Shinsplints — you know what I’m talking about (blogger points to random reader). They’re those persistent aches in the lower leg— a good indication that you’re running too much too soon.
I first encountered them when I was about 8 after a long day at Six Flags. I remember it vividly: I was in my mother’s Datsun, and I told her my legs had a “hangover”… not exactly an “out of the mouths of babes” moment– but I’ve never been accused of being profound.
Odds are I could have avoided that “delayed onset muscle soreness” had I stretched a bit before sprinting from the gate to the Dahlonega Mine Train, etc.
Can you picture a kid doing lunges or heel drops in front of a Funnel Cake stand to warm up before a day of frolic at the park?
Sure you can.
Here’s a good stretch with an unfortunate name to keep those aches at bay:
Pole Pulls — Set up a pulley or resistance band about waist-high. Stand barefoot on one foot next to the band, with a slight bend in your knee and your core muscles tight. Pull the band so that your hands are in front of your belly button and the band is parallel with the floor. Move the band slowly side to side, in and out, or in small circles. If you’re on the outside foot (away from the pole), the tibialis posterior muscle along the inside of your shin works, balancing you against the upper-body resistance. To strengthen the peroneal muscles on the outside of the shin, switch feet and stand on the inside leg.
Here’s some more stretches that may help. Pay close attention to this guy’s tree stretch:
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