Dec. 7, 2012 (Terri)

Dec. 2nd was my last run. I ran a whopping mile and that's all it took for my shin splints to make their arrival. I started off with just running half miles figuring I was going to ease into the whole running thing since I haven't ran in years and the fact that shin splints do occur with me. So, I was feeling pretty good on those half mile runs. I wasn't dead at the end like I thought after being out of the game for so long and my shins weren't hurting so I thought I was doing pretty well. After two half mile runs I figured I was able to handle a one miler no problem and test the one mile water for a while but I was slapped hard in the face and my shin splints told me otherwise.
Now, remember my older post, about the whole reason I am doing Tough Mudder in the first place, one of the reasons was, I was ready to change my mind and face some fears and challenges and in doing so I was going to quit with the excuses. Shin splints has always been in my mind a reason that I don't run. I tell people, "I don't run because I get shin splints." "I would run and I would love to run if I didn't get shin splints." Well, Tough Mudder has really got a hold on me. I am going to have to run at this event regardless and it's now time to face the music and put this "shin splints" crap to rest once and for all.
So, for the years that I have been avoiding running and accepting shin splints has all faded away and now my mind set is... this is something that I get and I am going to have to deal with it and treat it and solve the problem so that I can run. Finally!..I will become the runner that I have had suppressed within me. (For those of you that know me you will know that the Archuletta's are known for their ability to be natural runners and can with NO training or running practice whatsoever go and run in a 5k race no problem after have eating a plate of eggs, bacon, toast and coffee and come in with a time at 21 minutes - 7-ish minute mile pace...not too shabby going into a race cold turkey without having been running in literally years!!!) I will find my inner Archuletta and unlock it as I treat and cure my shin splints.
The link below is a video that was sent to me by my brother and is about shin splints and I feel it is an AWESOME video and I highly suggest anyone with shin splints to check out this video and take notes!


Inside the Doctor's Office: Keep Shinsplints Away | Runner's World & Running Times




 Since watching this video I have bought myself a foam roller and have used it and find it helps a TON. I also know now that I get the "Exertional Compartment Syndrome" type of shin splints. Ben has also very accurately diagnosed why it is I get shin splints in the first place. Turns out I have flat feet and I never knew it!! Although, the "wet foot test" would tell me otherwise. ?? When I walk I tend to overpronate my foot a little and when that is accompanied with flat feet it's a recipe for shin splints. I need a shoe with great arch support for starters so, next weekend I am going to go down to Lincoln, Ne and hit the Lincoln Running Store and get myself some new shoes. Then hopefully I can start putting on the miles on my new shoes and leave my shin splints in the dust!!