Runner's Advice

What am I supposed to be looking for in a shoe?

YOU aren't supposed to be looking for anything. Go to a specialty running store and let them fit you. They will analyze your gait and make appropriate recommendations for the right kind of shoe for the way you run, your height weight, etc.

on a slightly seperate topic, what are some good music tracks for running?

I found a website called "JogFM.com" You can search by song, artist, or running pace. I am a newbie runner. I put a search for 10 min mile pace and a list of songs came up for that pace. I then went into my Itunes and made running playlists. You can also search by beats per minute. A 10 min mile is approx 150 BPM, {if memory serves me right}. You can also download songs from that site. I have no idea how much it costs.

Im really tall and all legs as well - 37" inseam, my gait is 3.5-4 ft - I had to stop wearing cushioned soles because they were making ti worse, I switched to a half inch or thinner sole and dont have the shin splints anymore and the balance is worlds better. All that stabilizing on the cushioned sole was wreaking havoc on my legs.

I'm tall too and I find that thinner soled shoes work for me as well- personally I run in Vibrams but they aren't for everyone- they are definitely something you have to work into if you are not used to going barefoot a lot. A runner who has a lot of experience in your typical running shoes has strengthened their muscles in that way- I often see long-term runners switch to Vibrams and have immediate injury in their arches and ankles because they are not used to being unsupported by their shoe. They are, however, the only shoes that don't give me splints when I run. Yoovie and I are the same height, same inseam- the fact that thinner soled shoes work for her as well is something I find interesting and may be worth looking into.

Another tip I have for you that will help with your stride is to think about falling forward when you run. It helps a lot in keeping your stride where you want to be. Start out standing and slowly tip forward until you feel like you're going to fall. The step you take to catch yourself is the first step in your run. It's why track runners start out at an angle to the ground instead of standing up.

Im really tall and all legs as well - 37" inseam, my gait is 3.5-4 ft - I had to stop wearing cushioned soles because they were making ti worse, I switched to a half inch or thinner sole and dont have the shin splints anymore and the balance is worlds better. All that stabilizing on the cushioned sole was wreaking havoc on my legs.

You think this is why I get shin splints? I'm 5'8" with a 33" inseam. I got stabilizing running shoes the first time I bought any because I overpronate when I walk/run. Not terribly, but enough to need the extra support. I get shin splints like whoa and HAAAATE sidelining myself, so I always end up making it worse.
:grumble:

So I made a look over lunch for a specialty shoe/running store, but I don't see anything that fits that bill around here. Can anyone give me some examples of stores so I can look for specific places.

http://www.fleastcoastrunners.com/Store.html

Well fitted shoes are excellent but unless you have a really good form your still gonna be in pain. You need to google running form and cadence. Form is the most important thing to get down at the beggining. Form='s less injury. =D