Hi Sue! Congrats on your weightloss. I've run a few marathons and suffer from shin splits. Here are my suggestions (but of course I'm not a doc or pro runner by any means): 1) Get a really good pair of running shoes. This is not a place to skimp. Find a running store in your area and have your shoes fitted. Find out the mileage your shoes should get. Running shoes have a shorter life span than most people expect. 2) stretch your shins before and after. I stand on toes and lift toes alternately 100 times before running. 3) run on soft surfaces. Black top has more give than a concrete sidewalk. Sand is great. Grass (but can be a tripping hazard). Is there a track you can run on? 4) work on your running form. Don't run on the balls of your feet, use your whole foot. You should hear your foot slap when you run. There are several running books out there to help you with that. 5) See if there are running clubs in your area (a fitness/running store is a good place to ask, or check the internet). Having people to run with and give advice is a good, fun way to go with running. Thats my two cents! Good luck on your new endeavor! Rachel

Congrats to you! I have just started running a little bit; but have done a 56 mile bike ride 9 months after surgery. You need to make sure you are completely hydrated.

Hi everyone! I'm so happy to see people posting here!! I had open rny 10/6/03 and have since lost 134 pounds...and my new addictions are shopping and exercise. I started kickboxing a month ago and I love it. I have always had an obession with running, although I have always been too big to run. I have dreams where I'm like Forest Gump...running, never tiring. Not being chased, or doing the chasing, just running free. So, with that being said, I love the idea of supporting each other, maybe starting a long-distance running club (whatever that may be). To those of you in training for a marathon - you're my inspiration! -Deb

No we cannot start with marathons by any means! I did jog twice last week and was able to the jog for 1 min. and walk for another 2 mins. both times. The first time was for about 25 minutes total and the second time was for probibly just over a half an hour. I find that this is very difficult, so I am going to keep it up. I had been riding my bike (which I will still continue to do) for 1-2 hours and was pretty tired, but this jogging thing really gets to me quicker! I am sorry about your injury (re-injury) and that it will keep you "out of commission" for a while. But, you are right, it should be better running weather in the fall! Keep up the great work! -Chris

Chris! Can't start with marathons, can we? I'm sure that your weight loss will start again soon. Good luck with the running. I was finding it addictive until I had to stop a couple of weeks ago. As I increased my running (was up to 3 min of run/1 min walk), I started to get some bad knee pain. I've since found out that I have an old ACL injury (like 20 years old), that healed, but left the joint loose. So I'm getting arthritis in my left knee. I've moved to an eliptical trainer for the next several months, but will need some pretty intense PT to strengthen the knee before I can get back running. Fortunately, surgery doesn't seem to be necessary. Doc also told me to take glucosamine and chondroitin, which seems to be helping. Looks like my goal of running a 5k will have to wait until fall. Better running weather then anyway. Wishing you continued weight loss and good luck with your running, Deb