Sue- Just be sure to warm up well before jogging to avoid shin splints. I had terrible shin splints when I first started running, and found that taking tylenol an hour before running helped, as did rubbing in some 'super blue stuff' and icy hot before running. I no longer need the tylenol/icyhot/bluestuff, but I do still get shin splints if I don't warm up by walking for at least 15 minutes prior to running. Tammy

Hey PD!! I have been off the board but just got your post. Lace up those shoes and get on with it. Keep with your walking program and when you feel up to it throw a little jog in. Pick a goal, like I will jog to the stop sign and as they say "just do it" Running is not only a great exersize, it gives you unbelievable peace of mind, I call it my road therapy. Remeber to stretch out after each walk, to keep youself injury free. Good shoes are essential,you need stability, new balance is a good brand, but any shoe that feels good and fits is good. I get mine at a running store where they size you. I am back logging miles as of this week, I am running 5k distance with out stopping and even though it's slow (11 min) pace I feel like a million bucks!! My long term goal is a marathon in April. Since I do most of my running alone, I use a polar heart rate monitor to coach me. I find it's a great tool to keep me honest about my pace. I hope you are enjoying your work outs, keep me posted on your progress. Patty D

I did Marine Corp, in 99 and 00. Inspired by Oprah, ya know. My husband is a very competitive runner/triathlete. I have some concerns on eating once I start to log miles. I get my first fill on Thursday and I will be back on liquid and mushy food untill I can go on to soft food. Frankly I know it's to help me heal but I get so tired with out a balance of food. Your boys are 7 and 3, oh do you have your hands full. No need to train, you are propably burning up the calories just chasing the three year old around. I belong to several running clubs here and some members have done the RocknRoll, I have always wanted to do the San Diego 1/2, it always has such great write ups in the running mags. Have a great night! Patty D

When I ran my first marathon, my first son was two. We put a lot of miles on the old runner then. He's 7 now and my youngest is three. So the younger will be in the runner and the 7 year old on a bike. We'll see how that goes. My next 1/2 is going to be a local event in irvine, ca and then I'll be running a full in Long Beach, CA. I have run the Long Beach and the San Diego Rock 'n Roll in the past. A group on the California board is running the honolulu in october. Too soon (and to hot and hilly for me). My only fear witht training is that i get so hungry!!! i gained 15lbs training the last time. Hope it goes better this time. Getting close to your first goal...alright! I'm pretty new to the 100's. I'm down to 191. Two more lbs and I'll be in the half century club! Keep me posted too. Rachel

Hi Patty! I ran two marathons too at 175lbs. I also ran several halfs and 10ks. I'm looking foward to getting back to it. I'm gearing up for a 1/2 marathon in January and then a full in a year from now. I've got two small kids at home, so I can't push as hard as I would like, but at least I have some long term goals to look foraward to. Rachle