Jogging question?

Question

I've been trying to get in better shape so I walk a 2.5 mile route a few times a week. I've been trying to build up to jogging, but everytime I try it feels like my shins are breaking. And if I try to push it they hurt like hell for the rest of the next day. All of my muscles and everything are fine, it's just my shins. Is this a normal "feel the burn" kind of thing that'll go away?

I tried jogging about a year ago and didn't have this problem, but I was wearing different shoes...
(And I'm 5'11", 185lbs. I'm not fat, I'm just not used to jogging.)

Answer 1

Good shoes is the main thing. Trying to run in walking shoes will kill you, so if you plan to run, invest in a good pair of shoes. I like the upper end of Brooks and Asics because of their gel cushioning systems.

Stretching your calves is a big part too. Make sure you get both ends of the calf. A lot of people stretch the muscle part, but forget to alter the angle for another stretch to get the Achilles tendon.

Answer 2

It is not normal to have your shins hurt, but it is a common injury for runners. You may get some relief from better shoes, and using a softer surface. You can massage the shins, use ice after exercise and work on trying to keep your feet and legs relaxed as you exercise. There are many theories about the causes of shin splints, but they are usually helped by shoes that cushion your weight and running on grass and not hard surfaces. If you are over weight maybe you can stay with the brisk walk until you have lost some more weight. This is not the "feel the burn" kind of thing people talk about.

Answer 3

I used to get shin splints from running on concrete instead of softer surfaces. I was told by a sports doctor to rub ice on your "shin" muscle after a run. I've heard that these are caused by bad shoes, bad surface and OVER developed calves. You may aslo be going to slow!!! The muscle "breaking" associated with jogging is harder on you that running smoothly. To build up your shin and neutralize the calve, try lifting your toes alternately (flexing the front of your shins) when you are sitting at work or watching the tube.
You need to figure out what kind of foot you have and get the proper shoe. To figure your foot type, a better shoe store should do the wet foot print, or you can do it at home. Insoles are a wise investment as well. Try to aviod running on concrete sidewalks or roads. Look for soft surfaced tracks or trails with dirt or tar. You may like an Elliptical trainer instead, great health benefit+low impact. Good luck.

Answer 4

yes there is a difference. eating then jogging is not always a good idea, as you shouldnt jog on a full stomach - its not good for your health, and jogging for a long period of time on a full stomach may make you feel sick and ill. jogging before eating will increase your appetite, so you will eat more after a good jog, which can be good for you. however, there needs to be a balance between the both and this is important. jogging on a full stomach is not good, but jogging on a completely empty stomach will mean you will not have as much energy and you will get tired quickly. So the ideal thing is to have a snack like an hour or even half an hr before you jog, (not 5 mins before, because if you rush food then jog it can give you indigestion) lke a banana or energy bars to give you lasting energy for your jog. also remeber to drink energy drinks too, and drink lots of water.

Answer 5

Depends on your general physical condition, weight, age and health. Every gym tells its new members to check with their doctor to make sure that they are in good enough health to conduct physical activity. If you are in reasonably good shape, just out of condition, you may work up jogging by 1/2 mile increments per week or two. Start with a half mile a day of jogging, then work up from there as is comfortable for you. Don't try to do the full 2 1/2 miles at once. Take it easy and stick with it for 6 weeks before giving up. On the other hand, don't jog 2 1/2 miles and decide that you're Bill Rogers or Alberto Salazar. Just be sensible in increasing your distance.

Answer 6

I'm a "bigger" runner and experienced the same thing when I started. A couple of things helped me greatly:

1) Losing weight helped the most...I actually worked on eating a lot better and "helping" the running out on the diet end,
2) Taking a hot shower before a run and warming up and stretching like crazy...I'd actually walk about a mile first, stopping to stretch every couple of minutes--concentrating on my calves and lower legs, and
3) Good shoes that FIT...I actually went to a shoe store that specialized in RUNNING shoes and got fit with a brand and size that worked for me (in my case, New Balance 991/2 in EE).

You just have to be patient with the body...it'll catch up and before you know it, the miles will just pile themselves on.

Answer 7

Eventually it will go away. You really need to stretch your calf muscles before and after your walk/jog - this will help ease the shin splints (pains in the shins). You may also need to stop during your walk/jog to stetch them.

Answer 8

i had this problem. it was my shoes giving me a shin splint feeling.

i changed to a running shoe with shock absorbers and so far i havent had any problems.