return to jgging after injury

Question
i am 34yrs  5ft 8 and weigh 12stone 7 lbs started running to lose weight a couple of years ago lost some then gained it again find it very difficult to keep weight off i done a couple of 10km this year and was in training for the marathon 26 miles i would do 3x40min runs 2x90min and 1x120 in the week then 3 weeks ago got really bad shin splints in my right leg its alot better now but still hurts to run on it should i still rest it or could i start running on it now and work through the pain don't think i can do my marathon now its in 3 weeks time and was so looking forward to doing it everyone said i would nt be able to do and it made me more determined

Answer
Hi, Mary

Welcome to the running world! I haven't even done a marathon yet, but I know how it feels to have people tell you it can't be done.

I've also been done in by shin splints before.  That usually is a sign of over training.  Meaning you may be doing too much too soon.  

I don't know how long you've been training for the marathon, but even with it being 3 weeks away, you still have time to give your shins a rest and still make it through the race.

My suggestion is to take the next week off from running and do exercises that are not weight-bearing.  So, swimming, using the elliptical, bicycling, those type of things.  You can also do strength training for 20-30 minutes 2-3 days per week.  This will help keep your muscles strong and your weight in check.

While you're giving your shins the week off, make sure that you are icing them at regular intervals and staying off your feet as much as possible.

Usually people are better after 3-4 weeks, however, if you are still experiencing pain, you may want to reconsider the marathon.  One common problem is that the pain of a shin splint can be mistaken for a stress fracture.  During this week, you may want to visit your doctor for an x-ray of your right leg to make sure you don't have a stress fracture.

Remember that you don't have to run the entire marathon.  There are plenty of people who walk all or part of marathons.  The important part is completing it -- and I want you to be able to finish without injuring yourself further.

Try those suggestions, but you have to be the one to determine how much pain is too much.  There will be more marathons, so if you have to sit this one out due to injury, then that gives you more time to have a proper training base for the next one.

I hope this helps.  Good luck.