How do you Runners do it?

runningathena

1. Go to an actual running store and get fitted for shoes. They will be pricey, but totally worth it if no more shin splints. (my personal favorites are Asics brand. my sis-in-law only buys saucony. Find the shoe that works with your foot. Just because it is Nike, doesn't mean it is *your* perfect shoe)
2. Where are you running? Pavement (asphalt) over Cement sidewalks. Cement has no give and is very bad for shin splints. Find a park with a running trail (ground even better than pavement)
3. What is you stride? Shorten it. Usually you can get a lot of shin splints from striking too hard on your heel. Which is usually caused by too long, out of control stride.

Good luck and good running.

All of the above here. Look to see if you have a Road Runner Sports, Fleet Feet, or similar store where you live. It should be a running-specific store - "big box" stores like Sports Authority or Foot Locker will NOT be able to help you.

Most importantly, you need the right shoes (do not get hung up on a brand/color/style - they should fit you comfortably without needing to be "broken in") And then you need to start SMALL and work your way up with mileage. Running every day for a week won't make you faster or able to run longer - it'll make you injured. Especially if you are starting from scratch. Shin splints are a big red flag of overuse and the wrong shoes and can lead to a stress fracture, which you definitely don't want.

Sure, some people run every day... I personally think they are setting themselves up for eventual injury. You have to rest the muscles so they can re-build and come back stronger. Running is no different. As a beginner, you should be running 3-4 days a week, max, using Couch to 5K or a similar program so you can build your endurance. Once you have endurance/stamina, then work on speed.

I'm a certified distance running coach AND I used to work for a women's running store, so I have a lot of information stored in my noggin should you have other questions. Best of luck!