Back & biceps today - reverted to my old routine as the new one wasn't really doing it for me. Deadlifts still on 100kg at 10, 8, 6 reps. Felt strong and that I could have managed more. Was tempted to try my 1rm instead which should be around 135kg (about 300lbs I think) which is about twice my bodyweight - will probably try that next week as I'm keen to know if I can do it.

Tried my new orthotics to see if the shinsplints would still plague me. Still got them at the usual 10 minute mark so, walked for a few minutes to stretch them out and then went on to complete about 3 miles. Not a miracle cure but, certainly a step in the right direction. The orthotics are adjustable so, will try running tomorrow with greater arch support.....wish me luck.

Lost a filling about 20 minutes ago which sucks but, is totally unrelated to fitness - I hate the dentist!

Was doing reverse dumbell flyes last night and felt a 'click' in my right shoulder and felt a sharp pain. Have removed them from my workout and replaced them with another excercise I can't remember the name of but, which is for rear delts - its kind of like a row but, with your elbows sticking out. Will try to look up the name later.

Have decided to stop running for a couple of weeks to see if I can ease these shinsplints and the foot pain I've been haveing.

Other than that, workout was good, weights are going up.

So far, not running seems to be doing the trick. Have also been keeping my feet elevated as much as possible. Significant reduction in foot pain and soreness. Hopefully, this will also translate to a reduction of shin pain when I start running again!

25 mins HIIT on the bike last night.

I'm being quite slack about updating my diary of late - doesn't mean I'm not training though. Friday was a fairly standard chest/tris day. Some weights went up, most stayed the same. Finished with 30mins on the cross trainer.

Yesterday was back & biceps. Deadlift weight increased but, I think my form suffered. Lower back aches quite a bit today, so much so that I've decided to take a day off from cardio today and rest up. Its amazing how much difference 2.5kg can make!!

Hopefully back on track with legs/shoulders tomorrow. Will go for free wight squats rather than machine squats. Unfortunately, cannot squat to failure as no spotter but, I fancy the change and will push as hard as I can safely.

Whilst training is going well, this journal clearly isn't.

Feeling very motivated to train at the moment (could it be that summer is approaching!)

Still not using the treadmill and have a consultation booked to see a specialist next week about my foot pain and shinsplints.

Will no doubt update this journal again eventually.

It seems I suffer from a condition called Planta Fasciitis. Will be seeing a podiatrist next week and will hopefully then begin the road to recovery. Its extremely frustrating not being able to run!! This has had a knock on effect in that, whilst I am still dropping bodyfat, progress is slow as I just can't seem to push myself as hard on the cross trainer and bike as I could on the treadmill! I also don't enjoy them nearly as much.

Weights have been reasonably static of late due to a few aches and pains that I don't wish to aggravate. I've stopped taking my creatine until these pass as it seems a waste if I'm not pushing.

Being the stubborn guy that I am, I had a little run yesterday. I managed 2 miles with no shinsplints or pain of any kind but, just to be safe, I quite while i was ahead and jumped on the cross trainer to finish.

I've come to realise recently that I HATE SQUATS!! Doesn't matter which way I look at it, I really don't like them at all! To add to this dislike, I am currently eating to a calorific deficit so, I'm not gaining too much strength. Will switch to leg presses next week and see if they put a smile on my face.

Felt strong today - beat my deadlift PB. Grip let me down on the final set so, will work on grip. Bicep curls were good, lifted more weight than usual and added some extra rows for my back at the end.

Stationery bike for 25mins SS afterwards.

knackered now! lol

Again, was feeling strong today. Benched more than usual and almost completed 3 full sets. 25 mins on the cross trainer to finish.

I've finally seen the podiatrist and had some orthotics fitted. I'm going back in 4 weeks and have chosen to lay off training for a week while the orthotics settle. I'm really hoping that this will solve all my problems, she even thinks it could cure my shinsplints!

2 years of pain and discomfort could finally be at an end