Running help

Do go and get measured. It's really daft to run in something that isn't supportive enough (after all, you wouldn't drive a car with dodgy suspension would you?). However, there is nothing to stop you getting measured, making a note of make and size, then buying online. Yes, I know it's rude, but you won't be the last to do it, and you can always make a commitment to buy the next pair from them.

^ This I started and got plagued with shin splints I spent £80 on my first proper pair of running shoes and it is what has kept me going. The guys at the shop were fab and you get to know what is good for you. I am by no means an expert but I will say if you are getting splints every time you run you need to slow down and try and run on grass or any soft surface. Like I say I do not know much but this worked for me. I not fast I'm steady but I have competed in a couple of 5 mile races and a couple of 3 and you do get better so stick with it. But invest in you because that's why you started in the first place right? For YOU! Good luck

paulsamklyne383 wrote: »

I do wear proper running shoes but they aren't the ones that I've run on a treadmill to be fitted with, I've attempted running many times but I always quit in agony, I appreciate athletes are happy to pay £150 a pair but for me who's just started and doesn't know if I can keep it up I can't justify it I'm afraid x

So proper running shoes is a bit meaningless, the key question is whether they're appropriate for your gait.

I was similar in the past, trying to run would lead to serious shin splints. I think fixing that was a combination of solutions.

I'd generally tried to do too much, too soon. So using a structured plan helped me a lot. Couch to 5K led to racing a 10K about 9 months after starting, and now I run several half marathons per year. That's taken two years.

I did invest in the right shoes for my gait. I overpronate, so bought motion control shoes. As I've improved my running I'm less sensitive and my trail shoes are neutral. It's worth the investment. Equally the life of a pair of shoes is somewhere between 300 and 500 miles, in general. Some people get more, some less.

That said, some people find minimalist shoes work better for them.

What you might find is contributing is your style. If you're overstriding then you're putting a significant load on the lower leg, and that'll contribute.

Your other possibility would be a muscle imbalance between shin and calf. What can help with that is strength training, or cycling with your toes clipped in to the pedals.

Shoes are cheaper than a visit to the dr

paulsamklyne383 wrote: »

I've just ordered some shin supports so I'm hoping that helps .... I'm tempted to go to an actually running shop to be professionally fitted but then can I justify £150 and still can't run x

You shouldn't need to spend £150. I would think that £80 - £100 would be plenty. I just bought a new pair for $50. Granted they're on sale and it's the same shoe I've bought the last 3 times. At any rate do get some shoes that work will with your feet. If you need pronation control then the correct shoe can make a huge difference.

In the mean time, try icing your shins for 10 minutes after you run and get in a couple sessions of calf stretching during the day. Some soreness is pretty standard if you're not used to running but you shouldn't be feeling pain during a run. That's never a good thing. General soreness during the day can be normal when you're starting out.

Further reading.
http://www.runnersworld.com/tag/shin-splints

shoes are important. I stand with my toes on the edge of a step before and after I go running doing three sets of ten raising and lowering myself and quit having shin splints. Good Luck

I've historically been fitted with motion control / stability shoes to deal with pronation. Usually these shoes had a fair amount of heel to forefoot drop and generous cushioning.

After starting running again last September and after 800km with no injuries (I attribute this to a focus on running form) and on my second pair of stability shoes, I decided to take a chance and go "minimal" with a bare foot (no socks) style zero drop neutral shoe - antithesis of a stability / motion control show.

I've run hundreds of km on these minimalist neutral shoes and have continued to run injury free.

In fact the wear pattern on the sole suggests that my pronation when running in these shoes is... minimal to none. I chalk that up to the larger toe box on the show and sock-less style which allows a) my toes to splay properly giving me improved lateral stability, naturally, and b) the shoes help encourage a forefoot landing where heavily cushioned up stability shoes make it possible (and easy) to be lazy and land anywhere.

The reason I mention this is hardly any running shop would ever fit me with the minimal big toe box zero drop style shoe. In virtually every shop I visit I'm given the same, facile, prescription: "You pronate? Here, try these stability shoes." It's not the right answer, every time, it's just the easy answer too many shoe fitting folks dole out without a second thought to the alternatives.

Getting more than the stock advice from 80-90% of the stores out there is difficult enough. The chances of finding a running shop that can properly analyse running form and bio-mechanics are... low, especially in a small town.

It's very likely that the OP has form issues that are contributing to her recurring problems. Shoes alone will not solve this problem and re-injury will only lead to additional frustration.

Maybe you should wait 2 weeks until you can run again and then go and buy the new shoes.

I'm sure you are; I was responding to this bit.

paulsamklyne383 wrote: »

but obviously I'll want to try my new shows out

Especially if you do end up buying from a shop with a limited-time returns policy. Otherwise it'd be: buy shoes, don't use for two weeks, run for a bit and realise they're not quite right, oops, too late to return.

Recent research has called into question the belief that you should buy shoes specific to your gait. In fact, the most important thing to do is buy running shoes that feel comfortable.

Before spending a lot of money on new shoes, here's what I would suggest (once you've finished your 2 weeks off and start running again). First, ensure that your shoes fit well: your feet don't slide around but there's some extra room at the end, in the toebox, so that your toes don't rub. Then, start running slowly and gently, with attention to form. I'd recommend doing the Couch to 5K program. Run slowly enough during the running intervals that you can speak in complete sentences, and aim while running for a cadence (number of steps per minute) of 180-190: in other words, your feet should hit the ground 3 times per second (1.5 times for each foot). That will encourage good form (midfoot strike, feet under body when they land). Shin splints are often due to running too hard for a beginner, and running with poor form.