Running influencers are getting injured — and it’s not a coincidence.Over the last few weeks, TikTok has been full of reaction videos after several well-known running influencers picked up serious injuries. The most high-profile case is Mary McCarthy, who has publicly shared that she’s been diagnosed with a grade 4 stress fracture. That seems to have kicked off a wider conversation across social media about overtraining, influencer advice, and whether runners should be copying what they see online.In this video, I break down why blindly following running influencers is a mistake, even when they’re fast, popular, or look like they’re “doing everything right”.I cover:- Why most influencers aren’t qualified to give training or injury advice- How social media only shows a tiny highlight reel of training — not recovery, load management, strength work, or warning signs- What actually causes overtraining and stress injuries in runners- Why generic plans and app-based programmes don’t work for everyone- The problem with copying elite or influencer training without context- How to recognise your body’s early warning signs before injury hitsI also discuss reactions involving other popular running creators like Alistair Almond and Calum Goddard-Mocklow (Proddy from The Fellas), as well as some of the criticism aimed at training apps like Runna, and where runners often misunderstand what those programmes can (and can’t) do.This isn’t about attacking individuals — it’s about helping runners think critically, train smarter, and avoid injuries that can derail months (or years) of progress.👉 If you’re currently dealing with shin pain, watch this next:Shin Splints vs Stress Fracture – How to Tell the Differencehttps://youtu.be/VV-jfk7Q2h8If you’re a runner, coach, or just trying to stay injury-free, this is a conversation worth having.

Resting for shin splints feels logical — but it’s usually why shin pain keeps coming back.

In this episode, I explain why rest doesn’t fix shin splints and what actually needs to change.Shin splints are one of the most common running injuries — especially for newer runners or anyone increasing training.Most people are told to “just rest”… but as soon as they start running again, the pain returns.In this video, I break down:- Why rest reduces pain but doesn’t fix the cause- What shin pain actually is (and what it isn’t)- The key training, strength, and recovery factors that need adjusting- Why generic rehab programs often fail- How to tell if your shin pain might be something more seriousIf you’re dealing with ongoing shin pain, this video will help you understand why it’s happening — and what to do next instead of endless stop-start running.👉 Take my free 2-minute shin pain diagnostic quiz:https://5l790a16wns.typeform.com/to/PKN6tdzI

Most runners think shin splints mean a splintering or cracking bone — and that misunderstanding is exactly why people panic, rest too long, or rehab the wrong thing.In this episode, I break down what shin splints actually are, what they aren’t, and why understanding this matters before you think about exercises, rest, or a return to running.This isn’t a rehab routine or a quick fix.It’s about getting the right mental model first — because without that, everything else is guesswork.If you’re confused about:• Whether shin splints mean your bone is damaged• Why rest helps but doesn’t always solve the problem• How shin splints differ from stress fractures

Shin splints and stress fractures are often confused — and that confusion leads runners to make the wrong decisions.In this episode, I explain the difference between shin splints and stress fractures using a simple visual analogy, so you can understand:- What shin splints actually are (and what they aren’t)- How stress fractures develop- Why shin splints don’t mean your bone is “splitting”- The key symptom differences runners should pay attention to- How the approach to treatment differs between the twoMost shin pain starts in the tissues around the tibia, not the bone itself. But if load isn’t managed properly, bone damage can occur — which is why knowing the difference matters.This episode is for runners dealing with shin pain who want clarity, not guesswork.⚠️ This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. If pain is worsening, localised, or affecting daily walking, seek professional assessment. // F O L L O WInstagram | @aginjuryrehabTikTok | @aginjuryrehabWebsite | https://www.aginjuryrehab.co.uk/