shin splints training for 1/2 marathon

Sorry to hear about the shin splints.

Shin splints are one of those things that no matter what you do, they won't go away until the muscles in your legs are strong enough. Try doing some squats, lunges, calf raises after every other run. Also something that has helped me in the past when I have shin splints is to run some football routes (I think this helps build up and stretch some of the other muscles around the shin)

It sounds like you are very unprepared for this race however and should consider not running it (or walk a few miles of it). If you decide to run it, be prepared to take it easy. As far as prepping for your race, I would just do your 3-6 miles every other day taking two days off before the race day if you want to be pain free for the race. You are not going to gain much at this point and running hard 5 days prior to your race is just asking for injury.

I know it sucks paying all that money and then having to bail (it's happened to me before). Perhaps you could sell your bib to somebody. You should consider following a training plan next time.

Thank you for the sincere answer. I did try a training plan, I swear, but those damn shin splints derailed the longer runs, and then the time off didn't really help. I swear.

I do greatly appreciate your input. I may just forget about the race...

Op here. In case my online coach crwrunner is still around, I managed to finish in 800th something place out of a few thousand. Haha! OK, now time to stop slacking off for marathon training.

Have you visited the doctor to see what is causing the pain? Shin splints is a generic term for shin pain but can be any one of dozens of ailments including stress fractures, compartment syndrome, and some other nasty things you really don't want to run through.

Pain in the shin is common when increasing mileage too quickly. Usually it goes away as fitness increases. Contrary to the other response, following a "plan" has nothing to do with it and make actually increase the likelihood since you cram a bunch of training into 16 weeks or so.

My suggestion would be to start very slowly and increase you running time a little bit each week. After four to five weeks, hold it steady or even drop it for a bit and then start raising it again. Once you can run an hour five to size days a week without pain, then start worrying about half marathons, etc.

Shoes can be part of the problem. None of the shoes you listed (minimalist shoes, nb1400s, lunaracers) are suitable for people who are both new and also prone to shin splints...

I would suggest something like Nike Pegasus or Lunarglide, maybe New Balance 890 if you want something lighter and "faster" feeling.

Thanks for the feedback. hmm, no, haven't seen a doctor. fortunately, though, the medial shin pain is decreasing, and paradoxically, didn't get worse after the half marathon. my hamstrings and my ankles are a bit sore, though.

i do need to work up to 1hr 5-6 days/week--i'm pretty sure i can't quite manage that yet. i will try to follow the plan you outline.

i have a couple of pairs of thicker-soled, cushier shoes, like the nike dual fusion st2, but the last time i tried to run them, i got terrible tibialis posterior tendinitis that took me 4-6 weeks to recover from. the air pegasus felt similar, at least when i tried them on in the nike store. also, my plantar fasciitis tends to get worse when i run in thicker-soled shoes, and better when i run in thinner-soled shoes. but i will keep your thoughts in mind.

I have had success with doing calf stretches post-run. Stand on a stair and let your heel dip below, hold for a bit. My calves are generally super tight and this seems to help keep shin splint pain at bay. Volume is up without issue since implementation. Godspeed, OP.

will do. thanks!