Need to run. Or something.

[james_tigerwoods]

I haven't run in years, in fact, I gave up running for cycling as I preferred cycling - Running, however, is quick and easy as pulling on a pair of trainers and going is less hassle than faffing about with my road bike

I'm in a pretty stty place right now having recently split with my partner, living with my mum and feeling pretty low - but I need to do something to pick me up and as I don't have my bike (and even when I get it it'll be too much hassle to get it out anyway).

But I have some good trainers and shorts and tshirt - so I can run. The problem is where and how to start? As I said, I haven't run for years and when I did, I picked up shin splints very easily (once I could barely walk for a week as a result).

What advice can anyone give me for re-starting and avoiding shin splints?

Thanks

JTW

[ewenm]

Google the Couch to 5k program - excellent intro to running. Then find your local parkrun for a welcoming free weekly timed 5k event. To avoid shin splints I'd suggest doing as much as possible offroad, but that can be tricky in winter.

[boyse7en]

My running club (sounds serious, but isn't) does a couch to 10k program for beginners.

Will give you a structured program, plus lots of support, and you get to run with similarly-paced people to start with.

[Willy Nilly]

boyse7en said:

My running club (sounds serious, but isn't) does a couch to 10k program for beginners.

Will give you a structured program, plus lots of support, and you get to run with similarly-paced people to start with.

Mine does this too. We also go out on the lash A LOT, in fact we seem to spend almost as much time getting pissed as running.

[Evanivitch]

Good,recent trainers? Are you landing on your heel?

First issue is to address the shin splints by making sure you've a decent bit of shock protection and then try landing further forward on your foot (like you were running up a slope ). It'll ruin your calves at first but you'll get used to it.

Do you have easy access to a playing field? Doing some Sprint sessions will get the speed back into your legs too.


But really just go out and have fun. Run for time and not distance to start and just push not to stop. If you cycle then the cardio is already there.

[DervVW]

couch to 5k is good - I like this - it helps you do a bit of run a bit of walk until you can do it.

Good Luck Op