Thanks everyone! I did my HIIT today with the extra running interval as part of the main intervals, and then also threw up that one notch up for my final interval and it was great. Definitely harder, but I just kept telling myself I COULD DO IT, visualized that I was in Hawaii running alongside the ocean in a 5K and could see the finish line and that I COULD go on for five more minutes like that if I NEEDED to! :D It all seemed to work. I could have even probably gone higher, but no need to go crazy bc that could bring on pain, blisters, or a dread of my next session. As it is, I look forward to doing it again on Thursday.

And the crazy thing is, my ice skating soreness didn't come into play at all. My feet didn't hurt at all, it was great. Now walking around a few hours later, the run-combined with the lbwo I did yesterday, has got my legs feeling tight and lean and long. Can definitely tell some muscles were taxed in there! Amazing to think that 50% of my HIIT is now running. I've never been a runner. Thank you all for your responses & support.

I am JUST under 300lbs and i started a very gradual running program. I think as long as you take note of things like joint pain and such afterwards you would be fine at any weight.

i run now and im 204. i ran 7 miles once (very slowly) at this weight. did not feel good the next, but i was mostly just sore, no knee or ankle pains. im 5'4'' by the way. so 204 is prettyyy hefty for my height. definitely start out slow and see how your body takes to it.

Well, altho I feel great when I'm running and the rest of the day, the last 2 running days I experienced severe leg aches from the glutes down to the ankles at nite. Last nite it was severe enough to keep me awake until 2 am, when I finally gave in and took some ibu and then fell asleep at 3 am.

The last time, I chalked it up to my legs needed their workout, as my lbwo was scheduled for the next day. But yesterday I had just done lbwo the day before, wasn't bothered at all that day or yesterday, so not thinking that's it. By the evening of my runs, the backs of my knees feel swollen and then my knees feel stiff when I'm try to go to sleep. Doesn't hurt to walk or move the knees tho, it's more of a whole leg achiness rather than pain.

So, I could keep trying, but I think I may need to take it down to fast walking and try again in another 20 lbs. I feel ok this morning, but I don't want to keep repeating this in case there is the chance that I'm doing some damage. I'm disappointed, but I know I will get there eventually. I thought initially it was bc I had slowed down the pace on my deadlifts, resulting in a slow muscle stretch. So if the pain happens again with walking, I'll know I can go back to running. But I suspect it was the running.

I'm a little late on this post, but figured I'd add my $0.02.

I did walk/jog intervals in my 200's but around 190-200 I started trying to do distance running - nothing major but doing a straight mile and on to more.

At first I was very concerned because I would get knee pain after the run, or stiff knees the next morning. Basically it just hurt! I was concerned that I would really do some damage.

I took it slow from there but continued. I've lost about 15-20 lbs since then which has helped, but more so I think I simply built up my knee joint strength by continuing to run. The impact builds up your joints and your bones.

Now when I run (usually between 2-3.5 miles) I don't have the knee pain anymore and rarely are my legs killing me from fatigue.

I guess my point is to go slow and take it easy, but keep at it if you are wanting to run. Your legs and joints will strengthen and running will get easier.

Thanks Michele. So a week later, I can report that I did my very fast paced incline walk, which killed me far worse than the run! I had to take down the inclines in a big way!! So I'm sticking with that for awhile bc I haven't had any knee pain or swelling sensation. Sleep is just too critical for the whole health and fat loss process so for right now, it's the best choice for me. If the pain is causing insomnia, it's 2much! :) So I will pick it up again in another 20 lbs when I'm lighter and my legs/knees are stronger from all my weight lifting too. Thanks again!