all you runners out there - shin pain.....?

[sweetheart]

I have been experiencing shin pain frequently after running - are they shin splints and what can I do about them? I've already invested in a new pair of trainers but that hasn't helped. The pain is in my inner calf front and back. It was so bad yesterday I could barely walk after my run!

Sounds like shin splints...can you get your running gait examined in a proper sports shop where you can get the best trainers for you.

that's what I did with these new trainers

Ah....not sure then

What surface do you run on? Have you suddenly increased the amount you run?

Change of terrain and a sharp increase in distance/time can bring shin splints on.

I used to get them regularly but now run on a canal towpath rather than pavement and I up mileage by half a mile a week but run 3 times a week doing speed work and strength training. No more shin splints!

Did you rest and recover properly before going out with your super-duper new trainers?

I had this before and it only really improved by cutting right back on mileage for a few weeks AND new trainers.

It sounds as though the trainers they picked for you aren't working so well. I'd go back to the shop and talk to them. Could be that they are stability trainers rather than supportive.

I agree it depends where you run.

At the moment for evenings I pay to use the local running track, it's only £1 for as long as you need.

It's not very scenic but there have been assaults happening in the local woods/ fields and so I am cautious.

I'm road running at the moment but may change to treadmill next week. I run sporadically, used to be up to 5k but haven't done anything for a couple of months. Have run 3.5k 3 days this week and the 3rd day was a killer for shin splints. I'm not a good distance runner, can't imagine getting up to 10k at this point in time.
Whats speed work and strength training? I used to run a canal path doing the 5k but still got splints doing that - and on the treadmill come to think of it, although probably not as bad.

It's a posability I'm just not made to run!

No, sweetheart (that sounds a bit over-familiar!) - I am sure you will find a solution.

How about trying a bit of run-walk intervals. They can help you increase your mileage and cardiovascular fitness without too much joint stress. Try Googling "John Bingham", he is a runner and writer who promotes this method.

I too struggled to get above 5k when I 1st started - mainly due to shin splints. I now run between 3 and 8 miles 3 times a week.