Shoes, Shin Spints, Heavy neutral runner

tobefrankwithya

Hello,

I am trying to train for the New York Marathon but every time I get into it I get crippled with shin splints and have to stop again.

To try and get to the root of the problem, this morning I travelled from Dublin to Belfast to a specialist running store called Up and Running. They have a treadmill there and a camera and they offer a free basic gait analysis. I couldn't find anywhere else in the country which offered this service.

So I went up believing that I was an overpronator, mainly because it's common and because overpronation seems to be one of the main causes of shin splints. However, the analysis showed me to be a neutral runner. The soles of my current shoes probably confirm this with pretty regular wear throughout.

I have been running in a pair of New Balance 1221 and these are a stability shoe. The guy in the shop reckoned the addition of the stability control, reduces the amount of cushioning in the shoe and that this was the main cause of the pain.

He recommended Asics Gel Nimbus (a cushioned shoe), but the Asics shoe advisor recommended the Asics Gel Kayano (a structured cushioned shoe).

I am 6'3" and almost 15 stone. I have read that people my size generally need some stability control.

Basically just wondering if anyone has used these shoes, solved similar problems or just had any advice.

Thanks,
-Frank

aburke

Hi Frank,

I'm 6'1" and was about 12.5 stone when I started running, so I was a little heavier than the average runner too. [I'm a good bit lighter now, though, FWIW]

I'm a happy Asics Gel Nimbus wearer. I've been wearing them for about 2 years now, on my fourth pair.
The version VI were a bit snugger on my feet, but the Version VII [current model] are grand too.

I picked them based on self-diagnosis and using the asics website, not exactly scientific, but so far so good.

I've never really had a shin splints problem, but in the last year, I concentrated on my running style a little, trying to land heel first and roll though, while never lifting my foot too far off the ground. It looks more like a shuffle than a run.

It made a difference on long road runs; My legs and feet weren't nearly as sore when I finished.

I also switched to running mainly on grass [the surface, not the substance...] over the last few months. Initially, I found it boring, compared to running along roads and streets, but I've gotten into it and my body is thanking me for it.

Anyway, just to sum up, the Nimbus are working for at least one runner.

Later
Alan

tobefrankwithya

Thanks for the advice Alan.

Yeah I think the Nimbus were the ones to go for alright. So I placed the order yesterday (nothing available in a 13 surprise surprise).

Also found a Q&A article in RunningTimes which were recommended for someone in a similar situation.

http://www.runningtimes.com/rt/articles/?id=3826&c=356

Cheers,
-Frank

copacetic

frank, i have the nimbus and the kayano and am a neutral with high arches and shin and plantar problems. both the shoes work well for me, the kayano is pretty cushioned and only has a little bit of stability (or at least thats how it feels for me).

another shoe to try is the mizuno wave rider, thats the shoe that initially sorted my shin splints for me...

vigos

Frank, if you really have shin splints the only way to cure them is to rest from my experience. I would go see a physio about them if you're still suffering from them

Although proper shoe choice will probably help prevent them in future

damianmckeever

Hi Frank,

I'm opening a store in Bray Co Wicklow (opening Wed 16th). We offer full Gait Analysis. We also have a huge stock range Asics, New Balance, Saucony, Brooks, Mizuno. Drop in and We'll sort out your problem.....also price wise we'll be slighlty cheaper of the same price as your fashion retail shops.

Damian.

chancer_007

Hi Damian,
Best of luck with the store. Very few running stores about dublin. If you have anymore info on the store website etc.. I would be grateful.

hunnymonster

ME too. I can't find anywhere in Dublin stocking new balance these days (I uses 766's). Even arnotts are only doing walking shoes these days.

Good luck with the shop.