Im keen to shed some weight (15kg to be precise) & going for walks/runs is about the only practical thing I can manage time/money wise (although I will look into gyms in the new year once kids are back at school).

Thing is, tonight I noticed the start of sharp pains in the front of my shins. Im walking mostly with burst of jogging. I am not grossly unfit but am not a runner by any means.

What is the best way for me to avoid shin splints while picking up the pace so I can build my fitness level?
I bought myself a decent pair of runners (had my feed fitted at Athletes foot) & mostly been going around the streets at home & also a grassy track that runs along the back of the houses on the edge of the rainforest.
I did 5km (mostly fast walking with some jog) along a concrete flat path this evening & thats when I noticed the pain in my legs. First outing in the new shoes.

So any tips?