Stew Smith Fitness News

Many people email me each week and complain about pain below the knee. This is usually accompanied by starting a running program or running too much, too soon, and too fast. These pains are more than likely shin splints, but could be Compartment Syndrome or a stress fracture. This diagnosis will require a doctor's opinion and is much more serious than shin splints. But, if you can take a few days off of running and the pain is not evident while walking, it is likely shin splints. If any pain persists more than a few weeks it is advised to...

Hi Stew - I am now suffering from shin splints every time I run. It does not matter if I lay off running for a period of time or if I start out running shorter distances. What can I do to get myself back in to long distance running?If the typical treatment of shins splints does not work for you, it is time to see a doctor. Usually the following will help treat your symptoms:- some time off from running (1-2 weeks),- new running shoes,- proper stretch / flex of shins prior to and after running,- a week of over-the-counter...

The above chart is a twelve week plan to build up to a half-marathon. It is not designed for beginners, but rather intermediate runners who run 10-15 miles a week already.The focus is to run shorter and faster runs in the week and a long slower run at a comfortable pace on the weekend. Eventually the two methods should meet and your longer, slower pace is actually faster than before…Run #1 – Fast paced run – usually 1-4 milesRun #2 – Interval runs -- break up the distance into ¼ mile, ½ mile and 1 mile repeats – your choice...

With battles in an urban environment becoming a part of daily life for both overseas troops and our own police officers here in America, the need to speed programs have never been more applicable to today’s civil servants. There is a need for speed in the military and law enforcement professions. More and more agencies around the United States are adopting the 300m run in addition to the 1.5 mile run as part of testing protocol for candidates as well as maintenance programs for military and law enforcement. For instance the FBI uses the Cooper’s Institute Physical Testing procedures along...

With the long days of summer, there are more daylight hours in which to exercise. Many people focus on running and outdoor activities. These days, though, it may be best to stay indoors and do another type of workout instead of breathing polluted air during strenuous cardio activity.In an email this week, I was asked about running during the summer, specifically during sand / dust storms of Iraq. In a separate email I was also asked the same question about running near the cities of the South East Coast of the United States when the summer days are hazy, hot...