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Been enjoying reading everyone's posts and encouraging words and advice. Finished day one, managed to run 6 out of 8 v slowly and felt fantastic! BUT. Can I really go all the way? I've tried before and had to stop due to terrible shin splints. I've been walking for a few weeks and stretching a bit to prepare. I desperately want to do this! Can I

I have an idea what you mean about terrible shin splints: I've lost two weeks of the program to resting because my shin splints were so bad I could barely walk up and down the stairs in my house. But the good news is I've made it to week 8, and I'm sure you can do it, too!

My recommendation to you is to take it slowly. Repeat a week here and there if you need to. Try these stretches and exercises to help your shins: http://foothealth.about.com/od/exercise ... tExerc.htm, they've really worked miracles for me. Run on a treadmill, if you can. If that's not an option, try running on grass or soil, rather than on cement. And wear a good pair of shoes! If all else fails, talk to your doctor and get in to see a physiotherapist.

I'm not going to lie and say I no longer have shin splints, because I do, but I'm only ever in pain if I try to run in shoes that are not my usual running shoes. Your body will adjust, and the pain will get better, I promise.

Thanks for for the advice. I'm sad to say I'm nursing a very sore knee today. Can u believe it! I was all worried about the shin splints but no, from never having a problem with my knees in 42 years. Ok I'm being overly dramatic, it might not be "a problem" but not sure whether I should go again tomorrow if it hurts? I'm aware that I'm kind of whining but that's allowed on week 1 right?

The most consistent thing I've seen out there is DO NOT RUN if something hurts. There is a difference between being sore and/or fatigued and having something be in pain. I've read that the biggest mistakes us beginners make is doing too much too soon and injuring ourselves...and not listening to our bodies when they tell us something is wrong. A rule of thumb that I've seen is that if you are still in pain after gently warming up for 5-10 mins, stop.

Thank you for that. Seems like good advice. I really was just whining it turns out as I completed run 2 week 1 this evening and it felt amazing! I know it's no big deal but I'm delighted to have managed to do all 8 runs. It seemed so much easier than day 1! For the first time I can see how it might get addictive!