Have You Tried Snake Oil?

Google "shin splint cure" and you get all kinds of results. Shin splints remind me of sinus problems. There are several possible causes, different symptoms and lots of people with ideas of how to cure it. I had sinus problems many years ago and tried steriod nasal sprays and even magnets. My ear, nose and throat doctor said I had a deviated septum and inflamed tissues, and a bone that was blocking my nose so I had a harder time breathing. Surgery helped a lot but I still have to take decongestants and ibuprofen occasionally and I started using a neti pot which seems to help a lot.

I searching for more information on shin splints, I found cures ranging from a book with a 3 day cure, special stretches, expensive shoes, massages, to even surgery. It all depends on what type of shin splints you have, whether you have pronation problems and what activities you are engaged in.

My husband had them last year and stopped running for three weeks. He says he wishes he would have stuck with it like I am doing. What I am doing is very hard, however; it's discouraging to try to run and not be able to, and I hate living in fear that every little twinge I feel in my legs might be a problem.

So, just like last weekend, I'm pretty anxious about this run. Even though I haven't trained this way and don't otherwise think I need it, I will try a variation of the run/walk program. You run a few minutes and then walk a few minutes until you can run continuously for 30 minutes. Supposedly even experienced marathoners take walk breaks. Last weekend I stopped at each water station to actually rest and take a drink of Gatorade. That seemed to help a lot. This Saturday I think I will run a mile and then walk a minute to give my legs some relief from the pounding. 10 miles is a lot of pounding, even when you go very slow.

I actually was able to get an earlier physical therapy (pain and torture) appointment on Monday. This long run will be the test of whether I can do the half marathon in 2 weeks. I have a feeling I'm really going to need physical therapy after tomorrow.

Gotta go carb load - I think honey graham sticks and milk are carbs, right?