Hello all. Been reading through some threads and thought I'd sign in to say thanks for the good information so far. However, I do have an injury that just won't go away. It's really starting to get me down and I have contemplated quitting on a number of occasions.

I am 33. The last time I did any running was around 10 years ago! Last year I started to play rugby again after many years away sport. Summer 2007 I began pre season training and the pain in my shins started after the 2nd week back. At first I was able to run through it, however as the weeks passed the pain got worse, eventually too unbearable to run. It was even painful just walking up and down stairs. With hindsight not a good idea to run through the pain! Anyway, this carried on for the whole season, I'd have a couple of weeks away, then after 1 game or training season I'd be back to square 1 again.

The season then finished I spent time at the gym, away from any running, and my legs had a real chance to heal. I gradually ran again, building up bit by bit, I felt quite good.

Then this year’s pre season training started. I managed the whole summer pre season with no problems. My rugby was improving ten fold, it was very enjoyable. Then the season started and so did the splints, again. I couldn't believe it. I thought it had healed. So again I am struggling from week to week to attend all of my training sessions and I feel I am again right back at square 1. I just want to be as good at my sport as I can be but this injury is really pinning me back, I'm gutted.

I have been referred to the physiotherapist by my doctor (the physiotherapist is a marathon runner also) and he could not spot any problems when he observed my running. I have also read about wearing proper footwear for running but we obviously need to wear football/rugby boots.

What am I doing wrong?

HELP!

have a look at JensenChiro 's posts in this thread

Can't get passed Lower Leg Pain

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Doing hill sessions make you a better person!

Thank you for that link. An interesting read.

So all I can do to alleviate the pain is rest, heal, then try again. I'll also try to put more thought into my running style as I 'do' come down heavy on my heals when I stride.

Quick update for anyone who may be in the same situation as I am..

I enquired to a specialist runners shop about gait and the use of rugby/football boots and got this reply.

Yes, we can certainly provide running shoes to suit your gait.
However, I don't think there are any rugby boots that are made for
different gaits.

The best option would be to make an appointment to see our podiatrist
(he does free initial consultations in our on-site therapy room) who
would be able to make an orthotic insert for your existing boots to
give the same effect as the running shoes.

Please have a look at the 'Therapies' section of our website for more information or feel free
to call me.

Hopefully this will help to stop my splints....

Nice one. Good luck with it! Another reason to support your local sports shop.

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0 - 14 Miles in 6 months, 2 hours, 13 minutes and 58 seconds.
Start weight: 18 st 4.. Current weight: 14 st 8.. Current Goal: Duchy Marathon, 8th March 2009