To ask how do I start running when I can't run?

[rebelrosie12]

Wanting to have a bit of an overhaul of my lifestyle. I do Pilates once a week and the only other exercise I could do is running. Problem is, i can't run. I get shin splints which give me pain for days after walking briskly up a hill. How do I get into it?!

I used Get Running, but that was years ago now.

I'm doing c25k and using the nhs podcast. It's brilliant, just download the podcast for the week and repeat 3 times. I listened to the week1 one first all the way through in the car just to see what it was all about. The host gently talks you through what to do, when to walk, when to jog, how long to do it and there's also music to help you along. I use Strava also too track distance and time.

Find a local running club and see if they have a beginners group. I had never run and tried on my own doing couch to 5K and my shins were always killing me. Joined total beginners group at local club. they were so lovely and supportive and taught me how to run 'properly'! ie in a way that less likely to injure myself. Ended up running a 10 mile race a year later!

I joined good gym group (running group where we run 1-3 miles, do 40 mins work for a charity, then run back) in sept. Now recovering from running a half marathon on Sunday. Am Mid 40's too....

NHS app is a good one (arguably the best)

But if you fancy something different, 'Zombies! Run!' gets good reviews

Is there a reason why running is the only other exercise you could do? Would cycling be an option? If walking is giving you shin splints then I would worry about running.

I had shin splints and hip pain when starting. It was just my body getting used to the change in use (for want of a better term!) all fine now.

Definitely get proper running shoes. The staff should check your feet to see if you have a high arch or not. Walking or running in shoes without proper support for the type of feet you have can cause really painful shin splints. I used to get them when walking uphill in my converse. When I did the couch To 5k app I had to repeat weeks a few times as I was so unfit and was struggling to get past the third week. Eventually though I was suddenly able to run for 15 mins without stopping or getting out of breath. Amazing considering i thought i was dying just running for 30 seconds at the start

You could also try 'jeffing' It's based of Jeff Galloway, who uses run walk intervals.
I'm conpleting the London Marathon using this method. I run for 30 secs, walk for 30 secs and repeat :-)

I'd second the advice on "jeffing" - a lot of people actually find it faster than running all the time so it isn't a dumbed down option and would be kinder on your shins. There's a great and ultra supportive facebook group called girls that jeff.

Hello Loudest Roar from a fellow jeffer.

As above with C25k, which at the beginning is a version of ‘Jeffing’

Also, visit an independent running shop (in my experience stay clear of big chains), get a gait analysis and properly fitted running shoes to support / cushion your running appropriately.

Loads of groups on Facebook if you’re on there too for support and motivation.

go swimming instead, not sure I'd start off doing something that causes you pain.

what shoes are you wearing when you walk up a hill and get shin splints?

Hello londonmummy1966
I don't know what I'd have done if I hadn't found out about Jeffing...

"Jeffing" sounds like variation of "Scout's Pace" developed by Baden-Powell. I'm assuming it's more sophisticated than simple walk/ run intervals.