Shoulder pain when running.

When I run, typically just around mile 1, I get a sharp pain in my left shoulder.  I can continue to run for another half mile maybe, then it gets unbearable and I have to slow my pace to about 2.5-3.0MPH.  After the pain subsides I can return to a run without the pain returning.  What may be causing this? 

Wow, I thought I was the only person who had this problem! The exact same thing happens to me. I have no idea what causes it though.

This use to happen to me when I was younger, quite often.  It usually occurs for me right after or instead of side aches.

For me it was a terrible deep ache/shooting pain.

I wasn't really out of shape as a child, so that wasn't the reason.

When I was getting x-rayed for my back pain (unrelated issue) they noticed a lot of "gas" and "fecal" matter in my body.  So basicly I was constipated!

Since I've been "regular" there hasn't been an issue. 

Probably wouldn't hurt to ask your doctor though.

I often get pinching and pain in both of my shoulders when running...more on my left side which is ironic because I had right shoulder surgery 4/5 years ago. 

I was told by a respected running coach in my area that he thinks I run "too tight" and I have to be VERY mindful when I run and stay loose and allow my arms to swing lower with my shouldres relaxed.  This has worked quite well for me and its funny when I don't pay attention to this the pain returns....

Of course if this is nagging I would seek out a orthopedic Dr for it....

sometimes its also from lack of air. try taking deeper breathes and stretching before you run.

This used to happen to me when I started running.  It is because I would run too "scrunched up".  Once I started focusing on relaxing my shoulders, arms, and upper body, things got better.  Also, I would stretch my arm upward every so often on the run just to get it out of the tight position.  Probably looked funny, but it worked.

I had that happen to me last year.  It also hurt to breathe while running.  In my case it was a torn rotator cuff and lots of pulled muscles.  If it also hurts to breathe once it starts to hurt your shoulder you might want to get it checked out by a doctor.

Bad posture in general.  Muscles are being over worked to support your back.  Not just when running, but at all times.  Lay on your back with your butt against a wall and your legs running up it.  This should form an L (if someone were looking at you from the side).  The goal here shouldn't be to stretch, merely to relax. Your knees can be bent or not (depending on your comfort level).  You can add a book under the back of your head to support your neck.  If your having trouble keeping your butt against the wall, don't push too hard.  Try to include your core abdominals.  But don't muscle anything too much.  This is a naturally aligning position for your back.  If done right it is similar to going to a chiropractor.  Do this for five minutes (longer if you can) a day.  You'll immediately feel the difference.  Check with a doctor before attempting, call your physician, etc.

Stretch your shoulders like crazy and make sure that you have proper posture!

Leaning too far forward or backward will hurt you just as much as hunching your shoulders and not having your arms "loose" will.

Try adjusting and go on to "running technique" sites to try and figure out what you are doing wrong.

Good Luck!!!!! 

Have you spoke with your doctor?  Shoulder pain can be a sign of more serious cardiovascular issues.  Get to your doctor and he may have you do a stress test.  This is a potentially serious issue.

I had the same problem. I can usually prevent it by paying close attnetion tomy posture and arm positioning.