Why Shin Splints Happen: Slap Injury, Active Reaching, and How to Fix Them

Coach Caroline and Coach Valerie break down one of the most common running problems: shin splints. Valerie explains why she calls them a “slap injury,” how reaching the foot out in front of the body acts like hitting the brakes, and why that repeated impact can travel through the foot, shin, knee, and hip. She also explains how thick, cushioned shoes can hide the impact and make runners more likely to actively reach for the ground instead of pulling the foot up and moving correctly. 10.16.2026 Shin Splints

The episode also covers what shin splints can turn into if they are ignored, why they can develop into a stress fracture, and why ice, rest, and stretching alone are not enough if the movement pattern is still wrong. Valerie shares her own history with shin splints, how she realized she should not have to ice her shins every night, and why learning the Pose Method changed her running by helping her reduce impact and move more efficiently. 10.16.2026 Shin Splints

Most importantly, this episode makes it clear that you do not have to wait until you are pain-free to get help. Valerie encourages runners to come in while they are injured so they can work on the movements they can do while they recover. The goal is not just to calm the pain for today, but to change the way you move so the injury does not keep coming back.

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