Fu*%ing shin splints

How did you get shin splints from running bare? I have a veru mild case on my left too but think it's from ramping up my mileage then swimming laps. Sucks because shin splints are the whole reason I got into this adventure!

Good question. Since I'm not running, I've had plenty of time to reflect on my wicked ways. Six weeks ago my husband and I knocked out almost 5 miles on a Sunday afternoon. This was way over my usual 3 miles. PF crept in bit I was stretching quite a bit, although looking back, I can see that I had little hints of SS, just didn't realize it. On my last run, to ease up on the PF in my left foot, I altered my footstep and three days later had a nasty case of shin splints. That or I'm defective. I'm open to suggestions and criticism. Not running sucks.

I use huaraches - can't hang barefoot in 20 degree weather.

I could be a little less surly.

Hi Sara,

The only time I get shin pain is if my foot is landing too far in front of me instead of directly underneath, that's usually because I'm taking longer strides if I'm trying to go faster, I should be increasing cadence instead and keeping a constant stride length.

It usually goes away if I reset my stride back to something much shorter.

It only happens occasionaly now but I used to have it happen more frequently in the early days.

Neil

You're not surly! Definitely sounds like a compensation issue from altering the footstep. Also, I think Neil is spot on about the cadence and short stride. I backed off my speed-increase-attempts and was able to run (the slowest ever) 6.6 the other day without further aggravating the shins, but then also I run BF and also automatically adjust footfall if I feel my form slipping. I'm also keeping to level pavement so as not to stress any of the bonked ankle tendons while I build my mileage (then speed). (I have a wonky left foot/ankle) Do you wear heels in regular shoes by any chance? I have gotten shin splints in the past from walking too much in a certain pair of dress boots. Maybe it's a perfect storm of circumstances.

Hey Twinkletoes - I think you are right about the stride adjustment. I sing Turning Japanese every time I run and usually do about a 11.5-12 minute mile. It's warming up so I'll work on just going barefoot. Soft star shoes only - so it's not heals or any other torture devices that is causing the problem (I do really miss my cownboy boots though). Likely just the vestiges of too small shoes my whole life and I just hit that point where distance brought out my weaknesses. I'm going to try a REALLY slow 2.5 mile run tomorrow.

Thanks for the support. I'm also really jazzed because Ken Bob just joined my New Mexico BFR meetup.

I have that on my ipod and all my music is at or near 180 BPM - it's a great trick to keep tight cadence, when I get tired or sloppy especially. Just curiously, you must be at the high elevation like I am to be so cold? I don't recall how long you've been running bare/minimalist, but I can say from my short experience that I'm amazed at how acclimated my feet have become to the cold (in spite of hardware in my left foot and Raynauds). I always wear the Zensah calf sleeves for extra warmth- maybe that is helping my shins too.

We are at about 5900 ft. elevation. The rule of thumb I'm working from is if I can't feel my feet, don't go BF. I started last April (more or less) but didn't really get off the ground until I found the magical foam roller (November). I think this is my body saying that I've done TMTS.



What is your elevation?

We are at 4500 feet in the valley, and if I run in the hills it's closer to 5000. My lowest is 28 on dry pavement. Low 30s if there are puddles or snow. I'm stubborn & have lately refused to wear any FAT at all so I am of the same rule as you- no numb feets! Sunshine makes a difference I think- 30 degrees at 7 a.m is not the same as at 3 p.m..

I hear you on the TMTS- definitely have that t-shirt. In addition to working the knotty calves with my baseball, I had ultrasound Monday (after 8 mi Sunday) and the ankle & shins feel significantly better. I am also a big fan of kinesio taping.