After doing some research though the injury prevention section of coolrunning.com, I have self-diagnosed myself with medial shin splints. I am hoping that it’s not actually full-blown shin splints, as I really can’t stand the thought of taking actual time off my training schedule, but I do have pain on my lower, inner shins, so I am going to treat myself as though that is what this is.

Recommendations include:

• Rest
• Ice
• Stretching
• Inserts in shoes for possible overpronation
• and eventual consultation with a sports medicine doctor and/or chiropractor

Resting, icing and stretching are easy - I’ve decided to take today off running. The main cause of shin splints is “too much, too soon,” so skipping my first long run sounds like a good idea. Instead, I will be hitting the gym for some crosstraining (elliptical or stationary bike). 

Icing - I’ve already had some ice on today and will throughout the day, with my feet elevated.

Stretching - I have been focusing on stretching all week (before and after runs) and will add in some particular stretches for calves.

I’ve used inserts for overpronation before, with positive results. Today, pre-gym, I’m going to go pick out some inserts and see how they work out.

I decided I’ll take tomorrow as my rest day, as usual, and then if I’m still aching after my run on Tuesday, I’m going to make an appointment with a sport medicine doctor to see what she would recommend.

Let’s hope I don’t actually have shin splints, people! I would be really sad.