macgyver2077

Hi all!
well Im having a bit of a problem and was hoping to get some advice. I started running and jogging about 7 or 8 weeks ago, also quit smoking so trying to get the lungs back. so after about a month I worked up to where I was running 5-6 days per week, monday wednesday friday would do about 4 mi in the morning and run a mile as fast as possible in the after noon. tues thurs and sundays I would go 3 to 4 miles.
a few weeks ago I started noticing a little pain in my lower legs, especially right after finishing a run, and it progressed until one day I had to stop in the middle of a run due to the discomfort.
the thing that confuses me is that they dont hurt while sprinting and even doing the mile, only when I slow my pace and jog over longer distance. also there is a little discomfort while skipping.
I have taken a week off and rested up and really want to get back into the swing of things but I dont want to hurt myself. any and all comments will help
thanks!

The Crusher

Might be shin splints. Assuming your shoes are not wore out, I would say it's due to the way your foot is striking the ground or overtraining. Try switching it up and running off road if possible. Maybe switch back and forth. Make sure you're not heel striking too.

Couchwarrior

I had the same problem and all I had to do was replace my shitty running shoes with a new pair of good quality and the problem gradually disappeared. Where exactly in your lower leg do you feel the pain?

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macgyver2077

the pain is mostly on the inside of the shin bones. Ive been running on gravel roads, I know some trails that are perfect but its a half-hour ride. I do need to get new shoes after I figure out what kind of shoes are best for my foot type. Could the problem be weight? because I think Ive gained about 10lb since I quit smoking. I just started to cut back on eating so much so Ill see how that goes. Thanks for the help!

The Crusher

It could be many things. You could even try running in grass like along a bike path. I used to run in Nikes but they wore out too fast and really were not that great. I picked up a pair of Under Armor running shoes that were for my stride type and they are great. I've had they for about 4 months now.

Couchwarrior

Sounds like the same place where my leg was hurting.

When you buy new shoes, try to find a knowledgeable salesman who can tell you what shoes are suitable for your weight, especially if you're on the heavier side.

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"I don't think you can underestimate the amount of motivation that Quinton Jackson will have coming back here and fighting in Japan." - Joe Rogan

macgyver2077

Thanks! I never knew under armour made shoes.. anyways Ill get myself to a shoestore with someone who knows about feet. Im sure my feet are a big part of the problem as well, flat and wide as hell.

The Crusher

Ya I just happened to go into the store the day they released I had no idea. After seeing that they are made specifically for different types of feet and stride I tried a few on and the difference was insane. The right ones made me feel like they helped me along and the wrong ones made it feel uncomfortable and off balance. Try to get someone that knows about running shoes specifically and menshealth.com has some tips too.

swpthleg

Running on cement is very hard on the joints. I don't have a nice trail near me, so I don't run outside. Icing helps shin splints a lot, as does making sure your calves are limber and stretched out prior. If there's a Fleet Feet in your area, they are supposed to do a great job of fitting people for running shoes.

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