Possible shin pain breakthrough

[NigelS]

Hi! I think this is worth sharing. I have had a tough time with 'shin splints' and took the advice to slow up, practice more of a running shuffle, and rest if it got worse. I also got myself a sport physio. However, my pain eases up I pick my legs up more and actually run. I think it was the action of the slow shuffle, where the feet are doing more that has been a strain on the lower leg muscles (I acknowledge that I've probably been doing it wrong). Anyway, whilst not pain free it has certainly enabled me to complete Week 5, Run 2 (two lots of eight minutes) which I couldn't do without stopping to walk mid-way through previously... I found in the shuffle, my feet were kind of 'paddling' and this over-worked my anterior tibialis (that's my non-expert explanation anyway). This has made me more knackered of course as I'm actually running rather than focussing on being slow. Does this revelation make sense to anyone?

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Very interesting. I’m often pushing this film to help people slow down m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...(Not working as expected?) and if you study it you’ll see that there is more spring in the step than just a slow shuffle! So you can still run slowly, land well, be doing the work of running, and reduce injury and pain. So glad you’ve found a way through this. How does your new running step compare to this?

[NigelS in reply to DiscoRunner]

Thank you, that is fascinating. It shows me that I actually haven't got it right. I need to go back to the track and practice what's in the video. I'm going to have to spend time with the vid on my iphone and get this right before I move on again.

Have a great day. Best wishes, Nigel

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to NigelS]

It took me quite a few views to get it. A key thing is when he talks about the jumping and the tap, tap, tap - now when I’m running I can check I’m doing it right with that point in mind. Here’s to pain free running! Best

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Good to have found something that works for you.

Impact causes shin splints and in most cases it is overstriding and heelstriking that contribute to the stresses, hence the recommendation of shorter strides and footfall under the torso. As supportive muscles develop, then you are going to be less susceptible to this condition.