Now what?

I haven't done the C25K since last Wednesday's disaster. I have a (pretty) good excuse- pain. I'm not sure what happened, maybe it's the new sneakers? After I posted that night I sat down on the couch and discovered that my legs, ankles and feet all felt very tender to the touch. It felt as if someone had taken a bat to my lower extremities. Not a great feeling. When I woke up the next morning barely able to walk I decided to consult Dr.Google. Turns out- I had shin splints! What an embarrassment. Not even 2 full minutes of my (pathetic excuse for) running at a time and I get shin splints.

I took to Facebook to see what I should do next since I have many fitness minded friends. Here is a brief sample of responses (I edited them for brevity):

Friend 1: running on concrete is bad.

Friend 2: Run through the pain

Friend 3: Stretch.

Very Knowledgeable Friend 4: Get new sneakers (be fitted), try more strength training, do NOT run through the pain. Increase intensity OR duration by 10% each week.

Friend 5: Go slower. Buy shoes on sale at target.

Friend 6: Use tape supports

Friend 7: Ice and ibuprofen. get new sneakers. Rest until you feel better.

Friend 5's Hubby: Eat better. I don't know what your diet is like now but set up a proper routine. It makes a huge difference. (We're not 22 anymore)

Very knowledgeable Friend 8: Do NOT run through the pain. Ice and stretch. Get good shoes and walk a few minutes before you jog.

So, to review- I spent $65 on crap shoes, am doing too much on the wrong surface and eating poorly. I knew I was eating poorly- but the others- WHY?!?! Why can other people grab a pair of shoes and hit the pavement? This is such a blow to the ego and to my determination, my oomph, my get up and go (I can't figure out just what the feeling is).

I need to find another way to burn some calories without joining a gym. My father says to walk with the kids. That would involve avoiding all parks in the area to ward off tantrums from my 2 yr old, stopping every few minutes to pick up thrown items, packing a crap load of "just in case" stuff to bring along.

I'm thinking roller blades. I have a pair that haven't been used in 3 years.
Hopefully they still fit.
Hopefully I remember how.
Hopefully I won't somehow hurt myself.

I'm also thinking I may go back to Week 1/Day 1 of the C25K and do it with a friend on a track. Maybe that will help without having to buy new shoes. I feel like such a fool talking about icing my feet/legs, doing major stretching, etc for what is basically a glorified walk with a bounce. Why can't it be easier?! The eating thing is hard enough- once I get up the drive to actually exercise- my body rebels against me. It's so not fair. I was just starting to get excited about all the different races there are to compete in- color runs, mud runs, zombie runs, regular ol' runs for charities I believe in and support.

Please, please share some advice if you've been through this before. I need some been there, done thats.

Thanks for reading.

PS- my sister is giving me back my goal jeans. She has grown out of them in reverse. They are too big on her. I love her and at the same time I hate her (not really, Jen- I just hate me for not having any will power.Hugsandkissesandeverythingnice)

PPS- I may post some motivational "Before" pictures tomorrow. I haven't decided if I want to subject my small audience to such horrors.