How do I run my mile in under eight minutes?

Question

My volleyball tryouts are coming up in a little more than a week. One of the requirements that coaches look at is if you can run your mile under eight minutes. I'm more of a sprinter not a long distance type of person. Last year I made a team but I really think my down fall was my mile. Please HELP!!! I want to make a higher team than last year and I don't want the coaches thinking that I'm out of shape.

Answer 1

Practice running long distances everyday, stay hydrated, and when that day comes to finally run the mile, just push yourself as hard as you can. It may be hard while youre running, but it'll be well worth it when youre done!

Answer 2

become a cheetah. that or practice more and pretend you're being chased by a big scary dog.

Answer 3

practice running every day

Answer 4

If you run at 60MPH, you should be able to do it in a minute. Sorted!

Answer 5

run a quarter mile then half then three quarter mile until you gradually think you can run a mile

Answer 6

Practice quarter miles (1 lap) on the track until you can run a lap in about 1:45 to1:50.  That should be pretty easy.  Once you know the pace you need, try to run 2 laps in about 3:45.  Once you can do that, you'll be able to run 4 laps (1 mile) in under 8 minutes.  You'll need to do some longer, slower runs to get your body used to running for more than a short distance.

Answer 7

well my best mile time is 7:01. the trick is to really pace your self while running, don't wear yourself down the first lap. (:

look up, never look down while running. and try to keep up with the faster runners in the group.

and the very last lap, go just a liitle faster.

practice running around the block everyday, even if you get tired, keep pushing yourself, but not too far. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 8

umm just practice like everyone else said..

and to the 12 year old brat, you're full of it, world record for a mile run is just under 4 minutes (by men)

Answer 9

Just run as fast as you can. You can't start to condition your body one week before tryouts because it is a process and you should have started that weeks ago. Just remember to stay hydrated, control your breathing, find a good pace for yourself, and keep it during the whole run. Sprint the last leg/lap and you should make it.

Answer 10

if its in less then a week, then you should really try and work out. All the time for like five hours each day. but its kinda impossible.

Answer 11

you need to keep running a mile until you can run it at or under that time

you should have started training a couple months ago though...

:}

Answer 12

every day run a mile and time urself. everyday u will get a little better. soon it will be easy. but u need to start out a little slow.

Answer 13

wow you need help how old r u causeim 12 and  all my freinds and i play softball and we can run a mile in 3 min but this is not to b mean or any thing

Answer 14

you need to run every day or every other day to keep your endurance up. i can easily run a mile in under 7 minutes and that's because i keep my same pace the whole way.

Answer 15

keeping your pace is key! not too fast not to slow, and you'll do just fine. in the meantime keep practicing!  

Answer 16

Every day try and beat your last time. If on Monday you ran for 12 minutes, try to run for 11 on Tuesday and keep doing so until you reach 8.

Answer 17

practice running long distances

Answer 18

You have to keep a steady pace. Running and stopping burns you out. I always keep a pace I can keep and do a mile. In 6th grade I had a 9 minute mile and I felt slow. So I practiced a bit. I woke up 15 minutes earlier and went for a jog. 2 months later I hat a 7:30. Basically practice. The harder you try, the better you'll do. If you can, sprint the last lap. Eat a decent but no heavy breakfast before the mile. That's about all I know. Good luck.

Answer 19

When I ran in the military I started out real slow, but by the time I finished the 2 mile run I was at a high speed sprint

Answer 20

(Breath through your nose)Try the tri-breath method.  You fill your lungs and exhale with every three breaths  as you land your foot you inhale 1/3 of your lung capacity so your lungs are full by the third step then exhale the next three steps in the same way and same pace, in, in, in / out, out, out. This will help you build your stamina while setting your endurance pace for the 1 mile. Using this method your should easily run a 6 minute mile without real strain. It should take you  about a week of running this way to get your time and stamina up to snuff.

  p.s. if your not leaning forward as you run try it,  I used to run more upright and was surprised by the difference  lol  duh  felt a fool took 30 seconds off my 6 minute mile in combat boots and only leaned forward about an inch. It just increased my step a inch and took less energy.

p.s.s.   you might need four steps or five  to fill and exhale depending on stride just  try to inhale and exhale the same quantity of air every step that is the key to stamina.

Answer 21

Try getting a trainer and go to the jym.Jog every day and try to increase your speed with A   stopwatch.   :)     ~Natalie

Answer 22

Practice, practice, practice.

Answer 23

One foot in front of the other but speed it up

Answer 24

Try running for longer than a mile that will build up your endurance.

Also try sprinting for longer distances and that should help build speed.

Good Luck!