Shin Splints

Anyone had Shin Splints before?  I never had but I recently took up running (before, I was a gym girl and did the elliptical machine but felt I needed more of a challenge) at my local high school track.  I was fine the first week, but, the second week and my shins are killing me.

Any suggestions?  I hope this doesn't mean I have to stop running!  I have goals set!

What is the track made of? Is it that squishy red stuff or is it just ash/gravel? I always get shin splints when I run outside, but never on the treadmill. You may also need some new running shoes. I'd go to your local running shop and let them know what you're new regime is and that you're getting shin splints. They may be able to give you some suggestions.

The track is blue gravel.  No squishy anything.    Bummer, I just bought new New Balance shoes.  Maybe they aren't well suited to my feet.  Probably time to visit the running shop and since DF will be here soon, I will take him with me (he's a runner).  Thanks for the suggestions, Bmore!

Any suggestions on how to treat the shin splints?  I was doing yoga last night and kneeled down and sat back on my shins and the pain was so bad, I thought I would fall over (wasn't expecting it!).

I asked my BF who's also a runner and he said rest is really the only way to treat them. He suggested going here for advice: www.runnersworld.co.uk

I always just moan about them until they go away! 

I asked my BF who's also a runner and he said rest is really the only way to treat them. He suggested going here for advice: www.runnersworld.co.uk

I always just moan about them until they go away! 

Thanks!  I'll take a look (and moan whilst looking! ).

Unfortunately shin splints are very common if you've recently begun running.  They can be a few causes, increasing milage too quickly, surfaces you are running on and as was previously mentioned - shoes!  That's always my first solution to any lower leg issue.

Go to a running specific store to get properly fitted.  Have them measure your foot and watch you run.  Don't be alarmed if your foot measures bigger than the street shoe you wear - I wear a half size larger in my running shoe.  I forget how close you are to Boston, but The Bill Rogers Running Center is in Faneuil Hall and I've also visited Marathon Sports when I'm in MA.
http://www.marathonsports.com/

There was an article in Runner's World last month about this.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-285--11637-0,00.html

I'm going to PM you some stretches.

AND as with any injury - R-I-C-E
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation

So, does this mean no running tonight?  :\\\'(  How about fast walking around the track?

Do they hurt in the first few minutes or continuously?
If they only hurt when you begin running I would say you could do an easy run/walk tonight.  Then R-I-C-E as soon as possible!

If they hurt all the time - take the day off! Continuous pain is bad.

Today is the first day that the pain is continous.  Not so bad now that I am into the better part of the day, but, this morning, it was bad.  Ok, looks like a day of RICE.  Back to the track tomorrow though for an easy run.

All the advice so far is good and what I'd say too. I'd rest and not push yourself. If you feel them hurting, slow down. You're only supposed to increase your mileage by about 10% each week, I think. Runner's World is a great resource and they have it in the US too. I used to subscribe to the magazine and they would always have great recommendations on shoes as well. Run/Walks may be ok if you do short enough runs too.

Definitely don't push yourself, you need to let them heal.