Hi Guys, first loving the site and loving the first tri stories. After 20 odd years of being lazy (I'm about to hit 41) I decided to compete in a sprint triathlon. I've gone and got some swimming lessons, had my bike serviced and preparing my training plans, my only concern, shin splints. I know being overweight doesn't help and part of the plan is to drop some of those unhealthy pounds, but how can I tackle my run training without fear of those splints knocking me out of action. Any advice is welcome.

william from Saudi Arabia

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Hi William,

Thank you for emailing your question to TriathaNewbie.com and thanks for the kind words!

In case any of you reading this aren't sure what shin splints are; it's pain along the shins that acts up while you're working out. Imagine you are in your car, have no shocks and you feel every single bump your car hits. That's similar to what people who suffer with shin splints feel. Their lower legs muscles are unable to adequately absorb the impact of each foot strike and it causes a lot of pain.

Now, on to your question. What can you do?
Well, we're not doctors so we always tell people to check with their doctor or physical therapist first when looking for rehabbing solutions. Outside of that, we suggest that you try the following things:

• Pro-Tec Athletics Calf Sleeve - You wear this while you're working out and its supports and stabilizes your calf muscle. The nice thing about it is it provides flexibility and keeps the muscle warm.
• Check out these books: The Runners' Repair Manual: A Complete Program for Diagnosing and Treating Your Foot, Leg and Back Problems and Running Injury-Free: How to Prevent, Treat and Recover from Dozens of Painful Problems

We also think you should consider working on your swimming and biking a bit more at the beginning to help lose those couple of extra pounds; then start your run training.

As always, be sure you are following a triathlon training guide to keep you from over or under training for the big day!

Please email again if you have any other questions and definitely email us after your first race to share your "First Triathlon" story.

Be well,
~Jack

Staff Writer, TriathaNewbie.com

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