Learning how to run

Question
Hi,

6 weeks ago I started a walk to run program.  I started off with 4 mins of walking and doing 1 min of running.  I am now at 1 min of walking 4 mins of running for 45 mins straight.  The problem is that I have pain in my outer calf muscle and the front of my foot.  Mostly on my left leg.  I am running very slow about 4.0 mph on the treadmill.  My shoes are new - asics that I bought for my high arches - neutral with cushion.  I am not out of breath when I run.  The pain starts after a minute of running and lessons towards the end of the walk/run.  I usually warm up for 10 mins before hand.  I am not a big woman - 5'5" 125lbs. After I run I stretch.  My question is what can I be doing or should be doing to get past this?  I gradually started, I warm up, I stretch, I researched and bought the shoes for my foot type...Should I just give up??? Or should I run through it?  How much pain is normal for a person who has never run before to have when they start?

Answer
Look into getting a massage stick, frankly called "The Stick", as a tool to use in getting your entire lower body more warmed-up and prepared.  Stretching beforehand usually isn't the best method to use, and a basic 'warm-up' that most people use, i.e. lightly walking, isn't really enough either to fully prepare the muscles.  
You can see what The Stick is at www.intracell.net, its just an information site for it.  You may find them in some sporting goods stores.  
A cheap, really 'homemade' version is a wooden rolling pin used in the same way as a Stick device.  I made a YouTube video of it as a quick demo on how to use a rolling pin as a warm-up aid.  Here is the link:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=yIRqyN1PvgE

I hope this can help you out better.

Rick Karboviak