Get Fit: Week 3 of C25K

This past week I have learned a lot about my body and running. I now know that running isn't as easy as putting on some workout clothes and running shoes and running down the street. Running really does have a form and as I read everything I can about running I am learning that I am a heel striker and this had lead my to my first running injury.

After completing week 1 of the C25K challenge I was feeling really good. I was super energized and less stressed. I even looked forward to my week 2 runs. I did feel a bit of pain in my shins but had a number of people say that is how the body gets used to running and you need to run through the pain. I ran through the pain and for the most part felt great. Last Friday I set out after working an overnight to do my week 2 day 3 run and had to turn around after making it half way. The pain in my right shin was too much to run through especially as I was almost 2.5 k from home and with Miss Molly. I was able to walk home still at a decent pace but no more running that day.

I took the whole weekend off to rest my shins and on Monday morning I headed out for a brisk walk. I was able to complete 4.5K. I decided I would take Tuesday off as I worked overnights. I feel horrible as I took Wednesday off as I needed to get ready for my daughters birthday dinner that night and I was super tired after working overnights I napped for just over an hour so I missed out on my walk.

Thursday morning I headed out right after the kids got on the bus and decided to work 1km and then attempt week 1 of the C25K routine again but I promised I wouldn't push it too much. I was super happy that I was able to complete the whole workout with little pain! Yay! I did however work on toe running vs my heel striking. When I got home I decided I would see if I could make an appointment with my Dr to make sure my shins were not injured and see what he thought of my new runners.

My Dr is a runner and he has been at me for a few years now to do yoga and/or running and I saw the smile on his face when I told him I decided to take up running. He actually said "I am happy to hear this". So to make a long story short, I do have shin splints and my Dr has recommended that I do not run until the pain goes away. I should continue to walk and when my pain does go away I should stick with week one maybe for 2 or 3 weeks just to build up strength and be more ready for week two. He also recommended a local store to go to and get better shoes for my foot strike.

I will be working on my walks and will let you know how the fitting goes and the pain.

Have you ever had a running injury? If so what happened and how did you fix it? What are your favorite kind runners? I would love to hear from you please leave a comment below.