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