Newbie here with a running question

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dergillz

New member
First off I just want to say I'm new here so thanks for any ideas you may have. I'm 6ft and weigh around 200 lbs. I'm not fat, but I'm definitely...ehmm.. lets say.. Lumpy and I would like to tone up. Yesterday I started running. Now I do play recreational softball and I practice 2 times a week and play a game on Sunday. I run during these times but never for long periods at a time. Yesterday when I started running I encountered the problem I didn't think I would encounter. I knew I would be winded and out of breath, but along with that my right calf (only the right one) and the muscle that lines my shin on the left side of my right leg both feel like they are ripping off my bone when I run. That may be a little harsh, but you get the point. I went back for a 2nd time today and it was even worse.

My question is; am I doing something wrong? Or is this just normal when starting to run and exercise again? I'm wondering if it could be my form or the type of shoes I'm wearing. Should I run on grass as to concrete?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
 
Grass is usually better for joints if you are running, being a softer impact material... I get wierd pains in my legs all the time when I run, but then again I have never had them last more than one session, and they stop hurting the moment that I stop running.
 
Sounds like shin splints!

This happens to a lot of people when they first start running. It can be caused by shoes that aren't optimal, poor form, weak muscles, and a myriad of other things.

1. Get running shoes that are tailored to your running gait and shape of your foot. You can get fitted at any running store. This will also help protect your joints.
2. Stretch. Stretch all over. To stretch your shins, point your toe.

If I go for a long time without running, when I start again I will usually experience shin pain. It goes away within a week or so. Something that I've found that helps is doing a very light jog for 5 minutes, stretching, and then continuing with my real run.
 
I actually took care of the shoe's about 2 weeks ago. I got a pair that curves with my foot and they seem really comfortable. I might try running in the grass along with more stretching than I already do. I hope this pain goes away after sometime because it's very frustrating not being able to run because of it.

Thanks for the ideas. I appreciate it.
 
Happened to me back when I first started running, bought myself a nice pair of new balances, and started really stretching before every workout. I lean against any kind of wall with my legs at an angle to the ground, while keeping my weight on my heals, then just point your toes up and down, after that then rotate em a bit. Softer surfaces take the pressure off your joints.

But I think the best thing you can do when you get some serious shin splits is to just stop and give your body the time to fully repair it before you try to get back out there and run on it, don't force it. Not only because it's physically painful, but more so because, mentally, it's gonna hurt your attitude towards running if you're constantly in pain and could sabotage your whole weight loss plan. For me, adapting to running has been a 75% mental thing, the mind almost always wants to throw in the towel before the body does, it's your job to reprogram it.
 
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your shoes could be a problem.the shoes you were wearing probably doesn't have a lot of support.running on concrete will cause joint pain,so try to avoid concrete or hard ground unless you have RUNNING shoes
 
you might want to follow a running plan... just not to over train yourself.... it's safer to follow a plan with adequate rest and progressive build up on distance or time...

I'm also a newbie and following and easy 12 week run/walk program.. before I just ran whatever time or distance I want, but eventually without proper resting time and distance , I just end up hurting myself...

I posted the 12 weeks run/walk program on my blog... maybe you might find it helpful...
soNOOBrunner.blogspot.com
 
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