How to jog properly?

Could be your shoes, or just trying to do too much too soon? I've always been a walker - could walk, and walk fast, all day long. Running was another story. I used the c25K program - builds you up slowly and worked great for me!

Try this...
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319--4615-0,00.html
for advice on finding the right running shoe for you.

Sounds like a shoe issue. Go to a running store and get fitted.

Might just be your running form, there is another thread started on that

I was wearing asics for the longest time because it seemed that runner's loved their asics! I was always in pain. I got fitted... I wear adidas adistars.. I have had no problems since! You need to get fitted!

I have the same problem, due mainly to being a heel striker. From what I understand anyway.

I have a horrible time with shin splints.

I have heard that the problem is common with people who land more on their heels than the balls of their feet and that working on your jogging form can help.

My doctor gave me walking exercises (like walking on my toes for 20 ft then on my heels for 20ft). He also told me to start by jogging shorter distances and to build it up slowly. A physical trainer once told me to put a towel on the floor and scrunch it up with my toes as an exercise to build up the appropriate muscle. The exercises never seemed to make much of a difference for me.

And then, of course, like other people suggested, I have tried different shoes.

My solution has become that running cannot be a primary workout for me. I try to do it no more than twice a week. Even if I feel like I can jog more, I tend to try to stop where my shins will be happy.

Anyway, I am not a doctor (clearly ) and don't really know how accurate I might be, but I thought I would pass on my accumulated "knowledge" (or perhaps "suggestions" would be more accurate).

I love Asics as well. They're light weight and fit to the contours of your feet. Stay away from those toning shoes, especially if you're jogging.

What is the best running shoe in your opinion?

The one that best fits/supports your foot and gait.
There are so many and what may work for other's might not work for you.

I loved New Balance but once i was given a gait analysis/foot measurements I realized that they were doing me more harm than good.
I now have Asics and LOVE them... And no more shin splints for me.

Do you have low arches (flat feet)? I struggled with shin splints my entire life. I would get them even after running just a short distance. A year and half ago I stumbled across a random article in a fitness magazine about shin splints and it listed low arches/flat feet as a major cause of shin splints. It turns out that those of us with this physical trait over-pronate (our feet turn in) when we run which puts extra stress on the shins and causes shin splints.

If you have low arches look into getting motion control shoes. These are made to help offset over-pronation and consequently, shin splints. After reading this article I decided to give the motion control shoes a try. They cost a little more than regular running shoes - but TOTALLY worth the invesment if this is your issue. I started running in May of last year. I ran my first 5K in August and my first 1/2 marathon in October. This October I will run my third 1/2 marathon.

Since deciding that I LOVE running and want to keep doing it forever, I have gone to a podiatrist and gotten orthotics for my shoes. The motion control shoes worked well for 5K and 10K runs but getting up to the 1/2 marathon level was a bit too much for my extra flat feet and for me it was worth the extra investment in the orthotics so I could continue to run long distances.

bump

I've always wanted to jog but I tend to get shin splints, when I try. I've been walking about 4 miles a day since June and have lost over 20 pounds. I decided I wanted to try my hand at jogging again. I walk a little then I jog a lap, etc. But I noticed yesterday that my shins were beginning to hurt a little again. Is that normal? What am I doing wrong?

I suppose it could be your shoes, but I'll give you my experience.

My husband and I adopted a dog that we knew would need at least 3 miles a day of walking. And by walking I mean 3.5 - 4.0 mph. The first year we got such bad shin splints at times I thought my shins were going fall off. It was pretty painful. I can't remember the moment when they stopped but after a while they did stop. And now I can't even get them if I try. It used to happen to me before the dog when I would walk on a high incline, about 3.5 mph on the treadmill.

Yup, get fitted for a shoe! There are stores that put you on a treadmill and watch your gate, etc. Within each brand (Nike, Adida, Asics) there are different types of shoes... stability, cushioned, etc. So, you need to find out the TYPE of shoe you need, and then try on that type in a few different brands to see what feels best to you.

I need a stability shoe and tried on Nike, Brooks, Adidas, etc. But, found that the Asics Kayano (lots of cushion and stability) feels best to me. When my shins start to hurt after a run, I know that it's time to retire my shoes and get new ones.

there is a shin muscle strengthening exercise lay on your stomach on the bed with you feet just hanging off the edge and press the front of your feet into the matress

I have fallen arches. I was having some problems with shin splints (but only on right side). I was going to try the motion control sneakers but decided to go the cheap route first (and the NOW route) and put my old arch supports in my running shoes. My shins are feeling almost 100% better and it's been less than a week. Right before I put the arch supports in, I tried to pay attention and noticed that I could feel my arches rising and falling with every step that I took. I walk to warm up and cool down and use the same shoes. If I'm just going for a walk, I will put on other sneakers to prolong the life of my running shoes.