed to get out today and pick some running shoes. I got some advise and got the best ones i could afford. They felt so much better. So cant wait to run again. i am getting lots of conflicting advise about running with shin splints . SOme say to carry on and some say to stop. I have put ice on again tonight and they do feel a little better.
  • southernsweetie1978
    southernsweetie1978 Posts: 107 Member
    Well I was trying to start that Coach to 5k. I have to wear braces on my feet when I exercise because I have foot drop. It makes jogging really rough when I try to do that though. However, my problem was that it made my right side burn more than anything else.
  • Touched670
    Touched670 Posts: 97 Member
    PLEASe take this advice...don't order running shoes. I did this and while they fit me fine, I still ended up with shin splints everytime I ran. I finally gave in and went to a store for runners. (I chose Fleet Feet here in Louisville, KY) They watched me run on a treadmill and then recommended shoes for me based on how I run. We went through several pairs till we found the ones I liked best and oh what a difference!!! No more shin splints! It was the best thing I ever did. And honestly, they only cost me about $20.00 more than the Nike's I ordered online...
  • Buettner22
    Buettner22 Posts: 129 Member
    hey! I just wanted to give my suggestion on shin splints. I get them and I'm on week 5 day 3 Ive been fitted for shoes and totally agree with everyone if you can get fitted thats the best way to go but at the end of the day for me i think its more that my muscles are just really weak still. The one thing that the people at OKC Runner recommended for me is to wear compression socks and stretch really good before, during and after. And when i say during my sports medicine doctor told me to stop running as soon as i start feeling them and put one foot against the curb to stretch my calf and then lean forward and try to touch my toes and hold it for about 30secs and then switch feet and then start running again. The compression socks are amazing! I have a pair of compression socks and then a pair of calf compression that look like socks without the actual sock part on the end. I bought both of mine on amazon, that was the cheapest place i could find them. The very last thing i do is make sure i eat a banana afterwards for help my muscles recover and then soak in hot water and Epson Salt every other day. Anyway I hope some of this kind of helps you out, I know it can be frustrating and a little discouraging but keep going and don't give up cause eventually they will go away!.
  • holmevik
    holmevik Posts: 33
    Expect to feel aches and pains in places you never even knew existed, just take it easy and be patient, it gets better with time. Shin spilnts often happens when you do too much, too soon. Make sure you drinks lots of water and if it is hot, do replace lost electrolytes.

    Good luck

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