Come on...who's out there and injured..I think Lynn and Purdey are both struggling atm...any others? I know it can be miserable being side-lined and you feel less likely to post or get involved but hang around, keep the thing alive; you may risk losing it otherwise. Keep the faith

Yep. Shin splints. Not too bad - I think I caught them early enough to repair the damage fairly quickly, and I tend to heal quite fast. Had an easy 4 yesterday and a slightly faster one this morning (on the treadmill for softer surface). They don't seem to hurt whilst I'm running - strange. I'm v tempted to Lynn's approach... run. lol. Have only had a week off, but already feel that I can cope with a week of easy running. (fingers crossed) Tom

Leslie - many thanks. I do (some) shin strengthening exercises - but I'll definitely give yours a go. Anything is worth a shot! Tom

Just to add to the thread, I've been struggling with ITB and lower back pains for a few months. It seems to be getting better but slowly--that probably has to do with me not slowing down very much. At this point, the therapy of running outweighs the pain. That is true until someone so astutely points out, "Hey, you're limping." If only they knew that I know.

I guess you already tried it but I had success with a foam roller for ITB... BTW, just looked at your log entry for 25-May-08 6:00 AM - nice job

Wow, nice run! Re the IT band. My PT gave me a good stretch that doesn't pull to hard on the low back: Lay on back, one leg out straight. On opposite leg (let's say right), hook a belt, rope, etc. over end of foot, lift leg straight up in the air, slightly turn foot/leg inwards, lower to opposite side of the body (keeping stomach muscles tight), once lowered, gently pull on the belt, stretching the entire leg. Hold stretch for 15 secs, release and do over again, switch leg.s Work up to two or three 20 sec holds. If you're doing it correctly, you shouldn't feel any pulling in your lower back. This stretch has helped me a lot. Also, if your hamstrings are tight, that will cause low back problems. Lay on the floor with foot up on wall. You want to be as close to the wall as possible without feeling excessive stretching. You should be able to feel relaxed in the stretch. Hold for 5 minutes, switch legs. This is easiest done in a door way. Throw a CD in the player and hold the stretch through one of your favorite songs. I have LOTS of low back and knee strengthening exercises from physical therapy if anybody's interested. Purdey - When doing the "duck walk," make sure your knees are slightly bent. Later!

I hate not being able to run but I see from some of the posts it's ok (albeit a PITA) to keep from running when injured. I'm dealing with possible PF and definitely posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (any one else hear of this?) It truly sucks but I'm there in spirit for all my racing friends

posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (any one else hear of this?)

I had posterior tibial tendonitis? Not sure how similar this is. My symptom was pain in the middle inside of my arch. It got better with a bit of rest (2.5 weeks I think), comfortable work shoes with arch support, PT exercises to (1) stretch calves, (2) strengthen core especially hips, (3) stretch the foot. 1.5 years later, I still have to keep up with the exercises else it comes back. I almost completely gave up heels also... Cute dog by the way! My sister has an 8 month old Bernese. Sweetest little (big!) thing.

Thanks yes, the tibal tendinitis is exactly what it is ......can't go barefoot anymore, need little arch supports (the old custom orthotics I had were just too much), trying to keep up with exercises, using ice and sometimes ibuprophen...(hate getting older as much as being injured...lol). On week 2 of no running.... yep, that's Frank, the bernese....he's going to be 6 in Oct....the sweetest breed ever (but not the running type...haha)