Need Advice for a new runner training for a 10K...

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  • josavage
    josavage Posts: 475 Member
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    You need to take some time to rest and go get properly fitted for new shoes. Whenever my shins start to hurt, I know it's time for a new pair. You can use the other pair you bought for cross training. Your running shoes should only be used for running so it's helpful to have another pair for other activities.
  • FindingSamMon
    FindingSamMon Posts: 774 Member
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    I have a similar problem, but only when I run on the treadmill. When I run outside, my shins are fine. I'm going to be taking some of the advice here as I too have a 10k coming up!
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
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    Hi, there's a lot of sage advice on shin splints already been posted on this thread:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/549474-running-question

    My contribution was as follows:
    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
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
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    I was going to post but Berry beat me to it. :flowerforyou:

    All I can do is reiterate what's been posted so far. Causes of shin splints are:

    1. Wrong shoes for your running style
    2. Too hard running surface (don't run on concrete)
    3. Running too often (more than every other day) or doing other high impact activities on the days between
    4. Running too far, too soon (more often than a 10% increase in distance)

    Fixing any and all of the above should resolve your shin splints. In the meantime, ice, rest and stretch.
  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
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    Fargo Running Store - i've never bought shoes there but I have bought gear and been happy with them. however, it is highly dependent on who you get. Most running stores will have a liberal return policy as well. Inquire about that.

    Side note: are you doing the Fargo 10K? I'm coming up for the full. Love that race!
  • mes1119
    mes1119 Posts: 1,082 Member
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    you may need some better shoes!

    go to a running specialty store and they will fit you for a new pair that matches your running stride and such.
  • bbysars
    bbysars Posts: 36 Member
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    I don't think resting has been stressed enough, I had shin splints and even with the right shoes it wouldn't go away so I had to sit out any stressing exercises and had to use the elliptical or the bike. Take a week off running and you'll be fine.
  • IzzieLee
    IzzieLee Posts: 19 Member
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    Agree with everyone on the shoes and also taking a rest day between runs. I have also found that wearing compression sleeves on my lower legs keeps my muscles nice and warm and they hurt alot less. You can give that a try too.
  • aliciaann16
    aliciaann16 Posts: 11 Member
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    I don't think resting has been stressed enough, I had shin splints and even with the right shoes it wouldn't go away so I had to sit out any stressing exercises and had to use the elliptical or the bike. Take a week off running and you'll be fine.

    i agree with this. i had issues w/ shin splints a month into running. i didn't want to lose too much time resting so i added in spinning. it helped my shins heal and i still got the cardio conditioning i wanted. now i find if i run every other day my shins don't hurt and my runs are better. doing some yoga for flexibility has also helped. aside from that ice and ibuprofen. good luck!
  • halhix
    halhix Posts: 48 Member
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    I am new to running and I am training for an upcoming 10k as well. As others have recommend, definitely get your shoes fitted by a running store if possible. I have flat feet and noticed that I would get shin splints after long runs. After getting the correct shoes, I am doing much better and I'm really excited about the results. Training on roads or paths is going to be much different from running on a treadmill as it is not padded and a little harder on your body. It is better to get this out of the way as you are going to involve additional muscle groups when running on harder surfaces. Once you've converted over to free running, it will be hard to get back on a treadmill as it becomes boring as all heck! Make sure to get some recovery time after your runs. I noticed that when I tweaked my right ankle that my left knee started to hurt as I was compensating for the injured ankle. I rested a bit and both pains went away.

    I got hooked on running within the past month and I can't get enough. I believe the shoes make a huge difference (and the nice weather we are getting in Atlanta). Good luck on your 10k! :smile:

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  • sarahc001
    sarahc001 Posts: 477 Member
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    You should try compression socks, particularly CEP running O2 compression socks. I just got a pair, and they are great for my calves; however I purchased them to avoid shinsplints based on reviews I had seen. So far, so good! I have upped my jogging from nothing (walking 2mi) to jogging 5 miles at an under 10min mile pace over the course of three weeks, and I have not had any pain doing so. I don't know if we are allowed to link to products; if for some reason this is deleted pm me and I will send you the link.

    http://www.amazon.com/CEP-Womens-Running-Compression-Socks/product-reviews/B003EIKBZY/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
  • Smashleymae10
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    Thanks everyone for you advice!! I appreciate it, I know there are boards about shin splints all the time, so I appreciate the responses!!

    I didn't even think it would have been my shoes since they were high quality ones, but I didn't think they were the wrong ones. I just thought since they were good for flat feet, they would be good for me. But now after thinking about it, I think my shin splints have gotten worse or aroused since I've been wearing them... So I guess I just bought an expensive pair of run around shoes... :)

    I think I might try the compression socks too. It might help my left leg where I broke it too. The Dr said that the scar tissue on my leg was not ready impact so I needed to give that time to adjust itself, but maybe those would help with that too...or just in my mind anyway!! :)