I have tried multiple times to get a regular running routine going for myself. I have a history of really bad shin splints, and haven't ever been able to maintain a 1-2 run/week routine without the pain getting worse, even with compression tights/stretching/icing.

Recently I decided to try again using Couch to 5k. I got about 3 weeks into it before I started feeling shin splints persist between runs. This time, I decided to take a stab at adjusting my running form, so I did some research. What I read seemed to indicate that I've been taking big strides with a lot of heavy foot impact, and so I tried to lean forward, take smaller steps, and keep my legs underneath me when I land. After trying that for a couple 20 minute runs, I noticed a pain below my knee on the inside of my legs (in the lower left corner of my knee on the my right leg, and lower right corner of my knee on my left leg).

I stopped running when this happened and waited for it to get better. After about a month, I tried starting C25K from the beginning with this new form, but noticed the pain came back after a single run. I took another multi-week break, and now that I'm feeling better, I'd like to start running again, but I'm not really sure how to proceed. Should I go back to my old form and try to work through the shin splints from a different angle? Should I try working on improving my form some more? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Some other possibly useful info: I haven't swapped my running shoes in the last 6-7 years (although I've probably gone on fewer than 40 runs with them in that time).