I used to get shin splints after running. I tried other types of shoes and different running surfaces but I still kept getting them. The feeling that I might just be too heavy to run came from how I seemed to be pounding along the ground. Back then, I was practicing the "old school" way of running where I'm supposed to roll my foot on the ground starting from the ball of my foot all the way to the heel. I was surprised to learn that my shin splints were actually the result of this particular running mechanic. I know this because the very first time I applied the Tarahumaran "running mechanics," I felt light as air and did not get shin splints the next day. These mechanics actually allow you to achieve far more high intensity intervals than you otherwise might realize. The exhilaration was such that I did not want to stop running.
You are undoubtedly wondering how this new way of running differs from what you have been doing. Here are a few things that I've learned:
1) Arm swing is extremely important as they must never swing back and forth and pass your head as you run, but should always be at a 90-degree angle.
2) You should also always maintain your shoulders in position directly over your feet. This means you shouldn't lean into or out of your momentum, but retain a perpendicular posture.
3) Do not wear running shoes. I stopped wearing running shoes a long time ago for any workouts that I do. You might like to ease into this like I did, but ultimately you shouldn't be running in them at all. You may have never noticed, but the thick heels that running shoes have will tend to force you into a forward-leaning posture.
Remarkably, my heels don't ever touch the ground getting ready for or actually engaging in my sprints. This means that the only part of my feet I'm using are the balls. You'll know you're doing this right when you're calves get a little sore the next day.
In addition to my research, I've also gotten a lot of these tips from a friend who used to run track. She gave me all sorts of different "stages" when we sprint but I couldn't remember them all if my life depended on it...haha. If you're looking for a quick reference on the Tarahumaran way of running, check into an article called "The Men Who Live Forever" in Men's Health that was written by Christopher McDougall. Many of my running tips came from reading McDougall's work. Rather than suffering from painful shin splints, running with these methods makes me feel like I could run forever without needing to stop and rest. Best of all, no more shin splints and more calories burned.
