Plenty of fat people run without knee pain. It's possible, but it's definitely something to work up to.

I mostly run on a treadmill that has shocks in it, and I know if my form is good by how much my water tumbler bounces (ideally none). It does make noise, but I think that's due to the construction of the treadmill.

Yup. I just think it's important to at least assess your form before buying stuff.

But poor fitting shoes are definitely a big issue. It's worth it to go to a running shoe store to get ones that properly fit. I'm just lucky that my $50 underarmour shoes with $10 inserts do the trick. But hiking boots, on the other hand, are a huge bitch.

Dynamic stretching before, static stretching after. You just want to get your muscles used to the range of movements before you start, as overstretching can potentially hinder performance. I just do a few csun salutations after my 5min warmup.

We couldn't possibly know that. If we knew about them planning a coup, it would be a failed coup.

Couldn't agree more. Go to a running shoe store and have them work with you on finding a pair that fits you right. The increased price is worth not having to buy multiple cheap pairs that don't fit in a way that facilitates running.

Same with hiking boots.

That doesn't mean there aren't plans of a coup brewing. It would be a bad coup if we knew about it.

My first guess would be bursitis but it would be better to get an orthopedist's opinion instead of mine.

Same here. Anything under 4mph and I struggle to keep good form.

Were you insane?

Yes, but that's a separate issue.

Harbor Freight sells knee pads for cheap. The gel ones are super comfortable.

I'm not sure pissing off the (still alive) people you trained to be killers is the best idea.