Runner's Forum: new runner questions

What you are describing (the pain the shin) is shin splints and is a classic injury one gets when one first starts running after a loong time, or as a newbie - there is heaps of info about this on the net.

Do some good stretches before and after you run, and make sure you have some good running shoes. But if it clears up after a day its probably not so bad.  

RE Food: If you are only running 3miles at a time (at the moment), then you don't need to worry about eating anything special before or after. Just drink water. It is really only over the longer distances that people need to take sports drinks etc.

The pain you are feeling is coming from shin splints.  I had them bad when I first began running 20 years ago.  I found that good, appropriate sneakers combined with good shin/calf stretches alleviate the problem.

I typically eat AFTER my runs -- I don't like to run directly after eating.  But like a previous poster said, it doesn't matter all that much over a 3 mile distance.

Regarding the 5% grade:  I would not continue running exclusively on that grade.  Natually, hills are good for training.  But like anything else, you'll want to mix things up.  Modify the grade during your runs -- it will help better prepare for rolling hills once you start running outside.

I too am a new runner doing a learn to run program, My shins hurt a little after a run my trainer said make sure you stretch those shins after as I am a fairly heavy runner ( and loseing) my shins and tibial band kill me I hope this is normal , but really stretch I still can't be lieve I am trying a triathalon in May good luck.  

Just a suggestion to all those runners with shin pain.  Cushions.  Try and squeeze another pair of insoles in your shoes.  Try to run either on the dirt shoulder or part of the run on one side of the road and then on the other side of the road.  Road surfaces usually slope to allow the water to drain and that slight slope can tear up your knees, shins, hips and back.  If you just started and are trying to lose weight, like 99% of are, don't be afraid to stop and walk when it hurts.  Remember, you're still moving more than the guy watching tv with a beer and chips.  Don't let your shin splints get too bad because they are hell to heal.  Ice, elevation, rest.  Wrap them in an ace bandage before you run and don't be stupid and run like your racing.  Your legs need a break once in a while.  Admit it, if your big and fat like me, you need cushioned shoes.  I'd slap a Goodyear tire on my 14's if I could.  After 35 years of running, eating and enjoying life, 245 pound humans need all the help they can get to run 6 or 10 miles.  Be realistic about what your are doing to your body if you just started.   Movement burns calories, walking, jogging, or running.  We all aren't made for the Olympics. 

Lots of good advice above. I had bad shin splints. Real bad. Besides ice and taking time off, which is what I've had to do twice, I heated them and gave myself a severe massage. I mean dig that thumb right in there and run it all the way up and down the muscle. It will hurt a lot, but ice and ibuprofen and a couple of days off will do wonders. A college athlete told me about it. I guess there's something in there that you have to break loose.

Don't get discouraged or give up. You may be running too fast, too. Your legs will get stronger no matter how big you are and if you build up slowly you can go very far.

Formerly I could not even have a glass of water before a run, but I have learned to keep my abs tight and can eat before, during and after now. Experiment and go through some pain for awhile. You'll get to know yourself and get smarter and better all of the time.

 

Hello all.

I started running about two months now and I've never felt better and at age 45 I had to start some where. I started lifting weights three times a week and running on the treadmill four times a week. I was able to reach 11.2 miles last week and I was alittle sore all over but I recovered and only missed one running day. I started out walking with my Lab in the woods and then started jogging a mile to now at least 4 miles three times a week and a interval trining workout on hills and from 4 to 10 Mph for 4.2 miles. I signed up for my first 5k run this month and I'm a little nervous about not being able to finish high enough in the results. I would be happy with a top ten finish but I don't know if that will happen. Wish me luck..Please feel free to offer suggestions so I can be prepared for my first 5k .

 

Jim

I had a shin splint issue a few years ago but time seems to have sorted it out. I think taking it easy and not over-training when you're starting out is a good thing, even though it's so exhilirating to run, it's worth tempering it in the beginning. Yoga is good for helping with that. I would say to new runners to make sure you get fitted for really good shoes by someone who knows what they are talking about. I recently bought some very expensive Brooks but after the Half marathon two weeks ago my feet were really sore and nails were coming off, and it turned out that I had been fitted for the wrong shoes. I got the right ones and the difference is huge. I've been running for years and still this happened so it's worth being really careful about it.

Serena