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Forefoot running

First track session in ages on Monday, we were working on lots of forefoot and mid-foot running - with a number of drills that included running barefoot. It's pretty enlightening to see how you naturally land on your fore foot with no shoes on, it is as if your body naturally knows not to land on your heels and avoid the impact. I tried on someones Newtons, which are designed specifically for forefoot and mid-foot running. And ... i don't want to get too excited as I've been here before with my Mizuno Inspires with orthotics, but i couldn't really feel the jarring on my shins when i run, so I'm thinking about buying a pair approx £120 (ouch). But at this stage i would pay £1200 if it meant i wouldn't get shin splints. I'll keep you posted, and no doubt give a review of my Newtons.

Roll a paint roller up and down your shins

"Before running roll a paint roller up and down your shins." source: answers.yahoo.com

Yip, you read it right. Now I would think this is a very bad idea. Thai boxers roll rolling pins up and down their shins to kill nerves off, so when they striking with their shins, or blocking other peoples kicks - they can't feel it.

I don't think I'll be trying this one.

Calcium Ascorbate

Not sure about this one as it is really addressing the symptoms of shin splints, and not getting at the underlying cause  - whether it is muscular or biomechanics. I may give this a try - after reading up on it a bit more.

"I developed shin splints some time ago (1988) and I put up with them for a few years . Sometimes the pain was rather intense ,even when walking. Anyway, I joined a martial arts club and trained for a while then a person I trained with noticed I was in pain walking and when I told him it was from shin splints He said he had a way to get rid of them in about a week. 

rubber band exercise

"Here's a drill my coach had me do back in the day: get a fatty broccoli-style rubber band, one that is big enough to give you some resistance for this exercise. Then, while you are sitting on the couch or at your desk at your office or whatever, remove your shoes and rubber band your feet together. Proceed to trace the letters of the alphabet in the air with one foot at a time while you hold the other foot still. Repeat until you are bored out of your mind or your ankles and feet are super-tired. This exercise strengthens the weird little muscles in your foot and ankle; stronger little weirdo muscles means better biomechanics for your stride means less shin splints." Another strange alleged cure.