It’s interesting that you find that problems with shin splints etc. are often a result of overreaching in your training.
I noticed with one of my athletes that shin splints, foot pain, and low back pain all flared up when we went on a training camp directly after a couple of massive personal best performances. I of course pushed him too hard that week, doing too much volume when he was still recovering from his spectacular training runs. All of a sudden, his shins, calves, right foot, and low back started to flare up. As soon as I backed off, it all disappeared. The more I see this, the more I think it’s strictly systemic symptoms of overreaching in training, not something specific in the musculature.
Check out the Ithlete’s user manual (www.myithlete.com). There is an excerpt from Maffuletti’s book that rang true when it discusses the three stages of overtraining. All the lower limb and low back problems are claimed to be systemic symptoms of early stage overtraining (possibly better termed overreaching). I’m inclined to agree!
I will have some more detail about the use of the Ithlete in a mesomorphic athlete’s Short to Long track and field program soon! Very interesting stuff. In the mean time, I’d encourage you to check out the inexpensive Ithlete app. It is a very interesting, inexpensive, and easy to use tool.