Hi Kerry,

Often new runners develop problems with their shins (and other parts) because the body is still getting used to the mileage being placed on it. The key is to not overdo it and not push too hard.

Similarly, doing sitting doing nothing is not the answer! If weight loss is your main goal, I'd advise that you mix up your exercise rather than focusing solely on running. Some of the exercise you've already been doing - in particular kettlebells, or spin classes - are great for weight loss and will build up your leg strength without the impact of running. Do a couple of classes a week, plus a couple of runs a week, and build your distance up gradually.

Some people on here may have more detailed advice on shin problems but my hunch is that it's more likely to be that your legs are still getting used to the impact of running. Strengthen your legs, build distance slowly, keep active, and I hope it'd improve.

Kerry - Good on you for starting out on this journey! We all have some sort of problem at the beginning, it's just the body adapting to a new more challenging regime.

My suggestion is to relax your feet as you lift them behind you at the completion of each stride - let the ankle go really floppy. This gives the muscles a second or two of complete relaxation before you put your foot down on the next pace.

Try this - just stand up, hold onto a chair, put your foot out behind you as if you were running. Now let the foot flop down while keeping your lower leg bent at the knee. You should be able to wiggle your ankle and this is how it should feel when you are on the move - no tension.

Let us know how you get on.....good luck