Exercises to strengthen shins?

[jdgregory84]

This goes against anything i've ever been told by any runner or running clinic i've been to. Heel striking is a big no-no.

Says the guy with shin splints.

[Ruffdaddy]

Haha...Johnny is right in that barefoot running is a can of worms. It works wonders for some people but I absolutely hate it. He is also correct in that form is key. You will have all kinds of pain, endurance, and speed issues if you don't pay attention to what you're doing. Running is not just a mindless movement forward...you gotta learn your stride and body.

I'm not sure where you got your info from jdgregory, but I am not a fan of heel striking either. I side with TINKRD, Johnny, and many more in that it's typically advised against. If you're sprinting you take on a toe strike, and if you're jogging or running at a sustainable pace over distance, you should have a mid-foot strike (I believe some people may still do toe striking at slower speeds, but not sure).

My best advice to you TINKRD, let your shins recover between runs. You CAN injur your shins and put yourself out for a good while. Dont stop at minor pain, but don't push it every day. Do heel walks or toe raises as was mentioned for strengthining. And most importantly, FORM FORM FORM. Practice a mid foot striking under the center of mass. Don't reach out and preferably don't impact your heels.

Edit: Oh and shoes...or the lack there of makes a big difference as well. I'm a Nike lunarglide guy, and that will continue to work for me. Also, don't expect running to be completely pain free...just know the difference between pain for the better, and an injury.

[jdgregory84]

Hmm, I'm trying to think of how I naturally run. Maybe I don't use my heel. Not really in a place where I can try it out. I definitely don't put all my weight on my toes. Probably more of a flat footed runner. Obviously, sprinting would be different. It might have been the wine talking last night. Still though, I've never had shin splints and I don't jog long distances on my toes.

[Jonny00GT]

You know... It may be as simple as relaxing. I've overloaded that muscle running tense. Maybe try letting your ankle be loose. Tension usually starts in the shoulders, so try to keep them loose and the rest should be easier.

- Jonny

PS Jonny and RD agree again? The earth is going to explode! Haha. RD, you running the Lady of the Lake tomorrow?

[Ruffdaddy]

You know... It may be as simple as relaxing. I've overloaded that muscle running tense. Maybe try letting your ankle be loose. Tension usually starts in the shoulders, so try to keep them loose and the rest should be easier.

- Jonny

PS Jonny and RD agree again? The earth is going to explode! Haha. RD, you running the Lady of the Lake tomorrow?

haha I know it's crazy right? And no to the Lady of the Lake...that's at White Rock Right? I will probably just run for the hell of it tomorrow.

My next scheduled race is the Jailbreak in September.

[Jonny00GT]

Correct, White Rock.
You think about trying Tough Mudder? That's some serious craziness!!! http://toughmudder.com/

-Jonny

[Turbosvo]

Raise your foot in the air and do the alphabet in cursive. That's what usually helps me out a little bit, and stand on the corner of something with you toes and let your heel fall back

[Ruffdaddy]

Correct, White Rock.
You think about trying Tough Mudder? That's some serious craziness!!! http://toughmudder.com/

-Jonny

Did you run yesterday?!

And the tough muddier is absolutely crazy...I thought about doing the one in austin around February I think it was. But I really don't like to do distances that far. I still can't break the sprinter mentality.

[Jonny00GT]

Did you run yesterday?!

And the tough muddier is absolutely crazy...I thought about doing the one in austin around February I think it was. But I really don't like to do distances that far. I still can't break the sprinter mentality.

Yeah, the McKinney Running Club fielded 4 teams and we all meddaled in our divisions. It was a blast! I ran a 3.75mil leg with a PB avge of 9.6min/mile. By the time I weigh in the 190-200lb range, I'll be a lot faster! Lucky for me, the rest of my team was fast running 8s or better! The guy who handed off to me runs in the 5 finger Vibrams. In spite of just picking up running in January of this year, after trying out the shoes, he was running in the 7s for 5.25miles!

It was kind of a comical race! It was put on by Mellew Productions and it was kinda a cluster! The driver who took the 2nd and 4th leg runners to the relay point didn't know how to get there, after they set up the relay point, they decided to move it, there were 2 forks in the 3.75mile leg that did NOT have signs so some people ran a half mile or better out of the way and the 2nd place team 2nd leg runner ran 8 miles total! He was not happy! Before the final leg runners came through the finish, the inflatable arch collapsed as the generator ran out of gas!

The McKinney Running club is a great group! I had a blast! Can't wait to do another event with them! I'm sure I'll be on the list...that group needs a designated driver!! HAHA!!

-Jonny

[Flashstang04]

Barefoot training helps a lot of people with splints.

[Jonny00GT]

Barefoot training helps a lot of people with splints.

AND it's fun as hell!! Feels like a concrete pedicure! I did have a 70yr old guy at the race Saturday ask me if I was going to run barefoot. When I responded "Yessir!", he shook his head, patted me on the arm and told me, "Son...you got more guts than brains!". Funniest thing I heard all day! Figured he must be related to RD!! ;o)

-Jonny