? for Runners. I need HELP!

[KathyH]

Hi Carole & Beverly & Educated Crowd!

I wanted to try a new activity so started power walking yesterday listening to Volume 3 from Cardio Coach. I did really well & jogged only during his 10 second sprints. Today, however, I decided to mostly jog & am now having pain in the back of my ankle as well as shin splints in the front of my left leg. The pain is only on my left leg. I now have it elevated at work & will have to ice it when I get home.

Oh why is it every time I want to try a new activity that I get sidelined by an injury? Ladies, what else should I be doing. Do any of you have Cardiocoach & how are you using it?

Thanks so much for all of your help. Kathy

 

[Mckmain]

Hi Kathy..I don't have Cardio Coach. But you might have done too much jogging too soon. We all do this with new workouts sometimes!!! For beginners you really have to walk and run for a few weeks to get your body used to the high impact of jogging/running. I wouldn't do it more than 3 days a week right now. Slapping your feet down when going downhill can cause shin splints. Are you wearing well cushioned new GOOD shoes??? Also have you checked out the Couch to 5K running program at www.coolrunning.com ? For now though ice the sore areas 15-20 minutes 3-5 times a day and stay with low impact if you can......Carole

 

[NurseLRT]

Kathy, I am a novice and I don't use cardiocoach. I do think that strengthening and stretching your calf muscles are necessary to prevent shin splints. No worries though, shin splints won't last that long. Maybe sprinting was a little too much this time. I am not so sure about the pain at the back of the ankle. Maybe an achiles tendon pull. I wouldn't worry too much, ibuprofen, and a couple days of rest might do the trick. Also, too much running can cause injury, so stagger running days with other activities.

I hope you get more advice. Take care.

Lori

 

[KathyH]

Hi Carole! I did NOT have my NEW shoes on; instead I was wearing my old ones. Live & learn. I'll ice it tonight & I'll probably have a day off from work to keep icing it tomorrow. After my leg gets better I'll definitely go more slowly w/walk & jog which is what I did yesterday & felt great. I'll check out coolrunning too. Thanks again! Kathy

 

[Mckmain]

Kathy...luckily I bet you did not injure yourself too badly. I bet it'll feel much better very soon...happy to help......Carole

 

[run4fun]

Hi Kathy,

I guess I don't have much to add from what the other ladies said. It does sound like you did to much running to soon, keep with the walk/jog for awhile. Also, good shoes are very important.

It sounds like you are going to give it another try. That is great!You will enjoy it.. :7

Beverly

 

[KathyH]

Hi Bev! Thanks a lot! My poor foot is elevated but boy oh boy its sure getting stiff. Yikes! I have to hurry up & ice it. Yes I will definitely try it again but smarter this time around. That Cardiocoach guy Sean O'Malley is soooo motivating!!

Take care ladies! Kathy