According to my sports-chiro-quy, my shin splints haven't crossed over the line to micro-stress fractures, thankfully he deals with a lot of this. There is obvious damage to my connective tissues around an area of my tibia in both legs, thought it's far worse in one. I do have some thoughts on how this may have happened and will discuss this with my podiatrist. Regardless of that, it's also true that I've a history of over-doing my physical activities. Thankfully the cramping has calmed, and since I've been good (well, mostly), there isn't much actual pain - but I do have a high tolerance, too high sometimes because I get to thinking that I can get back at my preferred activities at a time when my body hasn't healed enough. I certainly do not want my ego to push my shin splints over the stress-fracture line! I HAVE canceled the group hike this weekend, sadly. There will be other opportunities.

It's frustrating though, my exercise options grow even thinner. THIS one, however, isn't permanent like so many things have been.

Emily, I hope you never have that problem again, hopefully you're done with that.