I have been jogging every other day for the past two weeks. I go about 3 miles at a nice easy pace and until today, everything’s been honky-dory.
Today, I began to experience pain/soreness in my left leg, medial aspect, just above the ankle, in front of the achilles tendon. I’m tempted to call these shin splints, but thought the pain was on the lateral aspect of the leg with shin splints.
Anyhow, the pain is likely caused by either not being used to running or the sad shape of my running shoes (well-worn 3 y.o. Nike Airs), but I wanted to ask the SD’s running gurus if pain in this location is possibly a result of something else (over-pronating?-I have no idea if I do this nor how to ascertain if I do). And since I’m going to have to suck it up eventually and buy a new pair of sneaks, what kind should I buy?
For the new shoes, I would go to a really good fitness store in your area. Bring your old shoes with you. They will be able to tell if you are over-pronating or anything like that. Plus, they can help you find a good pair of shoes for your feet and running style. Shoes do make a big difference.
I would be tempted to call the pain shin splints too. But, I am not a just a runner, not a doctor. In my experience any pain while running is usually a result of doing too much too fast. You started out pretty fast.
I would suggest (as a runner) that you rest a couple of days and see if it feels any better. A couple of days rest and new shoes might work wonders. If not I would see a doctor.
They have a wonderful website great information for new runners. They also have a very good message board where you can ask these kinds of questions to a much more targeted audience.
When I first started jogging I suffered from terrible shin splints. I found out it was because I was jogging wrong; when my foot came down I landed on my toe; you’re supposed to land on your heal (obviously). I later found out that some people naturally jog the “right” way, and some don’t. (I’m in the latter group.) Now when I jog, I must consciously tell myself heal-to-toe, heal-to-toe, heal-to-toe… My shin splints went away as soon as I started doing this.
Especially for the link, ZTK. Definitely a great resource for a beginner.
In preview I read **Crafter_Man’s ** post. Thanks as well! I hope your toe heals quickly
I concur with the others who suggest you get new shoes - especially for your size. I just got some new running shoes yesterday at a store where they had me run on a treadmill and videotaped my feet. My foot pronation was amazing in my old shoes (which I didn’t think were that old) and much improved in new shoes. This is just ONE tool they used to fit me with the right shoes. Check with your local running club for recommendations of stores with knowledgable staff. Listen to your body and take days off, too. If you can’t run without pain, take a few days off. It won’t hurt ya. - Jill
