For All You Runners...

[Antoneo]

I just joined my school's track team about 3 months ago and have been running short distances only so far... the 100m and 200m. I am going to join in the fall for cross country and that requires a lot of endurance. I really can't run long courses and was wondering if anyone would have some advice on training over the summer. I can do a 400m in 73 secs (yeah i suck) and want to bring it to sub-60 times. I have never tried running a fast mile yet.

 

[Nick Stone]

Do you have a coach? If not, at least make contact with the cross country coach and have him recommend a workout schedule for the summer. Ask him if you can E-mail him weekly with a progress report. (That will help motivate you)
Keep in mind that some people are built with muscles suitable for sprinting and some are more suited for distance running. Which is your body type?
As far as running a mile is concerned, just start running at a comfortable fast jog and you'll finish a mile in 9 or 10 minutes, but that type of running won't improve your capability in the long run, so ask that coach for help. Also get a running magazine at the local "Y" or library and read a few articles to get familar with training possibilities.
Find others to train with if you can, but use good judgement, don't depend on them for coaching.
Good luck.

 

[Drekce]

Just start running. Do a mile first...then two...up to about five.

REMEBER: Breathe correctly and PACE YOURSELF!