Just started running properly for the first time...bad shins

[DaGuv]

I have just started using the treadmill properly for the first time. I have started off doing interval training. 1 min of fast walk at 5.5K and run for 1 min at 11K. I find this quite easy and usually do it for 40 mins. The problem is after I have done this I get a tender pain on my left shin. I am pretty sure its shin splints. I have proper running shoes from a decent running shop. My feet were checked and measured there. I am wondering if this pain is because I have just started running properly and my legs are getting used to it and eventually the pain will go away?

Thanks

[cs02rm0]

Vibram Five Fingers worked for me out in the open air.

If it's just on a treadmill try running barefoot maybe?

[Animal]

I used to get this. Two things have made it much less painful:

1) Warm up for longer. I walk for a few minutes before running.
2) Loosen your laces slightly. This won't work if you have velcro trainers.

[K87]

Could be that your just starting off with too much.

Try doing shorter distances for a couple of weeks and slowly building back up to your 40 minutes.

[Henry Hawthorne]

I got this when I started running at uni, not having run properly for a few years before. I got the pain so bad during running that I could hardly walk afterwards. After about three months it went away and my legs are fine now.

[RichB]

DaGuv said:

I have just started using the treadmill ... 1 min of fast walk at 5.5K and run for 1 min at 11K.

11kph is reasonably quick, I would suggest slowing the machine down but running for longer e.g 4 or 5 mins at 9 with 1 min walk recover and eventually aim not to walk then once you are comfortable increase the speed. Aim to be able to run for 15-20 min spells non-stop.

[Neil.D]

Are the running shoes fitted?

If they are just your correct size then you may be lacking support in your particular area.

I have to have running shoes actually 'fitted', ie they look at me walking, jogging, running etc and see how the feet land on the road etc. They analyse your actual running stlye and give you the apropriate shoe.

Its weird going running in a shirt and tie up the road but well worth it, shin splints can become unbearable.

[goldblum]

When you start running it takes a while for the body to get used to the continual pounding.Typical areas to expect pain from initially are shins,knees and hips.Later on as mileage builds up you will come across things like ITBS.

But don't worry the returns are well worth it both in terms of fitness and weightloss.

Good luck.