Delacram wrote:
Alright. I'll work on my splits. It's kind of hard to do when the GPS watch encompasses a delay and I never truly know how fast I'm running. I hope I see the day when my speed is updated in real, exact time. Haha.
I felt the shins a bit. They are definitely healing. Was it even a good idea to run on slightly splinted shins? I received a massage 3 hours before I went running, did some dynamic stretches right before, and received another massage approximately 30 minutes after running.
Yeah... regarding pacing make it a long-term goal to develop that internal feel. For now, use the GPS as a tool, to check how you're doing, but not a crutch. Ultimately, your internal computer is the most accurate... you just need time to develop it. Over time, if you work on it, you can run evenly, or slight negative splits, without a GPS, heart rate monitor, etc.
Shins - use your judgement. My general rule with injuries or soreness is if I'm favoring something at all, or even slightly limping, then don't run on it... find a painless cross training activity until it's better. Often a day or two off is enough, if you catch something early. That being said, you can use that first easy warmup mile to see if a pain loosens up, which I find it often does.
My other rule, is if it feels any worse as the run continues than it did when starting, then don't continue to run on it. If it feels the same, or better, and I'm not favoring it, then I'll continue to run, but carefully.
Music - use it if you enjoy it. I know great runners that do, and great runners that don't. Personal preference. I believe there are a few studies that have shown that music can improve performance, so why not? I wouldn't use it in races though... unless the race specifically allows it (most ask that you don't... since it's best to be able to hear other runners around you so you don't cut them off, etc..).
Running on the track - if you don't get bored doing loops, then the only thing you want to be aware of is imbalances you can develop by doing all the loops in the same direction. I'd reverse directions every mile or so to guard against that.
You might try some of those exercises in the Pete Magill 15-minute post-run routine video for your shin splints. I'd guess the foot orbits, beach towel calves & hamstrings, and the toe towel curls might all be helpful.