Running Question

-Same issues-

i'm no doctor but sounds like it could be shin splints or an oeveruse injury, you should really get it checked out and maybe switch to something lower impact like swimming? maybe even try running only every second day and on grass?

I'm no expert by any means and have even had the same issues. Probably shin splints. I fixed myself by getting better/right shoes.

Have you recently returned to running after a lay off, or have you recently upped your frequency or duration of runs? The shin pain sounds like classic "shin splints". For this, the normal course of attack would be to ensure that you were increasing runs gently and consider the condition and suitability of your running shoes.

The calf pain is probably more difficult to put your finger on but do you feel that (because of the shin problem) your running style is uneven and that could be putting more strain on the calf of the other leg?

I started running a year and a half ago (I was almost my heaviest weight). I started running by using the Couch to 5K program by Coolrunning.com (it's free:). It's a gradual program that takes you from the couch to a 5k in 9 weeks using interval training. I was an assistant coach for this same program a year later and I'm running my 1st 1/2 marathon this weekend.

It's nature for your body to have pains when starting to exercise again especially if you are carrying extra weight. Be sure to ease into your routine, make sure you have good snearkers (I'd suggest visiting a running specialty store and being properly fitted, it makes a WORLD of difference), and be sure to warm up and stretch aferwards.

If you continue to have shin pain you can google stretches and exercises to address that. From my understanding it's often associated with tight calf muscles.

Hope this helps and have fun running!!!

I used to have the same kind of problems. The first thing i would suggest is to drink a lot of water. The muscle is your right leg probably isn't getting enough water. For the left leg i would suggest some stretching. What i do is i face a wall and put my foot up against it and stretch it that way so you foot is kind of at a 90 degree angle. then i would switch positions with my butt against the wall and go on my tiptoes to stretch it that way. You can also do it sitting down by stretching your foot back to you and then flexing it the other way. Hope this helps!!!

First of all DON'T PANIC! These aches and pains are perfectly normal when you start or restart running. When you're sure you want to get more into running you absolutely must get properly fitted for the right shoes at a specialist running store, but most problems can be addressed through technique.

Many new starters deliberately land on their heel and roll through the foot even if this is not the most natural action for them. This can strain the muscles in the front of the shin as you pull your toes up, especially if you run on the treadmill at a constant gradient, and jar through the length of your leg, then strain the calf as you push off. Let your leg swing naturally forward so your foot lands underneath, not in front, or your body. You may find you land more naturally on your mid-foot.

Next, repair the strain with rest, ice and ibuprofen and stretch. A great stretch if to kneel down on your feet and lean backwards. To strengthen the muscles, kick off your shoes under your desk and write out the alphabet with your toes.

But the main point is as your body gets used to running, these aches and pains will gradually dissipate.

Here are my beginner's running tips, including some ideas on shin splints. Hope they help! :flowerforyou:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

In reply to the suggestions of visiting your doctor: My experience is that my doctors have been very dismissive of running injuries and problems. Their standard reply to "I have x pain when running" is "Stop running then". Unfortunately this is a common reply with a lot of UK doctors, and it's not just running; the reply is the same for most sports. I'm not beating up doctors here, but they have limited resources (especially time) and a general medicine training, This is a stark contrast to the longer consultations with and a specific background in sports injuries that a private sports consultant (a physio who specialises in running for example) can provide.

So, if you are lucky, and you have a doctor who is sympathetic to running a visit may be fruitful. If not, it won't be. At this point I'm not recommending getting a private consultation somewhere either. There are a few things that the OP can eliminate before professional advice is required.

NEW SHOES! Get fitted at a specialty store like Fleet Feet; I had awful shin splints and after I got my shoes (like 4 months ago) I haven't had them since! They are a little pricier but well worth it to not have that pain!!!