The Infamous Shin Splints

Problem #1 of Dallas Rock & Roll 1/2 Marathon Training:
The Infamous Shin Splints
Infamous: having an extremely bad reputation; deserving of or causing an evil reputation. <-- sounds about right, doesn't it?

If you've ever ran in your life you've probably gotten shin splints.  For some reason, I get them more easily than most.  I've gone to professional running shoe stores, they've looked at my pronation, I have the right shoes with the right amount of cushion, I don't think I increased my mileage too quickly, I haven't been running on cement....
See my problem?

Like I said, I've dealt with them before so I've read up on what your supposed to do to treat them.  And now that they've decided to make another appearance...so continues my research.  Oh how I wish there was a "magic cure."
Here's what I've done this time around:

• wrap with ace bandage (per instructions i found online)
• purchased training tape - haven't used yet.  found a "how to" video online showing how to properly wrap.
• ibuprofen 
• ice pack
• elevate while icing
• stretttttch

As of now, I'm sitting on my couch icing my elevated leg.  I haven't run since... last Thurs? I was supposed to run 3.5 mi last Thurs & only could run 1 mi before I had to stop.  I've been crosstraining since then.  Today was supposed to be my long run, 5 mi.  Didn't run... but did go to the gym and do 5 mi worth of cardio on an elliptical & bike.  All of the "research" I've read says to keep training, just don't run... give yourself time to heal.  Blahblahblah... I've got the itch to run!! There's nothing worse than WANTING to go out for my 5 mi run & not be able to. 

I found mayoclinic.com to be one of the most helpful sites, especially when it comes to prevention.  Thought I might share my new knowledge with you....
Prevention:

• Choose the right shoes. Wear footwear that suits your sport. If you're a runner, replace your shoes about every 350 to 500 miles.
• Consider arch supports. Arch supports can help prevent the pain of shin splints, especially if you have flat arches.
• Lessen the impact. Cross-train with a sport that places less impact on your shins, such as swimming, walking or biking. Remember to start new activities slowly. Increase time and intensity gradually.
• Add strength training to your workout. To strengthen your shins, try toe raises. Stand up. Slowly rise up on your toes, then slowly lower your heels to the floor. Repeat 10 times. When this becomes easy, do the exercise holding progressively heavier weights. Leg presses and other exercises for your lower legs can be helpful, too.

It's also important to know when to rest; at the first sign of shin pain, take a break.
They also have great info. on treatments, causes, etc.  For more info., check out MayoClinic - Shin Splints

I'm definitely open to tips on a quick recovery.  In the meantime, I'll be here... trying to get these stupid things to heal.  Tomorrow is a stretch & strengthen day, so another day of rest will be good.  Tuesday I'm back to running... so we'll see how I feel then.

I'll be posting my training schedule soon too; another effort to keep myself accountable.
Back soon!