How can running be made lower-impact?

Question

I have swam for exercise for the past 3 or 4 years, and now I have started running and jogging to prepare for Rugby this fall. However, I can only get about a quarter-mile before every footfall begins to hurt my shins. I have never been in any organized track or cross-country team, so are there any tips or patterns to follow to make running lower-impact?

Answer 1

I had shin splints when I first started running.  I went to a shoe store that specializes in running shoes.  The salesman watched my running form and recommended a new shoe.  When I ran in the new shoes, I had no more leg pain.  And since then, I've run eleven marathons and many other shorter races.

Answer 2

Good shoes are a must for running, as the above people have stated.  Go to your local running store, the people there can help to determine what kind of shoe you need. You may also be getting shin splints because running is new. Ice your shins after a run and don't push yourself too hard at first, even though you are in shape. Running on gravel or softer ground also helps me with reducing impact on my knees. Good luck!

Answer 3

Shoes are often a big factor to shock absorption.  Find out what your foot type (arch and foot width) is and get a good pair of shoes to match that.

Surface is also a big factor.  If you're running on pavement, you're much more likely to get shin splints than if you're running on dirt.  Try finding some dirt roads or dirt trails to run on.

Stretching is a good preventative measure for shin splints.  Find some good stretches designed specifically for your shins.

If none of this does the trick, there's a no-impact way of "running:" Aqua-jogging.  Get an aqua-jogger and find a pool.  Make running movements in water deep enough that you can't stand up.

Answer 4

sounds like you're getting shin splints. u need to build up the muscle in your legs by doing toe taps: about 50 each leg and then 50 with both. do this before you run and after. this happens to a lot of people who run and it is very painful. also try to switch off the pairs of running shoes that you run with. switch off every time you run. make sure the shoes also have good arch support and are bendy. also running on the street is easier on your legs than running on the sidewalk. also running on a track is good and easier on your legs too. oh and i know that there are more ways to get rid of shin splints so you should google it.

Answer 5

Sounds funny but try running in a pool.Shinsplints can't really be fixed.

Answer 6

What you need sounds like better running shoes. Running shoes can be customized to absorb shocks or provide better support. I use to have that problem where after awhile my feet started to hurt. I got asics now the problem is gone

Answer 7

running on a track instead of on pavement