... I feel like I can do anything. This is amazing.

Why is it amazing you ask?

1) I haven't exercised in over 3 years. I have gained significant weight during that time (currently 30 pounds overweight). Yesterday was the first day I have "started" exercising again, and I only managed to walk one mile.

2) I only managed to walk a mile yesterday because I had significant pain after the first tenth of a mile. Like, from below my knees it felt like I had cement on and there was a really sharp shooting and constant pain that first started in my feet and extended thru my legs. On every single step it was there. This pain did not go away. But today I said **** it, and just kept on walking thru the pain. After about 1.5-2 miles I became numb to the pain and felt like I could keep walking awhile.

3) I did not alter my pace from beginning to end, and I could (imho) kept on walking at least another 3 to 5 miles. I had to stop because I had to get home and shower since I had other obligations (I had not anticipated walking that long, lol). The only slight problem was chafing. I was walking about 3.3 miles an hour.

Before the haters come out of the woodwork, I know this isn't a big deal to anybody else besides me. Just wanted to share this with others because I know there are lurkers out there who read this forum from time to time (just like I did) looking for advice and inspiration.

What worries me about the pain, is that I also have other symptoms of fybromyalgia. I hope that's not what it is. I also hope it's not peripheral artery disease or chronic venous insufficiency. Hoping it's just pain from being lazy and never getting exercise, and not something more serious.

My shins are hurting like crazy right now. While I said **** it, and just pushed thru the pain when I was actually in the middle of walking, it is noticeable when I move my legs now. Yesterday there was no pain after I had stopped walking.

How sore will my shins/legs be tomorrow? I really hope I can do at least another 5 miles tomorrow.

I hope to keep this thread as somewhere where I can update with my progress.

Thanks for reading and any advice is always appreciated.

If you have pain in your shins from walking you need to stop.

Use leg and calf strengthening exercises to build bone density and calf strength before you just start with mileage, then increase 10% per week maximum.

Losing weight beforehand is also a good idea as it will be much better on your knees and shins.

Look up mobility exercises and how to foam roll your shins (lax ball is better in my experience with shin splints).

Good luck

This 100%. Fatties are at high risk of this when they decide to "get healthy" because the first thing they try doing is walking/jogging long distances.

a) Start by walking shorter distances. A mile a few times a week with at least a day rest in between.

b) Question whether walking/running is best for you. Consider doing some lower impact cardio like biking/stationary bike, eliptical, rowing machine (best imo).

c) Lift weights as part of your program.

d) Don't feel embarrassed or ashamed or whatever. Everyone has to start somewhere.

If you have pain from walking, I would say mixing in strength training should be pushed back at least until after you can walk a couple of miles pain free.

txdome, why?

There is a fairly good chance the shin pain is a localized overuse injury. No reason it would stop you lifting weights.

1% of The Proclaimers! It's a start.

Pain in you shins could be as simple as you having tight calves and/or problems with the fascia in your foot. Do not keep pushing through pain in your shins, knees, or feet or you will just end up injured.

If you have insurance, you have a couple of choices. My recommendation based on my own recent personal experience would be to find a chiro who specializes in ART and has the biomechanics certification. Or at the very least talk to a doctor or a good personal trainer or physical therapist.

Also learn how to foam roll and stretch properly - this might take care of your problems without seeing a specialist.

In any case, unless you plan to walk 20 miles per day most of the caloric deficit for weight loss will have to come from changes in your diet. Even walking at a brisk pace 5 miles per day 7 days per week, assuming you weigh about 220 pounds, will only burn about 3500 calories per week. This will result in a one pound weight loss assuming you're eating exactly at pre-exercise maintenance level.

lol this is delusionally conservative. walking is safe and sustainable for like 99% of the population.

for op, i would say to walk when you feel good and dont walk when in pain.

Re: chafing

Get some compression shorts or athletic boxer briefs.

If you have have trouble with your lungs, do you stop breathing? If you're having stomach issues, do you stop eating?

Get the right shoes.

how are your shoes? Good shoes are often the difference between shin splints or not. I would suggest going to a higher end place, maybe even a podiatrist if that is avail to you, to get your gait and weight distribution measured, and fitted for a solid pair of shoes that are by design meant for you.

Just one possibility among many for you. But I suggest a necessity for everyone/anyone doing any kind of consistent walking or running.

edit: inafterDye w/myslowpony

This^

GL op

GL OP
whatever low impact you decide to do
If your ok with body image, try swimming.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice so far ITT. I have read thru all of it and will definitely be taking a positive approach with this stuff. I will check back here on Sunday to give an update.

Remember to stay well hydrated!

OP, that took guts. Well done. That ****'s 70% mental.

Fight through the pain!

It will be weeks before you are able to walk 5 miles in one continuous walk. You were in pain by the second minute.
You must gradually(yes gradually) train your body to exercise. Try walking one or two blocks as many times as possible during the day. Also walk slower. 3.3 miles/hour seems faster than your body can handle.

Don't fight through pain. Stop and walk another day.

Calories burnt while walking calculator

The fit person also burns more calories at rest than a sedentary one. Later you can add hills and steps to you walk.

It's just a don't-give-up mantra. I hope you're not suggesting to stop at the slightest hint of pain when exercising?

OP had significant sharp and shooting pain after 1/10 of a mile. That does not sound like slight discomfort. I never thought I'd agree with jogs, but he's 100% right here.

I agree with DF... which means I agree with jogs.. fml.

I think that's simply the body's "oh **** wtf is going on?!" reaction from the lack of exercise for so long. This tends to happen with sedentary people.

you say that as if you're trying to argue that being sedentary justifies going on a long exercise sesh and pushing through pain.

This made lol. I love how you are able to put those in the same post and pull it off.