this probably has nothing really to do with weight training but here's my problem. I've been cycling for about 4 months now and I must say I'm doing really well with cardio. I thought I would take it up a notch and go running today. I used to be a good runner back when I was a teenager and not fat, but ever since I've gone over 200, I can't go more than a 1/4 mile without huffin and puffin. So today my friend asked me if I wanted to run with him, and I agreed, it was a perfect opportunity to do a more full body cardio workout than just the cycle. So I go out and start running and I'm feeling good. I start breathing hard but it's no biggy, not like I was tired. I went about half a mile when my shins just gave out on me. THey completely died. The outer muscle on my shins were so exhausted I had to take a breather. Everything else was fine though. I started up again after they felt somewhat rested but really soon after they were dead again. My other muscles were pushing my shins harder and they just couldn't handle it. I could have gone for a good while had it not been for my shins. So I'm wondering, does anyone know how I can strengthen them doing cardio on the bike? Pedaling standing up? pointing my toes down or up? anybody know?

I use a treadmill and I have a similar problem if I start up running without first walking for about 5 min. Next time you run try warming up more before going to a jog.

I would think using your toes on the pedels so you get the foot to extend and flex fully as your foot comes around the back would put more pressure on the front of the leg.

Your shins don't have muscles...?

Do you mean you feel a pain in the shins? If so, it's shin splints, and very possible you got them. If so, ice them, I used to get shin splints when I was in gymnastics. Hurt like a bitch, but with proper care, they eventually went away.

Karate, I think he probably means his Tibialis Anterior. My right one is a lot bigger than my left one for whatever reason, but I find keeping my heel in one place and then lifting just my toes gives it a good stretch

check out http://www.exrx.net/Muscles/TibialisAnterior.html if that is the muscle you are talking about

It's probably shin splints like karatetricker said.. Shin splints is the reason I dont ever jog, I've tryed shoes, stretching, everything...

Shin splints are just a sign that you're trying to do too much too soon. Your better developed calves are putting too much stress on the lesser developed muscles around your tibia, which can't keep up. This pain is not an inherent part of running. I think that if you start off slower and steadily work your way up to your friend's level you'll be fine.

it's not shin splits for sure. it's the muscle that runs on the outer side of the lower leg, it was completely fatigued when I ran. but definitely not shin splits

marcman had it right on which muscle it was... and yes, shins do have muscles

The best thing is walk for five minutes. Then run and once the pain starts stop. Walk for the next half mile or mile until the pain has subsided. Then if you can run again, do so. Afterwards, walk again for a good distance.

Your running form might be off if you haven't ran unrestricted (i.e. off a treadmill) in a while. If your heel is coming down hard, or you find yourself running only on your toes, you'll have a problem. Your foot should roll over the surface.

The surface you are running on can also have a huge effect. Try to run on soft but firm surfaces such as grass. A road or sidewalk is not soft, fresh blacktop on a warm day tends not to be as bad as cement, but it will be super hot running over it. A track surface is still not ideal, but it is better than a road or sidewalk.

I think you can also stretch the tibialis anterior by keeping your body straight -- heels on the ground -- and raising your toes off like a reverse calf raise.