How to run a mile

[Ron]

I want to be able to run a mile straight before the end of the summer. How do I start training to be able to do that? I’m in ok shape, but nto great. I walk a lot but I will be willing to do more. What’s the strategy that I should follow so that I can run a mile?

[chefmel]

That’s so exciting! Good for you. Try walking a couple of miles as fast as you comefortably can. Then start working running in, using one minute intervals.

[char]

You definitely need to walk a couple of miles first before you start running a mile. Running for any long distance is something that you need to work yourself up to. You also should walk every day to build up your stamina. When you feel you are ready to run, start off running small distances. For instance, before running a full mile, run a quarter of a mile, than build up to half a mile, etc. Best of luck and remember - don't push yourself!

[Kyra]

I agree with the others in that you need to start walking faster for longer distances. You should also focus on some strength training exercises that will help to strengthen your abs, glutes, thighs, hamstrings and calfs. In addition, up your cardio exercises to help strengthen your heart and your stamina. Obviously, all of this has to be done slowly so you can gradually increase intensity, but essentially if you are interested in running any distance, you need to build your body up to it. Also, before you start full out running, try a bit of jogging.

[speeddemon]

Here is something interesting about all the walking advice you're getting. I used to be in the active Army, and we had what was called a physical training test (PT test) twice a year. Part of that test was running, but if you were medically forbidden to run and could walk instead, you did the speed walk. The thing was, I heard from many people who did the speed walk that it was very physically exerting to do the walk at the speed the Army required--so much, that many people said they'd rather run than walk.

Wow, that's actually really interesting. You wouldn't think that speed walking would be harder than running....then again, come to think of it now that I'm sort of imagining both, I could see how forcing yourself to speed walk at a pace that isn't exactly comfortable for you could be really hard on your legs.