Help! How can I avoid shin splints?

[Thelazibe]

I tried starting Couch to 5K a while ago and did quite a few runs but I started to experience pain in my shins and even had visible bruises. I chose soft surfaces when I could and usually ran on grass. I was advised to stop running for a while until they were better.

I fell out of the routine and stopped running. I want to start again but I'm worried the same will happen. I'm looking for advice on how to make sure it doesn't!

Thank you in advance. 🙂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The best ways to reduce impact are to avoid heelstriking and overstriding (making sure footfall is under your body) , also slow down and run on grass. Having the correct footwear also helps considerably. So getting shoes fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop is near the top of the list.