So, I'm going to run the Chicago marathon.

Despanan · 03-15-2010, 12:42 PM

Just signed up this morning. I'll be running for my friend's charity Active Water.

This should be interesting. I've never run a marathon before, so I've really got to step up my workouts and get back into shape, or I'm in for a rough time come October.

Either way, I suppose it'll be fun to watch.

Mariner · 03-15-2010, 01:06 PM

Oh, that's awesome! I've always wanted to run a marathon. The most I've ever been able to run at a time is 7 miles...but I don't run as much as I used to and I'm sure I can now probably only run 3 miles. Good luck Despanan! As for me, here's to another summer of hoping to have the time to get in marathon shape lol.

KontanKarite · 03-26-2010, 09:19 AM

Good luck, bro.

tears · 03-26-2010, 01:55 PM

That is SOOOOO great
i hope you did well

Renatus · 03-26-2010, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tears

That is SOOOOO great
i hope you did well

I dont think he did well... since it's not untill October, unless he has a time machine.

But hey I could possibly go down there and cheer you on.

PortraitOfSanity · 03-27-2010, 10:18 PM

Yea, I might be there anyway.

Despanan · 03-28-2010, 05:18 AM

Neat.

In other news, on the plus side I've found that I still have my thru-hiker endurance and can jog at a pretty decent pace indefinitely.

Bad news: my body is not used to jogging indefinitely. I gave myself shin-splints after two days and had to rest for a week before I could run without pain.

Going to start training again today. It figures that the weather in New York was beautiful while I was injured and now is back to being crappy.

Heretic · 04-26-2010, 02:40 PM

Do you have a training program you use? I've fought numerous injuries over the years during the course of my own training. If you need some advice on how to avoid or move past various injuries, I'd be glad to share my own knowledge and experiences.

- Heretic

Despanan · 05-02-2010, 04:24 PM

Yeah, actually. I'm dealing with some pretty nasty shin-splints right now. Basically, whenever I run for more than 2 or 3 miles my shins start to really hurt, and if I ignore it and keep running, they get worse. I'm trying to average around 25 miles a week, but I'm nowhere near close enough because I keep having to stop early to avoid the pain coming back.

Ever dealt with anything like that?

the-nihilist · 05-03-2010, 04:35 AM

I don't think I've ever gotten shin splints like that. The worse I've gotten is a stitch in my side that hurts so bad I have to quit running and walk home.

korinna5555 · 05-03-2010, 05:35 AM

Brent - I'll talk to my teachers at school, see if they can teach me any techniques I can pass on to you.
To me, it sounds like a calcium/magnesium imbalance..

Pineapple_Juice · 05-03-2010, 11:28 AM

Maybe you're just pushing yourself too hard? I'm trying to start running, and what's helped me a lot is that Couch to 5K program. It says even if you're an experienced runner that hasn't gone in a while, it can help you. Maybe look into that?
Awesome that you're doing the marathon, and good cause too. I want to eventually run in a breast cancer marathon.

Heretic · 05-03-2010, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Despanan

Yeah, actually. I'm dealing with some pretty nasty shin-splints right now. Basically, whenever I run for more than 2 or 3 miles my shins start to really hurt, and if I ignore it and keep running, they get worse. I'm trying to average around 25 miles a week, but I'm nowhere near close enough because I keep having to stop early to avoid the pain coming back.

Ever dealt with anything like that?

I've fought shin splints all my life. They eliminated my desire to be a long jumper almost ruined my career as a sprinter when I was in high school, and then came back with a vengeance once I decided to become a distance runner. They even brought their buddy Plantar Fasciitis for an extended visit.

There are essentially three things I have done to minimize shin splints:

1). Shoes and orthotics - Never underestimate the difference your shoes can make. I happen to be classified as a Clydesdale runner, at 6' and 205 lbs. I'm carrying way more muscle mass than most distance runners, which puts quite a bit of extra pressure on my feet, ankles, lower legs, and knees. The best shoe (stability + cushioning) that I've ever found is the ASICS Gel Kayano. The stability keeps my ankles from shifting and adding to the pressure in the tendons of my lower leg, and the stiffer cushioning is designed for heavier runners, which keeps me from pancaking the midsoles when I run. Depending upon your size and running mechanics, your choice of shoe could be a major contributing factor to your shinsplints. I recommend going to a shoe store to have your gait analyzed. A local running store in my area actually brings in orthopedic specialists a few times a month to provide this service for free. Ask around and see if there's a store close to you that does the same.

In addition, I use SuperFeet insoles, slightly modified by an orthopedic specialist with additional arch support. This has taken even more of the pressure off the tendon typically responsible for my shin splints.

2). Training on softer surfaces - I resigned myself long ago to avoiding asphalt and concrete when I train. At my size, I'm better suited to trail running anyway. By running on the worn areas next to paved paths, and avoiding sidewalks and roads when I can, I've cut down on the pounding my legs take. You'll be running on asphalt for your marathon, so you won't be able to completely avoid running on harder surfaces, but I would recommend putting in some of your mileage on softer indoor or outdoor tracks to give your legs a break from the pounding.

3). Ice - It may suck, and you might be really tired after your run, but taking the time to ice your legs immediately after training is more helpful in preventing shin splints than taking anti-inflammatory meds. For location-specific soreness and pain, I prefer to use the small, reusable chemical ice packs I have for lunch boxes. For general soreness, I'd recommend soaking your lower legs in a tub or bucket of cold water.

I hope this helps. My shin splints typically appear within the insides of my legs rather than the front. Either way, my recommendations should help. If you need more info, let me know.

- Heretic