So - I listened to all of you wise women and went and looked at running shoes. Tried on a pair and thought, "jeez, I think I have some that look just like these somewhere at home." Went to the closet of too small everything, and low and behold, a pair of running shoes! They fit now (not wide) and I wore them to the track last night. Ran 100 meters out of every lap and NO PAIN! What a relief! Running is hard enough without feeling like my shins are on fire. I think they're probably ten years old, but worn once, so they're just like new. thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!

Besides shoes, here's a tip! I could NEVER figure out why I couldn't run, but every time I tried my shins would go up in flames for days afterward. Until I figured it out (after 20 years of trying!):

When you land, land on midfoot. DO NOT land on your heel. Shift your weight forward so it's like you're stumbling, but catching yourself. Just *think* about it, when you land. I chant "no heel, no heel, no heel" to myself when I run, and it works! I read somewhere that "your heels are your brakes," and that's the last thing you need to be using when you're trying to run!

Thank you for the advice. I have such a hard time getting my daughters or my husband to explain to me how to run - they don't get that I don't know anything. I was never an athlete in school and I've never had any desire to run until this weight loss. Now I want to do it and my body is just not cooperating! The shoes have helped more than I can tell you, but any basic stuff you can share is great. Everyone tells me to not run on my toes, so maybe I am trying to be too far back on my heels. I'll try the middle of the foot thing.