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Getting in Shape

Shin pain

Does anyone get extremely painful shins when running? I assume this is what shin splints are. I have noticed over the years that I am fine doing low impact stuff, and even walking fast on the treadmill on a very high incline, but the second I pick up my legs to jog, my shins kill me.

I know the response will likely be that it must be my shoes, but over the years I have tried sooo many pairs of quality sneakers and the pain never changes. Is this just something my body will eventually  get used to? Is it a sign of injury? Or should I just not bother and stick to low impact cardio? I have never been one for running, because of the shins and my very large chest, but it does seem like a very efficient way to exercise and I'd like to be able to do it without pain.
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Re: Shin pain

  • I'm not a runner, but it MIGHT be your shoes. You should go to a store that specializes in running shoes and let them fit you for a pair - they'll look at your stride and a bunch of other factors to find a shoe that works best for you.
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  • How frequent of a runner are you?  Sometimes shins splints/tears often happen when you start increasing your mileage or just plain haven't run in awhile.

    With that said, I went to a specialty running store was fitted.  They watched me not only walk, but run, looked at my feet, etc.  They even let me take the shoes for a quick spin outside in the parking lot.  It was so helpful getting fitted for the proper shoe that my shins barely bug me anymore after a running haitus.  Also, if you get fitted and aren't happy don't be afraid for a second opinion.  I was originally fitted for Brooks but after going to the place that really took the time to let me run around the store in shoes and look at my stride and not just watching me walk I was fitted for Mizunos.  I haven't had issues since.
  • I agree with PPs. My H thought he just was always prone to "shin splints" unti he was fitted properly. Now the man can run forever without an issue. It was totally the shoes he was choosing. 
  • I agree with getting fitted.  I too had tried many different quality shoes.  But I was wearing the wrong TYPE of shoe every time, so of course I never found any I liked.  The people at the running store put me in a different type of shoe, and lo and behold, I had been wasting my money on $150 shoes.  The shoes they put me in (and I buy religiously now) were $80.  So there's another benefit.  Getting fitted doesn't have to be expensive.  They should show you shoes at a variety of price points that should work for you, and if they just try to push you towards expensive ones, go somewhere else.

    I also agree with pushing too hard or starting too fast.  Check out a program like Couch to 5k.

    With that said, running isn't for everyone.  If it doesn't work for you, don't worry.  Try some other stuff.  Kickboxing, zumba, step classes, biking, hiking, playing basketball.  Whatever works for you.

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  • Thanks everyone. I figured it was probably the shoes. What has always perplexed me is that it happens literally the minute I start running, so I have never even been able to "become a runner" because of the shin pain. I am going to see how my current regimen goes, and decide if I think I need to run to get maximum results. B/c otherwise I don't know how much I care about pushing through the pain if I can get good results through other activities. I'm just jealous of runners and their ability to set milestones and run races and all that fun stuff!
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  • I'm very prone to shin splints. I agree with everything the other girls have said. Definitely get the right shoes and then make sure you're consistent about getting new ones every 500 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Once the soles lose their little air pockets they'll no longer protect you impact wise. Make sure you ice and stretch after a run as well. My bad shins are the major reason I don't run outside. In the summer time I'll get a few outside runs, but I'm pretty much relegated to a treadmill because running on pavement just destroys my shins. 
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  • When I first started running, I would get them every time I ran. Over time they subsided, but also during that time I changed over to running sneakers from those reebok tone-ups. I agree that pushing yourself too much too fast can also cause it, I'm just getting back into running (took about 4 months off - why? idk lol) and am doing the C25K and it is really good at easing you into running.
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  • As a perpetual shin splint sufferer until about 2 years ago i agree with all these, with one other point.  STRETCHING!!  A lot of times shin splints can be caused or exacerbated by tight muscles in the back of your legs (usually calves, sometimes hamstrings) and weak muscles in the front of your shins (think that muscle next to your shin that comes out when you pull your toes up toward the ceiling.  I'd suggest looking up some strengthening exercises  and stretching your calves several times a day.  

    it really helped me, plus i finally learned to increase mileage slowly and be nicer to my body!!

    good luck!  it took me several failed attempts over the course of several years before the running bug really took hold for me.  before then it was always a chore, but now i'm a true believer, so there's still time!
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