I can't run!

You probably need to do some mobility work/self-myofascial release. Get a softball and/or lacrosse ball and roll out the calf and the front of your shin. Roll the ball across the muscle applying some pressure. When you hit a point that hurts (the muscle that is tight will), hold the pressure steady until the muscle releases (and the pain subsides). Roll your whole lower leg before and after your run. Note: some people will use a foam roller, but I find the balls to be more effective for my lower leg.

Next, ease into the running. After a good warm up walk, try jogging about 100 yards/meters then go back to walking. If you can do this, you should be ready for a couch to 5 k program.

As very well explained above, stretching and having a gait analysis done to find the right shoes for you.

In terms of the actual run, I've found that if I start with a good warm up walk uphill, I can avoid shin splints. If I start off going downhill without the warmup, I get shin splints every time. Walking on an incline though stretches out whatever it is that causes it and I'm good to go.

I've been told to keep my stride short as well. I'm short anyway, so that was no problem.

Work your distance up slowly. Walk /run for a while, then work up to a straight run. Then, increase your distance and time, but slowly.

do you have low/flat arches? I grew up thinking I couldn't run for the very same reason. People would tell me I was going to fast or too far but no matter how slow I went or how short a distance I would get shin splints - essentially the minute I started running. I did some research and found out it was because of my flat feet. If this is your issue - there is hope - there are motion control shoes which help support the arch and help prevent shin splints. That's what I started with once I realized such a thing existed. After a year of serious running - it's amazing how far you can go when your shins don't hurt with every step you take - I went to a podiatrist and got orthotics so now can wear neutral running shoes which are lighter and less bulky than the motion control ones.

Hope that helps!

I had this problem for YEARS every time I attempted a new jogging program, and it's what caused me to give up each time. I did tons of cardio back then so I didn't understand why my shins and ankles were so messed up. I walked at steep inclines on the treadmill also, and it didn't fix the problem.

Today, I am in week 7 of C25K and can jog for 20-something minutes (sloooowly but still!) with no shin pain. The only thing I do differently now compared to all those previous attempts is that now I'm doing a lot of weighted squats, lunges, basic plyometric moves ah la Jillian Michaels workouts. My legs are so much stronger doing this stuff than anything else and I think it's THE reason I can jog at all now at over 200lbs.

Hopefully, you'll be able to overcome the shin splint thing and you've gotten some good advice on that above. However, I just want to point out that you don't HAVE to run to get a good cardio workout. I can run -- heart, lungs and legs will do it -- but I really can't because I have degenerating discs in my neck and the impact causes problems. Really big painful problems. My doctors and physical therapists agreed that while running is great, I really need to not run. So, I don't. I walk. Really fast (4-4.5 mph). Pretty far (25-35 miles per week). And, after a couple of years of this, I'm in pretty good cardio shape (and have lost a ton of weight). Swimming is also a great alternative low impact cardio alternative for people with problems like this. Just wanted to remind you that it's not hopeless if something physically prevents you from running.

Definitely make sure your shoes are spacious and padded enough too, and maybe avoid concrete? It gives me splints! Good luck!