Hi Duane. I started from scratch a few years ago, worked up to 8x Half Ironman events. Had similar problems, but I am in my 50’s now( us old farts take longer to adjust) - nevertheless, spend thousands on medical advice, fitted shoes, orthotics etc. The specialist I went to for orthotics told me that although the muscles and lungs acclimatize quickly, it can take up to 2 years for joints and bones to adjust. Especially for long term cyclists, as cycling is not a load bearing exercise. Long and the short of it is as you said - take it very easy. I went to a specialist coach, started with 7 minutes running, 5 minutes walking for 40 minutes. Gradually brought the walking down by 1 minute per week, based on 3 runs a week until I was running the entire 40 minutes. Then started pushing the 40 minutes up, but by no more than 10% a week. Was a bit frustrating, but it worked.
