Hellobee Boards

I don't know if they're preventable. There are things you can do to help decrease the pain, though. I used to get them in high school as a cheerleader. I would ice my shins before and after every practice/game/match. I also had my feet taped, but that was by a trainer and I couldn't possibly tell you how to do it yourself. The trainer also had me do this exercise - stand with just your toes on a step, and slowly drop your heels and raise them back up. Basically like calf raises. It helps to stretch out your shin muscle.

Those are the things I remember doing. That was 15+ years ago, though, so....

You can do shin strengthening exercises - I don't know specific ones but you can google. Also look at your shoes, if they are heavier/bulkier it could cause you to heel strike - bringing me to my next suggestion : check your form, you should be landing mid foot and rolling forward, you can YouTube proper form.

Good shoes, you might need insoles. Try different surfaces instead of road first.

Good shoes
Stretch
Don't increase distance or incline too fast

I have been plagued with them for years because I'm too stubborn for my own good with regard to overdoing it! I have been to a lot of physio to rehab them and know a boatload of exercises to help strengthen, but the above are most important, then probably some lower impact exercise that uses them (walking, swimming) and perhaps a physio visit or two to give you some help with targeted stretches/exercises you can do for them! Worst pain ever!