Why won't my running times lower?

Question

Im 14 years old turning 15 in October. I decided to start running cross country but I'm going to be a sophomore so most of the kids I know are already in shape/good enough. I have been going to captain's practices for about a month now where we run from 1.5 - 3 miles. Since the beginning of the summer I haven't seen a difference in my running times. My mile time is around 9 or 10 and that's when I'm trying. (Not killing myself but trying pretty hard) Since I have noticed this, I have gotten motivated to do more. So for the past 3 days I have been using the elliptical. I wake up, and run on it for 20 minutes, then about an hour later I do the same thing. I burn about 300 calories each time so it is somewhat of a hard workout. I'm also limiting myself to 1700 calories per day so I can lose some weight. I'm a little less than 165 pounds and I'm hoping that by losing weight, I'll be able to run faster. Is there anything I can do more or maybe even less to improve my times? I have about another month before the season really starts so I have a pretty good amount of time to improve. Sorry this is so long and thanks in advance.

Answer 1

looks like you really want to get better. one thing is that your body does not know is distance but the body does know time. start with about 30 minutes for about 2 weeks then increase it to 55 minutes. eventually when you feel good on 55 minutes try 75. ditch the elliptical and just hit the road. try to mix up your runs between trails, cement, grass. that will help out your joints a lot. good luck  

Answer 2

It sounds like you want to run faster over distances...I would suggest that you do some actual running (not eliptical; take advantage of the nice weather during the summer and run on the roads outside) Don't even focus on distance or anything...just run for 30 minutes, then go up to 35, and try to get up to around 60 minutes per day.Try to run with someone of similar ability or even slightly better than you to help push yourself during these runs. If you want to track your progress, you can time your mile like once every 2 weeks or something...but I think if you are running 30+ minutes per day (not walk-running), you should feel like you are improving.

Answer 3

well since you're a beginner, it takes longer than a month to significantly improve your times.. i think that you should stick with running the longer distances to build endurance. it takes time. during season, my times improved by at least 2-3 minutes from when i ran races during the summer.  

Answer 4

well yea people in sophomore year by now are way lower than 9-10...sometimes it takes a little more time so keep practicin dont try too too hard youll wear yourself out be careful and good luck =]

Answer 5

To much to read.

Answer 6

if if takes you 9 minutes to run a mile and you think you are in good enough shape....

edit 2 days later: wait sorry i was mean. I can't read.