I've been running for over 7 years and just recently, I've been experiencing shin pain. I'm wondering if it's because of the track I sometimes run on. It's an old one and feels like concrete. Treadmills don't hurt me, nor do free runners, or running just about anywhere else outdoors. That track hurts though. My shins hurt a good bit for about the first 5 minutes of running and then the pain seems to disappear. Although, I've noticed that I can't squat or sit on my knees anymore for more than a few seconds without real pain. I can't avoid the track altogether, because my physical fitness test will be conducted on it and I need to know my lap times.

Is the track the culprit here? Do I need better running shoes? I've always used regular sneakers (Addidas, Aasics) with Dr. Scholl's inserts for running all these years and never had any discomfort until now.

Yeah its probs shin splits, running on a hard surface for long enough will cause this. To recover just rest for a while and then make sure you run on a softer surface.

Also note that microfractures occur when you run. There are doctors who even say "people shouldn't run" because of all the joint and bone problem it causes over the years. Many runners will need knee replacements by the time they hit 60.

Of course, I hate these doctors. Your average doctor knows so little about fitness and nutrition that it doesn't surprise me that they all suffer heart attacks and die young.

Thanks for the info guys. So am I ok with the regular sneakers and Dr. Scholl's inserts, or would I be better off buying actual running shoes?

i always thought Aasics were good running shoes. i've ran in those ever since i remember..

often shin splints are the result of poor biomechanics and excessive twisting of the tibia (shinbone) causing tiny microfratures in the bone itself with related pain.

you may want to get a foot biomechanics assessment or consult a podiatrist for some inserts for your shoes. you may also want to start a flexibility program concentrating on the calves, hamstrings and hip flexors. try some core training. it may sound wierd but a weak core can lead to injuries in the far extremities. our skeletons are just like a bunch of levers anchored by a single (stable?) unit, the core. all muscles are attached to the core either directly (legs) or indirectly via the spine (arms). see the articles in the archive of my website at www.bossfitness.com for a better explanation of the importance and relevance of core training in sports.

also if running is your passion, tim noake's book "lore of running" is an excellent buy and deals with any single question you can think of that has to do with running - including shin splints. the book is available from bossfitness.com too.