Dodgy trainers or running wrong?

Wryel · 29 Mar 2006 at 17:58

Ok, no medical advice, just running style/shoes.

I've started running recently, about 20 minutes every other day to start. Yesterday the muscles on the outside of my leg (next to my shins) were really tight and made running quite uncomfortable, I'm thinking it could be my trainers (very old) or perhaps my running style - could I be doing anything wrong?

I have quite strong legs from cycling, but obviously this is only one way movement. Any idea what could cause this?

Nazbit · 29 Mar 2006 at 19:15

How long have you been running? If you have just started then it might just be the muscles being worked out when they have not been in the past.

If you are definatley going to start running properly then its a good idea to invest in a new pair or running trainers anyway. I highly reccomend going to a proper running shop, they will measure your feet and look at the shape of your foot and the way you walk, and find the right shoes for you.

Worthwhile in my opinion.

weescott · 29 Mar 2006 at 19:32

I just started running 2 weeks ago. I went to a running shop and got proper running shoes. My legs are strong from doing a lot of cycling but you will find that you are using your muscles in a different way. I was in agony after the first week, because I am fit i thought I could run a marathon no problem, how wrong was I!

I'm easing my way into running gradually. Starting with 2 miles, 3 next etc...

J.D.K · 29 Mar 2006 at 19:48

I have exactly the same problem and my muscles hurt in exactly the same way / place, close to the shins. I do a lot of cycling also in and out of work and a good bit of mountain biking etc, but running over distance is something I don't do, I play football every week but its a different kind of running.

I have started to run now as I will be doing a series of duathlons over the next few months and I am finding it tough going to start with, but hopefully things will ease off once my legs get used to it.

My big problem is going from running to the bike then back to running which the duathlon requires, that will take some getting used too I suppose!

Wryel · 29 Mar 2006 at 23:30

Cheers guys, that helps. Wasn't (quite) so bad today, was a longer run too, its annoying because my lungs aren't really struggling, it all helps though.

Malarkee · 29 Mar 2006 at 23:35

Wryel said:
Cheers guys, that helps. Wasn't (quite) so bad today, was a longer run too, its annoying because my lungs aren't really struggling, it all helps though.

Sounds like 'Shin splints to me' you must be doing road running are you? Tarmac and Concrete? get some better trainers. try asics or reebok road trainers. Now that you've developed them your likely to get them from time to time. Lay off if they start to come back.

i don't get them any more, mainly because I wear better trainers now and I run shorter distances faster and with sprints... I used to get them when I ran over 5-6 miles a few times a year.

your thighs may be good from biking but your calfs probably aren't used to it, I don't know exactly how the work, but its something to do with your calfs becoming to tense and pulling at the cartilage which raps round the front of the shin.

make sure you warm up and down and get plenty of deep heat or linament on those calfs