Getting back in shape for track/cross country?

Question

well, i was in track in 7-8th grade and did summer cross country begining of my 9th grade year. i did pretty well and really could have done great that year(i think). Then i moved and didn't do any running my 9th grade year. im in tenth now and decided to go back but i was really out of shape and couldn't keep up in practices(ive gained some weight) then i got severe shin splints and could barely walk so i dropped out.

I REALLY WANNA MAKE MY COME BACK AND I KNOW THERE'S A REALLY LONG AND HARD ROAD AHEAD TO DO SO, SO HOW DO I DO IT? I CAN'T SEEM TO COMPLETLY SHAKE MY SHIN SPLINTS(WONDER IF THEY WERE STRESS FRACTURES) AND ITS HARDER TO RUN NOW THAT I'M FATTER. hoW DO I GET BACK TO / BEYOND MY FORMER GLORY?

Answer 1

well i would start a sport that involves running. its a lot easyer to do fitness work with a group then by yourself. other nights that you have off you could go for a run or something. and eat healthy would be one of the big things.

Answer 2

I also run cross country and track, and I know it always feels overwhelming  trying to get back into shape. My advice is to start small so that you don't get discouraged, and then build up. Start with maybe about two miles at a steady pace, and after you feel comfortable running that, increase to 3-4, and so on. Don't overexert yourself or set expectations that are too high, just take it slowly, and it's likely that it won't take as long as you might think to get back into shape. Also about your shin splints, maybe see a physical therapist if you haven't already, and ice your shins, and stretch them throughly after every run. Also, remember to warm up well before every run, it will help a lot.

Good luck! ;-)