Injury prevention for young athletes
Track, cross country, and running
Most running injuries build up slowly in the legs and feet, so how you train matters as much as how fast you run.
Injuries to know
Shin splints and stress fractures
Common lower-leg problems for runners. Stress fractures often come from adding training too fast.
Learn: Shin →Heel and foot pain
Heel pain and pain on the bottom of the foot are common in runners.
Learn: Foot and Heel →Knee pain
Pain around the kneecap and sore tendons.
Learn: Knee →Muscle pulls
Pulled muscles in the hips and legs.
Learn: Hamstrings →
Habits that protect you
- Set safe goals and add distance and speed slowly.
- Wear shoes that fit, support your arch, and aren't worn out.
- Stop when something hurts. Pushing through pain makes it worse.
- Drink water ahead of time, and skip hard runs in heat over 90°F or high humidity.
Your lesson path
Take these in order. Each lesson takes about 3 minutes.