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Get those arms moving and keep your head up. The secret to running long distance is keeping your breathing to a minimal. If you are breathing heavily and/or frequently, you are using up oxygen too quickly. As a result, you get tired, quickly.

I know this sounds weird but, it's true. It takes a bit of practice to get a good, steady breathing rhythm but, it really does help. Basically, what you are doing is for about a quarter lap or so you are slowly taking in air and then for the next quarter lap, you are slowly releasing your breath. It is difficult at first but, with practice, your lungs will condition to it.

I learned this from my coach when I took track.

I use to run the mile in 12 minutes. That's because I would run and jog the first lap and walk the second lap. I wanted to run the mile under 8 minutes just like the other kids. So I would run around my neighborhood during the summer. Three years later I can run the mile in less than 7 minutes. Whenever I run the mile I never stop running, I keep pushing myself. I would always sprint to the finish line. Now, I'm lookin better then ever. I lost over 20 pounds and know I can run with the other kids.(well actually beat them :)

My fastest mile ever was 6 minutes and 20 seconds. So never stop running and keep pushing yourself.

You should definitely run the entire time. If at all possible, try to wear a watch, because you need to run each 400 at 2 minutes to get 8 minutes on a mile. Time yourself, and just push yourself to get those 2 minute 400s, and maybe give it everything you have on that last 400 to get under 8 minutes.

I've ran a mile in 7 minutes and 45 seconds best time I could get, I couldn't get under that, but what I've found works is if you start off slow until you get about 1/4 around the first lap and then start incrementally getting faster. Never go your full speed until the last 1/4 of the last lap. Just try to pass someone one person at a time. Don't worry about how many are in front of you, just take it one step at a time. If you are in the lead, don't get too cocky either. Just as long as you are in front of the majority of the people by the end of the third lap, you know you are doing good. Also, I always drink caffeinated beverages beforehand.

How badly do you want it? Because I think to do a mile under 8 minutes, you gotta run the whole way, or at least run, slow jog, then run again. I'm sure you can do, you just gotta block everything out when you're running and you'll do fine. Hustle hard!

Improve Your Running Technique Now!

I get 9-11 min miles. I'm usually the slowest. I have a mile tomorrow, what should I do?

Do what you are currently doing....keep running constantly! Its harder to stop and start again and will increase your time. Just keep pushing yourself and you will get it eventually. What I usually do is a full out sprint the last half lap---that might make the difference to get you under!

just pace yourself, don't worry, if you're behind everybody, don't let that bring you down, let it encourage you to do better, i do cross training, run mile in 6;45. use proper breathing techniques and eat the right things before.. NO DAIRY!!!! I've learned that the hard way lol. make sure to get a lot of rest the night before!!

ok i got this in 5min and 36 seconds jog fast first maybe at 1/4 of it slow down then at 3/4 run not full speed but at moderate dont breath heavily either breath through your nose i hope this helps