I completed the Day 2 of Week 1. I have been diagnosed with osteopenia tending towards osteoporesis last year.

[CouchCarrot]

I have been walking regularly at a fairly good pace - completing 4 kms in 40 mins at least 4-5 days a week. Now, I decided to start running, but I am a little concerned about injuries, because of the osteopenia. Shin pain has always been a problem for me - and it resurfaced after day 2 again. I want to know the experience of others who have started running with osteopenia. Thanks. I hope to take it all the way with the support of this wonderful group!

[ceefin Graduate]

My advice - take it easy all the way. Slowly building up the strength in your leg muscles is the best thing that you can do to lessen the impact of your progessive disease. Don't be tempted to run faster than you can walk to start with and make sure that you do not 'heel strike' which is the most common cause of shin pain.

Good luck on your new journey and don't be afraid to ask any questions, someone can usually help

[Skandia Graduate]

I have also been diagnosed with osteopenia after breaking a wrist - its one of the reasons I took up running. Its great for bone strength. I've just graduated and would say I had no concerns over my bones, moe likely to get a muscle problem, like shin splints. Don't worry its unlikely to be your bones, and it sounds as if you have been doing good ground work with your walking. Good luck

[CouchCarrot Graduate]

ceefin, thanks for the encouragement. I definitely need to be more careful about my running style - I will keep the "heel strike' in mind when I run. Unfortunately, I was running temperature with cold past 2 days. Hope to start with week 1 again next week.

Skandia, it is great to know that you have been able to graduate with the osteopenia. I definitely hope to complete it myself!

[bonnie68 Graduate]

Hi! I have full osteoporosis (diagnosed last year) after taking medication for cancer treatment 5 years ago. I have graduated and have run 10k races ..now building up to longer runs. My oncologist has given me "permission" to run and says id good for bone strength/balance. Also so good for my body-confidence which is also important when diagnosed with osteoporosis.. Only concern I have is falling over, which I have done a couple of times on irregular paving slabs, but all ok! Good luck with the journey! just listen to your body

[CouchCarrot Graduate in reply to bonnie68]

bonnie, there cannot be a better inspiration than you. Thanks!

[bonnie68 Graduate]

Thanks! though on re reading my post it does sound a bit cavalier! I did go through real worries that running would "damage" my bones somewhat, but felt very reassured after talking to medical team. I also do excercises to strengthen muscles with my running group, we do a session each week of lunges etc...I have read that strong muscles around joints helps with osteoporosis. My last bone density scan showed no further deterioration after running for a year so seems to be working to hold it at bay.....Running definitely has given me confidence in "getting out there" too. Do let us know how it goes...