Up until a few days ago I started feeling a real tension in my left "shin-muscle", I wish I knew the medical term but I don't. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Anyway after about a mile or so it starts to really tense up an start to feel weak, which in turn throws my form way off. My foot mechanics goes from heel-toe, to just flopping as I run along. I have to stop and wait for this "tension" to go away then I start running again, only to have it return. I have absolutely no idea whats causing it. I am capable of much longer runs and this is not normal. I stretch ALOT before I run so I don't think that's a problem. Do I have to do some calf Workouts besides just standard calf raises? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

lunatic,

The following information doesn't come from a medical background and is strictly based off of my opinion and what I've read. If I am wrong please anyone feel free to correct me. Like you said you have muscle on the front of your shins. These muscles can get stronger or weaker just like any other muscle. What might be happening is your shin muscle is becoming fatigued during the run and is cramping up. What you probably need to do is either back off on either the distance or pace of your runs and allow your shin muscles to get stronger. Or you can try and isolate and work on your shin muscles seperate from running. I've really never heard of this from anyone else, but it worked for me. If you sit or stand and put weight on the back of your heels and then proceed to tap your toes rapidly for a minute or two you'll feel your shin start to get really tight. I think this simulates running for your shin muscles and if you do this a couple of times a week it might make your shin muscles stronger and therefore relieve the tension. Again this is just my opinion, but give it a try it might work. Also be careful with running, I don't know if you're just starting out, but if you are you need to take it easy. Take breaks and don't increase too fast, you need to allow the structural parts of your body (ligaments, tendons, and muscles) to get stronger. Good luck.

Yeah that sounds about right, I am not new to running, I am just coming off a few month break from an injury. I guess I didn't realize that a few months can hinder my running ability so much. When my doc released me to start running again I built up slow from 1.5 miles, to 2, to 3 to eventuallly 4 miles 3 times a week, then BAM! this happens. I guess I have to go back down to 1.5 then work up. Ah well, that's the fun of it. Thanks.

I just finished reading Jeff Galloway's "book on Running". It is absolutely outstanding, I learned a ton and it has already helped with my running. I would definitely recommend reading it, I think it will help with your problem. Also make sure to ice after every run, that has really helped me get rid of some shin splints I had.