I get really bad shin splints and leg cramps when I run. I stretch really well and for a long time before I start, but it always seems to happen. Any suggestions?

Don't run.

I used to get really tired after exercise.

Now when I feel the desire to exercise I lie down on the couch until it goes away. No more feeling tired.

How about an update about what you have been doing. You posted for a while and then just disappeared. It's been three ior four years. Still in college? Still doing telephone solicitations? Got a degree? If so, in what?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Do you get them in both legs?
If you do, you should see a doctor immediately. I used to have them too, they're a pain. Fortunately I only had it in one leg at a time.

Also, try stretching your shins.
http://www.walkinghealthy.com/Stretching/ShinStretches01.asp
Try looking here and do those. They help a lot. : ) Hope this helps.

Don't run.

I used to get really tired after exercise.

Now when I feel the desire to exercise I lie down on the couch until it goes away. No more feeling tired.

How about an update about what you have been doing. You posted for a while and then just disappeared. It's been three ior four years. Still in college? Still doing telephone solicitations? Got a degree? If so, in what?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Wow I am impressed you remembered all that. Ha lets see; I am graduating in December as a Print Journalism major and a Poli. Sci. minor.
I am the web-editor for my schools newspaper, but this is my last semester doing it: houstonianonline.com
Next semester I will be a copy-editor and ad executive. I also write for the entertainment page.
I am in the running to do an internship under Dan Rather's assistant at CBS in NYC this summer. I will live in the NYU dorms, so thats pretty cool.
After graduation I will be back in Houston trying to find work as a writer and after that start planning a wedding! :)
I haven't been MIA for any particular reason, just busy I guess.
What about you Frogger, what is your story these days?

Do you get them in both legs?
If you do, you should see a doctor immediately. I used to have them too, they're a pain. Fortunately I only had it in one leg at a time.

Also, try stretching your shins.
http://www.walkinghealthy.com/Stretching/ShinStretches01.asp
Try looking here and do those. They help a lot. : ) Hope this helps.

I always get it in my left leg, same spot everytime. hurts so bad, but I always try and keep running. Thanks for the link though, I will try those stretches next time. :)

I always get it in my left leg, same spot everytime. hurts so bad, but I always try and keep running. Thanks for the link though, I will try those stretches next time. :)

My partner is a runner. He just did the Boston marathon again. He is currently away but when he returns I will talk to him about it and then post back in this thread. Off the top of my head, I think for starters one is not supposed to stretch before running or doing any exercise any more... Something about the muscles being cool. I think it is only after exercising and then you should stretch for sure. But I will ask. He will likely ask me how far and often you are running and how long into the run before cramping begins?

My partner is a runner. He just did the Boston marathon again. He is currently away but when he returns I will talk to him about it and then post back in this thread. Off the top of my head, I think for starters one is not supposed to stretch before running or doing any exercise any more... Something about the muscles being cool. I think it is only after exercising and then you should stretch for sure. But I will ask. He will likely ask me how far and often you are running and how long into the run before cramping begins?

Wow cool, thanks! I run a mile right now, and it ussually starts during my last lap. I run through the pain and I would like to run further or longer but it just hurts so bad I always stop after a mile. Then I go to the eliptical machines and it doesn't bother me that much on there.

When you run, stretch it out some. Dont take small strides, that kills your shins and feet. Also, make sure you have the right shoes for your feet and keep your back stright when you run as well. This works for some, but if your problem continues I suggest a doctor, or maybe just dont run. Get on a bike,
or go swimming for cardio instead.

Contrary to what Sal says you need to stretch before doing exersize. But do not overstretch. Do just enough to get limber. If your running make sure you get you calves, groin, ankles, and back stretched out a little.

Don't run on the street. The macadam is made too hard so that it can support vehicular traffic. Run either on a track or on grass. Much easier on the body.

As for what I have been doing..............spending time between New York and Florida. Babysitting grandkids. In fact, I am driving to Pennsylvania this weekend to babysit three of them and then driving to Deleware two weeks after that to babysit another one. Being retired makes it easy to drive a few hunded miles to babysit.

Have a ball when you are in NYC. Just remember, never travel above 95th street or in Central Park at night.

Try running barefoot. It's great for the body, and makes you run properly. Running with shoes on encourages poor technique. People were running barefoot for millions of years, you were evolved for it. If I ever run, (I don't make a habit of it, but I do it from time to time) I run barefoot, and it feels great, once you learn to stop stubbing your big toe.

I've never run barefoot... interesting.. i'll have to look that up.

but for cramping... eat alot of fruits, the natural sugars in them are great against cramping.. and drink tons of water. Most people don't drink enough, and if you are running you should be drinking even more.

Shin splints are a bitch... it's basically your shin muscles not being strong enough to catch up with your upper legs or your wind... and they become inflamed. If you get them really bad, stop running, do the bike, swim, or stairmaster for a few days, make sure you still get a good burn on your legs. The shins need REST when they are inflamed, they don't need to be worked out.