Regular readers of my blog will know that I’m a keen runner. In 2019 I ran the London Marathon and I was hoping to run it again this year. I managed to get a charity place for 2020 and started fundraising. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be.
In June 2019 I started to experience some pain in my left tibia. Being my silly self, I decided to ignore the pain and continue running on it. In November 2019 it soon became clear to me that I needed to get the pain checked out by a doctor.
When I looked at my leg I could see that something wasn’t quite right. A lump had formed on the bone.
My GP who referred for me an x-ray which showed nothing. I then had a bone scan which showed shin splints on both legs and a stress fracture to my left tibia.
I was advised not to do any impact sports for at least three months which meant my dream of running the London Marathon again this year came to an abrupt end.
My consultant advised me that I could still exercise but no impact classes such as my usual pump class. He did give me the all clear to do spin class and this is what I’ve been doing for the last three months.
As much as I enjoy spin class though, it’s just not the same as running outdoors in the fresh air! Thankfully my three months of no running is almost up and I’m eager to start running again.
However, I know that it will be a long process to get my fitness levels back to where they were. I also know that I can’t just go out and run 5k, as much as I want to! I need to take a more practical approach and that means a lot of rehab work. My sports therapist has advised me to take my Ankle Brace off and doing some ankle and knee stability work, as well as leg and glute strengthening exercises to give me the best chance of returning to pain free running. She’s also suggested that I build my running back up very very slowly so that I can gauge the return of any symptoms.
With this in mind, I’ve decided to go back to basics and download the couch to 5k app. I’ve never done couch to 5k before, but my understanding is that it starts off by incorporating a mixture of walking and running that slowly builds you up to the distance of 5k in 9 weeks.
I’ve also bought a bike which I’m super excited about! I’m hoping with a mixture of rehab, walking, running and cycling that I’ll be able to return to running as pain free as possible and hopefully injury free!
Have you ever used the couch to 5k app? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let me know in the comments below.
8 Comments
Hannah
February 18, 2020 at 1:15 pm
I broke my fibula running a marathon in November (I finished it!) and was in a boot for 6 weeks but banned from running for another 6 after that.
I’ve started coaching again recently and running with them on a couch to 5k program. It’s helping to stop me going off to quick!
I read quite a lot of literature whilst I was out of action and there is some that says to run for 2 weeks and then take a week off to allow the bone to remodel (for 6 weeks). I think In both our cases it could be quite important to do this! Luckily my week off has occurred over half term when I have the littles to look after anyway!!
So sorry you’re out of London, I have an ultra in June hanging by a thread at the moment but I’m not prepared to let it go just yet!
Anne Sweet
February 21, 2020 at 9:45 am
Oh how disappointing not being able to run the marathon. Look on the bright side though, your injury is improving and there is always next year to try again.
The diary of Dad
February 21, 2020 at 12:36 pm
Hope you’re mending up well! I’ve never been a runner but I do love a walk in the countryside so appreciate that no class can ever really match the great outdoors.
Crummy Mummy
February 28, 2020 at 10:56 am
I haven’t used the app myself but lots of friends & family have with great success – good luck! #ThatFridayLinky
Stelle
February 21, 2020 at 1:53 pm
I’ve heard good things about couch to 5k – which narrator did you choose? Hope your recovery continues and you can do it next year! #ThatFridayLinky
Emily
February 21, 2020 at 2:12 pm
I chose Laura as my narrator. I’m enjoying the app so far! x
Catherine Holmes
February 21, 2020 at 5:59 pm
So sorry to hear of your injury and how wonderful you are for not giving up and going back to basics with such a positive attitude #ThatFridayLinky
Pip
May 10, 2021 at 8:06 pm
I’m in exactly the same situation 🙃 I got shin splints in my left leg in February and have spent the last 3 months keeping fit by cycling on an ebike and lots of pain free walking. After 45 years of running I started C25K last week … so far so good 👍 Did you stick to the 9 week programme religiously or were you tempted to do more than it suggests?