Shin splints are a fairly common injury. One reason some people get them is because their running technique is bad, or their calves are very weak. Be sure to stretch out before every run, and to focus on a mid-foot strike as opposed to a heel-strike. Many people have proposed barefoot running or running in a minimalistic shoe, like the Vibram FiveFingers. check out this article on the benefits of barefoot running - Health Benifits of Running with Vibram FiveFingers