Pain in leg after attempting to run

So I did the first day of the couch to 5k program last week.  For some reason I have trouble running on a treadmill, but I did it anyway. Well, now I have a pain in the inside of my leg that has been there since last week. I feel it when I walk/run/jump, so I can't do anything now. It is getting better but I still need to be careful. All because of those few minutes of trying to run!

I think it must have something to do with my form when I run. I didn't have running shoes, either, just regular cross training shoes. Has anyone else had that problem? It's only my left leg. Maybe I run lopsided or something.

I have had the same issue.  In the back of my leg (behind my knee).  I always assumed it was related to a vein back there.  I have worked past it and can now run on the treadmill with very little trouble.  Keep trying.....the results are worth it!  I have already lost 26 pounds and the more I lose the easier the running becomes.  Good luck!

Can you describe the pain and exactly where it's at?

For running form, I suggest doing some research on POSE and Chi-running. With Chi probably being the better option.

I can feel the pain when I touch just right to front of my leg, on the lower half. It feels like it's on the bone, more than like my calf muscle. It's strange. It is feeling much better, but I am not going to try and run again just yet. Thank you for the advice, though! I will look into Chi-running, so when I am ready to try again I won't screw it up again.

I could be mistaken, but sounds like you have shin splints.  Anyhow, I would highly recommend looking POSE technique for running.  The major take away from that form was landing on the ball of the foot was KEY.  Landing on "ball of foot" lets the calf absorb 99% of the impact.  This avoids knee and shin splint issues.  The other thing, I used jumping rope to build up my legs prior to introducing any real duration/intensity.  Jump rope "landing on ball of foot" for 3 minutes.  Do 5 sets of 3 minutes resting 30-60 seconds in between sets.

I would agree with ser that does sound like shin splints to me.  Actually,  If your form is proper your heel should never touch the ground.  In addtion you can try calf raises (start flat footing roll on to the ball of your foot and let it back down again).  Also you can roll your foot when your watching tv alternating each foot for 5 or 10 minutes.

If you do have shin splints, you need rest and ice first off. Then, you need to strengthen the shin muscles. You can do this with dorsiflexion with added resistance. Then very slowly get back into a run/walk program. And very conservatively add mileage. More people end up injured with POSE running as opposed to Chi. Noobs tend to land too much on the forefoot, which is almost as bad as heel striking. W/o a clinic or an instructor teaching you it's harder to learn. Chi, however, teaches to land midfoot. Which is more useful and most end up landing like this.

The most important things are to land under your center of gravity, pick up your feet(do not push off), this is accomplished by leaning forward from your ankles, not your waist, and keep your pelvis forward. That last part is tricky, but once you get it, you will understand.

Please take any advice on injuries from this forum with a grain of salt. This is not a medical board.

Interesting, as I thought I was using too much of my calf muscle, which I seem to do when on the treadmill. What I have found useful too, is learning how to run properly with youtube! Thank you so much for your help everyone, being injured is no fun.

I had severe shin splints so bad I could barely walk on flat services and couldn't walk up stairs for over a month. You need to get better shoes first off, and the first thing I learned during physio was to stretch out the calf and strengthen the foot abductors because there is usually an imbalance there. A custom orthotic also does wonders for keeping the pain from returning. However, you should make sure it's not compartmental syndrome, the most famous CS is carpel tunnel syndrome, and CS is far worse and needs to be treated.

As for the POSE and Chi running I really never used them and my shin splints went away after physio, better shoes, and orthotic inserts.