Question for experienced runners

CaptainMFP

Here's some info about me before the question: I've been running since June and am coming up on my first 5K in two weeks. I typically log about 13.5 miles per week right now and my best pace for a 5K distance is about a 9.7 min mile.

The question: I've noticed lately that my shins feel tight for the first .75 miles of every run, then are fine the rest of the way. I've had absolutely no pain so I'm not worried about shin splints at all. I do a full 10 - 15 min. stretch session before I run and am looking for a way to loosen this muscle up better before I run. Any advice?

arc918

Hmm, perhaps try walking for 5-10 minutes before you run. I'm not a fan of static stretching cold muscles (I'll run for a couple miles, then stop and stretch on a bench or wall before I continue the rest of my run).

AZTrailRunner

^^^^ agree!

Also, I sometimes find that how I tie my shoes or how I stretched my calves can sometimes play a part.

You could also try walking around on your heels (toes in the air) for a few minutes each day to see if it helps any.

mlb929

Could just be plain fatigue. I didn't really think of that when I first started running, since I built slow and steady so I thought . I then fell, and advice from experienced runners made me rethink that I probably was more muscle fatigued than I'd thought. I say back off for a week or so and see if you when start back up if the problem is still there.

tigerbluefly

Hmm, perhaps try walking for 5-10 minutes before you run. I'm not a fan of static stretching cold muscles (I'll run for a couple miles, then stop and stretch on a bench or wall before I continue the rest of my run).

I agree, I always run for about a mile and then stop and stretch everything out. I have IT band issues and I need to stop and stretch after I'm warm or my knees won't make it for the whole run.

FitCoachJen

^^ agree with everything that's been posted thus far.

It might help to do some stretching/massage afterward. I use a foam roller almost daily, and I do this for my shins: http://www.mobilitywod.com/2011/06/episode-270365-mobrx-for-shin-splints.html