Thank you Renee for pitching in our question today:
“I’m afraid of shin splints side stitch pain and red faced panting. I don’t think I could ever enjoy running – do you?”
OH! If these things didn’t happen, then everyone would love running and I would be out of a job, and sad.
These are very common, especially for newbies. Have no fear! There are solutions! Shin splints can be caused from incorrect running shoes. Make sure you are fitted well from a professional place, I like Super Jock n Jill. There are also a few exercises you can do to help your shins be more powerful. Tracing the alphabet with your toes (all the way to Z). Another helpful thing is tapping your feet, like you are waiting for someone. 20 taps, per foot, then switch, and repeat 5 times (100 taps a foot all together)
Side stitches are normal for new runners. Go slow at the start and focus on breathing from your belly. I tell people to breath through their toes….which I realize isn’t possible, but it makes them focus on it.
As for the red faced panting, well, I suggest bringing along a dog. It’s a good distraction for onlookers and makes your tongue seem smaller by comparison. Unless you are Gene Simmons.