Shin Splints are the most common thing you will get from running, especially if you haven't done it much. Only thing I would avoid is running. I've had shin splints only once and I could still do squats and stuff, without any pain, but try one and if it hurts then don't do it. That is a good rule of thumb, if there is alot of pain and not just soreness then I would avoid them till it feels better. I would also suggest stretching longer if you start getting them more often. Also, not having the correct type of shoes and not running the correct way can lead to shin splints.

As far as the type of shoe goes, If you know your arch type of your foot then check online for shoes that are for that arch type. If not then I would suggest going to a place that specializes in running and they can tell you your type and what shoes to get. There's generally 4 types, low, medium, high and some have flat feet.As far as running the correct way, if when you are jogging if you aren't doing heel to toe as in your heel hits the ground first then your toes, you aren't jogging correctly. You should jog the same way you walk heel to toe. When you sprint or trying to run as hard as you can that is the only time you should be hitting the toe first.

The only time I got shin splints I didn't really have the choice to rest it, but I noticed that as I ran more, the more the pain went away and my shins got stronger I guess I would say. I'm not saying not to take a break, especially if your in a lot of pain, but it should get better the more you get use to running.

Hope this helps and I would suggest swimming as well its the best for your joints and is a really strong workout.

Well things seem to be going good for me after resting I ran for the first time today and no pain from my shins one of my knee's well on the outside of it bothered me for a bit then when away, but jogged 2.6k in just under 18 minutes then went and jogged a bit more before stopping.

Picked up a resistance band from my Chiropractor a heavy resistance one a week or so ago and that along with the reverse pull ups are working great went and managed to do almost 3 pulls ups so I figure in the 2-4 weeks I got left before I may face the physical I can add in at least one more to that number maybe two even. Over all I have to say I am feeling very pumped up pants are looser my extra chin seems to have gone on moved away, when I flex some thing happens and my drivers license arrived yesterday. And I've lost another .9k in the last two weeks and my birthday was pretty good to listened to some awesome Karaoke performed with a live band.

So I hope every one is doing as well as I feel right now if not better.