Holy crap, I’m out of shape! It’s been three days and I’m sore and exhausted, which is pathetic.

The past two days it’s been cold and dreary outside… which has actually made me want to get out there and move. It warms me up. But here’s the problem, I’m not in good enough shape to be able to run the whole length. I’ve been running for a minute (or as much of it as I can) then walk for four more. Eventually when the running for a minute becomes easier (which it has), I’ll run longer and walk shorter.

Yesterday I thought my leg was going to rip away from my body. I had never felt so much pain in my life. I knew what it was almost immediately: shin splints. OWWWW! I got them right before my halfway point, I wasn’t able to run at all on the way home. I stopped, stretched and hobbled back to my apartment.

So I did what any amateur runner would do: I sent out a Tweet begging for help. Thank goodness for my Twitter & Facebook friends. I got lots of good tips I’m going to try including buying better shoes, running on grass, taking an ice bath and trying some different stretches.

I took it easy today, I only walked because my leg is still very sore. I really want to do the half marathon, and I definitely want to finish the 5k, so I need to nip this problem in the butt and don’t want to get hurt.