Shin Splints are the Devil

my

shins

hurt

Luckily I had my sweet baby boy here today to help me stretch them out after my run.

I hobbled my way to my bathroom and took ibuprofen as soon as I got finished with my run.  I also stretched a lot and used my stick before my run as well as after.  Then I iced both shins down which really helped with the pain.  I feel okay now and I'm gonna keep this KT Tape on as long as I can.  Still not seeing a light at the end of this tunnel people...  Experienced runners...how long does it take until I can stop getting these posterior shin splints?

Price Check!

I went to Academy today to try to find a gym bag that was cute and small.  Close, but no cigar.

I did however, find a large selection of running gear that was a good bit cheaper than at Tri-Running.  Today I got some calf sleeves to help with the shin splints.  Crossing my fingers that they help!  They were A LOT cheaper at Academy...hopefully they're not junk.

I also got some Asics socks that have the little, well what I call blister lip, on the back.  I paid $9.99 for one pair at Tri-Running (they weren't asics brand and were a lot better made) and paid $6.99 for three pair at Academy.  I'm all about paying for good quality stuff, but c'mon...they're socks.  I'm sure these will do just fine. 

I found the little belt thing that I wanted to put my phone/chapstick/keys, etc. in while while I run! 

Lastly, a new Under Armour visor to keep the sun out of my eyes while still letting my head breathe. 

So needeless to say I hit the jackpot at Academy today and I'm pretty excited about that!  I'll have my 3rd run in my new shoes tonight during Week 3, day 2 of Couch to 5K.  About to go put on my calf sleeves right now!  Hope you are all having a good day!

<---A little motivation...lol!  Isn't that great!

Mizuno Inspire 8

So Friday I went running with Summer and her friend for the first time.   I also got another pair of new shoes, the Mizuno Inspire 8.  I really think these may be it!!!!  My run on Friday was brutal, despite my new shoes because of my shins still reeling from my past runs.  Summer left me in the dust, but I was able to run a little longer than her friend who has just started running, so that showed me that I am getting better!

I bought some KT Tape and applied it to my legs to help my shin splints before my run, however it started rolling off almost immediately.  This stuff is supposed to stay on for at least 24 hours, so I'm confident incorrectly applied it even though I thought I followed the video exactly.  My shins really felt better while the tape was on there.  I'll have to try that again.

I was given a sample of Biofreeze this weekend.  That stuff is GREAT!!  It's kind of like IcyHot, but stronger I think.  Not sure the logistics, but it feels fantastic.

I took a two day break over the weekend.  Right now I'm still following the Couch to 5K plan so I don't overdo it and hurt myself again.  I did Week 3, day 1 today while in town at my Dad's and it wasn't so bad!  My legs still hurt, but not at all like they have been and when I was doing my cool down I wasn't walking like a duck like I have been!  Lately with the shin splints being so bad I couldn't even walk right after my runs....it has been ridiculous.

I'm hoping all this positivity means my legs are finally getting used to this and they're gonna start working with me rather than against me.  Please Jesus!!  LOL!  I'm doing my first 5K run this weekend at Water's Edge and I'm pretty excited!!

At the Starting Line

My backstory:  I'm a 5'4" 30 year old mother of one son who just recently turned 3yrs old.  I have never been a runner, however 15 years or so ago when I was in high school I was very active in cheerleading, dancing, etc.  Once I graduated the pounds started to stack up!  I've managed to not go over 164 pounds.  Currently I'm at 158lbs and would very much like to reduce that number.  HOWEVER, my journey is not about the number, but about my health and happiness.  I have polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid issues, as well as a blood clotting disorder called Lupus Anticoagulant.  Because of those three things I have miscarried twice before my son and once since I've had my son.  If possible, I would love to fix my medical issues with healthy habits rather than medication.


A female cousin of mine who is almost three years younger than me started running about a year ago.  She has lost a significant amount of weight and her energy level has really improved!  Seeing the she can now run half marathons, I KNOW I can eventually do it!  I want to be able to be in great shape like she is now as well as being able to run with her and have fun at all the events!

I have tried to do C25K several times before and usually two weeks into it my knees are shot.  I have been walking and jogging for the past three weeks or so, all the while trying to find the shoe that's right for me thanks to my local running store, Tri-Running.  I have been using my old UnderArmour shoes for a long time now and until recently haven't even considered that shoes may be my problem.  I have a medium arch and mild over pronation.  I have tried my old shoes, Brooks Pure Cadence, and two days ago tried the Saucony Hurricane 13.  The Pure Cadence KILLED my shins!  I have never experienced shin splints before until now.  I returned the Pure Cadence and tried the Hurricane 13's, which didn't work either.  There is so much rubber on the heel that it feels like my feet clop down like horse hooves!  I went online yesterday and did the shoe advisors for a few different types of shoes.  I intend to try the Mizuno Wave Inspire 8, the Saucony Guide 5, and the Brooks Pure Flow.


I have signed up for my first 5K on June 2nd.  Even if I can't run the whole time at least it's a start!  I also signed up for The Color Run in New Orleans, LA on November 17th!  I should be able to have a good shoe and run the whole time by then right!?  HAHA!

Okay, so my issue right now is my shins.  I'm SO afraid that I have stress fractures instead of shin splints, but aside from going to a doctor I won't know for sure I guess.  I'm going to just keep taking ibuprofen, icing my legs, using IcyHot, and massaging with my "Stick" which was also referred to me by Tri-Running.  Have any of you had similar experiences?  I'd love some encouragement via stories of recovery...lol!  I just need to see a light at the end of this tunnel!!