Re: Negative progress

Bob Watkinson wrote:
"Chris" <chris999@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1139604096.869437.201590@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I'm a complete and utter beginner at this running lark, 32 years old
and never felt the need to go faster than walking pace before (but I've
done a little cycling). Anyhow, as I posted in the latest weekly log
post I've been getting out there pushing my very modest limits for the
past 10 days or so, and in the last week have run 4k every other day
(mostly managing to round with only 1 walking break or so). As any new
convert tends to be, I'm pretty enthusiastic about it all at the
moment.

gets you like that doesn't it :-)

Heh, sure does. I'm mostly surprised that I actually seem to be able
to do this, was expecting an early fall at the first fence but it's
been quite a revelation that after so little practice I can make it 4k
on my own. Perhaps that's why I've gotten carried away in believing I
can do more than I really can.

Anyway, thing is, today I set off expecting great things and certainly
felt more comfortable with my level of aerobic fitness as I found I
wasn't as out of puff at the 1k mark as I had been just a week before.
Then it all seemed to unravel.

As I carried on I felt like my lower legs were stiffening up. Not just
that but the muscles at the front around my shins were quite painful.
Each time my foot landed there was a spike of pain. It just worsened
to the point where I was walking at 2k, not through being out of puff
(the only reason I've had to break into a walk before) but because I
was so uncomfortable. I felt like pressing on further might do damage,
so I took the sensible option of walking the rest of the way.


This is a classic example of how the cardiovascular system gets fitter so
much quicker than the musculoskeletal system. Everyone goes through this
Chris. You feel so much fitter because of your CV fitness you think you can
do anything. Alas you can't, you need to treat your body with kid gloves and
take it very, very easy. Can I suggest you mix cycling with running and try
to run off road as much as you can to save the legs. Your MS system will
eventually catch up with your CV system but it will take time.

Interesting, I had no idea this was the case but it seems to fit with
my experience so I'm relieved it's not just me.

My colleagues at the office quickly diagnosed shin splints, but I don't
know if that's the case (I don't trust their expertise!). Now, some 7
hours later, if I press on and around my shins it feels tender, like
mild bruising, but is that what shin splints are?

Sounds like shin splints but I don't believe for a minute it is. Your not
running far enough and you haven't been doing it long enough. Sore legs is
all it is - nothing to worry about but you do need to back off.

I'm not convinced it's shin splints either. Have been googling it for
the last half and hour and in every case it's described as a soreness
to the inside edge of the shins. In my case the outer side of the
shins (furthest from the other leg) is most tender. It's probably just
some bruising or something.

I'm assuming I need
to back off and take more rest days between training, at least in these
early stages when my legs aren't used to this kind of activity. Does
that sound ok or should I leave a clear week or something?

Yep. Carry on thinking like this and you'll be fine. You've got a great
attitude. You're listening to your body and responding accordingly to what
it tells you. As I said, cross train at this stage if you can and mix your
terrain. Ease off when the legs hurt and you'll get better and better.
Believe me it's true.

I suppose this means I have to spend tomorrow fixing my bike which is
in pieces since I tried (and failed) to change the forks :o)

Don't want
to waste too much time, but my 10k isn't till May so I guess I don't
have to get too stressed.

Exactly - plenty of time. Then build up for a really good Autumn 10k

Autumn? No no no, not possible. I have 4 friends who have pressganged
(sorry, pursuaded) me to enter the Wheathampstead 10k in May. Gotta
make that race!

Advice from those who've been there and done that before would be
appreciated.

Hope this helps

It really did. Thanks very much.

.

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