Oh nooooooo :-(

Why do I keep breaking? :-(  First it's a stress fracture in my foot (March-May).  Now its one in my shin! I don't run that much!  4 mile jogs about 4 times a week and on the weekends a ten mile jog and a 6 mile jog.  Strength and circuits in the mornings 4 or 5 days a week.  That seems like way less than a lot of people on this site.  So why is it I keep breaking my bones!  I replace my shoes every 4 months and I get plenty of calcium.  GRRRR  I'm so frustrated.  Now I have to wait another few months before I can really run again and I'll probably gain another 10 lbs on top of the 10 that I have yet to lose from my foot injury!  My soul hurts :-(

so sorry to hear that chica!  maybe you are predisposed to fragile bones?  I dunno.  What does the doctor say?

Are you deadlifting enough to stress your bone matrix and cause osteoblast migration/formation to strengthen those bones of yours? I'd include that in your training program as soon as you're allowed to start some rehabbing in consultation with your doctor or physical therapist...

I squat and lunge holding a 20lb weight in each hand.  I use the leg press machine at the gym set to 180lbs.  I do a lot of reps with static holds while using weighs for upper body as well.  Maybe I should follow the plan for the NROWLFW since I read the book and stop running for a while (not that I have that choice now anyway).  My doctor says to start swimming.  Only the gym I go to at lunch doesn't have a pool....guess that's what a free gym will get ya!

Hmm, that does seem to be enough of a load to have a positive influence; well, maybe not the squats, but the single-leg work with lunges and the leg presses should be enough loading that you'd get a positive effect on your bone mass.

Maybe it's the lack of recovery time between runs - you should try taking one day more a week off from running. Sub in some low/no impact crosstraining on the elliptical, bike or in the pool and see if that helps keep you un-broken ;)

I bet it's the shoes...

hmmmm..sounds more like a possible lack of recovery time from a previous injury. Going back too soon after an injury can set you up for even bigger injuries...and going back with too much 'umph' can also do the same. Go back slowly and I mean slowly..especially after a break/fracture.

Also, I agree...make sure footwear it good [orthodics in place..if you need them..if your not sure...then make sure!]

You are doing PLENTY for leg strength so yah..it def. sounds like a pre-existing thing/injury.

Best of luck to ya~

I'm just gonna throw my 2 cents in here.  Getting plenty of calcium is great, but there are other things that can cause your bones to be fragile. 

For instance, some meds (like birth control) can interfere with the bones ability to absorb calcium.  Especially if they were taken during your teens. 

I'm sure there are also medical conditions that cause fragile bones.

I'm not a doctor, and I'm not saying that is what is happening to you, but it might be something to think about. 

SLOOOOOOOW DOWN, I GOT WINDED JUST READING YOUR WORK OUT AGENDA. REMEMBER THE TOURTISE AND THE HARE.