I set out for an easy 4-mile run yesterday, hoping my leg would just hurt at first, as it had a few weeks ago, and then feel better after awhile. That was not the case. I was wearing the old shoes so I didn't bother re-lacing again and again, but I had to stop and stretch at least once a mile. I would be running along, in pain but still keeping my stride, when the dull ache/numbness/giveout would occur. Towards the end of the run I tried running faster, which actually felt better, so there's something positive to take from all this. But I could barely walk when the run was over and continued to stretch - constantly.
With the help of Brandon Hillis, I did some research and self-diagnosis and this looks a lot like shin splints. The dull ache and numbness are symptoms common to shin splints. I put the word out on Run with Theoden's Facebook page that I thought I had shin splints and wanted to know if anyone had ever run a marathon in such a condition. I also described how everything felt. Everyone was very helpful and essentially came to two conclusions: (1) yes, you can run a marathon with shin splints. It's going to hurt like hell but should not cause any long-term damage at all. Get some compression sleeves and take painkillers.
I'm not even going to say what the second conclusion was. Let's just say that I have decided to visit the doc to make sure this is something I can run through before I proceed on Saturday. The pain would not bother me; fear that I may be doing some unknown damage would. I have an appointment for this afternoon and honestly, I'm optimistic. I just need peace of mind.
what's the verdict??? good luck on saturday! i was going to do the 5k, but we had a death in the family. Can't wait to hear about it!
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