Frustrating February & Shin Splint City

[Sweder]

My antipodean friend, 'tis the season to feel grotty, it seems.
However, I detect a positive note at the end of your report, and as I know only too well of late, any 'plus' signs are to be grabbed greedily, secured in a jar for study and enjoyment in the days and weeks to come.

I think a post-injury (or in your case, illness) return to running warrants an approach I've taken to particularly stubborn conundrums in years past. Rather than hit them head-on, you have to kind of sneak up on them. Like a Horse Whisperer might approach a wild-eyed Stallion; avoid eye contact, appear disinterested, all the while circling closer, until before you or the problem know it you're right along side and a solution is only the stroke of a mane away.

Keep on keeping on, expect less and more will inevitably come.
I've learned very recently the more I try to force my weary bones back to the peak of performance (cough, splutter) the more niggles and ailments seem to appear. Andy's right about not getting too obsessed with bouncebackability - make like you don't need it and the Running Gods will lose interest in your torment and go plague some other poor b*st*rd instead. Just make sure they stay in the Southern Hemisphere, OK?