Common sources of injury among runners are caused by:
1.
Too much too soon.
Whether you are starting the season, eager to compete, bouncing back from injury, or trying to prove something, doing too much work that your body isn't used to in a short amount of time is an easy way to develop things like shin splints. We want to allow our bodies time to grow and change, so please follow the workouts and progression and listed and notify a coach if you are coming from a background of little to no running.
2.
Working through "bad" pain.
If it hurts, STOP! You have known your body anywhere between 14-18 years of growth and development, and need to defer to your judgement between sore/achy vs pain/(this doesn't feel right). The only way for that to get better is to stop and see a coach, the trainer, or a doctor before you are cleared to run. If you run "through" bad kinds of pain, you are at risky for developing a more serious injury.
3.
Improper preparation. Diet, warmup, stretches, and attire are all things you have immediate control over when committing to running. Follow the warm ups, commit to proper breathing and motion during stretches, and dress for the appropriate weather and you'll be able to find success. Lacking in any of these departments will affect your ability to train and perform.
Work & keep contact with the coaches, Bill (our trainer), the nurse to ensure we have a healthy season.