How can I run a fast 8 minute mile?

Question

I'm 15 and I have volley-ball and basketball tryouts coming up in about 5-6 weeks and I need to be able to run a 8 minute mile by then, my current mile time is 8:41, can anyone help me?

Answer 1

The only way to get better is to practice. I personally do not like treadmills, I just don't think they help as much as running outside. If you don't have anywhere to run outside, then using a treadmill would be fine. Just keep pushing yourself, and soon enough you'll be able to run a mile in well under 8 minutes.
Also: If you have any gym equipment or a gym around you, using any type of machine that improves your leg muscles would work as well.
And as always, Eat healthy!

Answer 2

5 to 6 weeks is plenty of time to run an 8 minute mile. You are running 8:41 now, so start running a little farther. Try running 2 miles each day, 6 days per week. After 2 weeks then run 2 days per week on the track. Do intervals of 6 x 400, that is one lap on the track, do each lap in 2:00, that is the pace you need to run an 8 minute mile. Rest 1 minute between laps. After 2 weeks you should be able to do this work out. Then do 3 x 800 at 4:00 per interval of 2 laps, with a 1 minute rest between intervals. The week before the test do a mile time trial, to be sure you can do the mile in 8:00. You can mix up your intervals just do them at the race pace or a little faster and continue to do at least 2 miles easy on the days you are not doing intervals. Right now you only need to run each lap 10 seconds faster. That will not be difficult with a little training. Start now you only have 5-6 weeks so don't waste time.

Answer 3

I recommend that you start out running a mile the first day and start doing a couple speed workouts a week along with running a mile once or twice every week. It is also probably a good idea to run on a track or whatever material you will be running on for the mile tryout to get used to that environment. Don't overdo it though! If you try to go pro-runner the first few weeks you could get shin splints or injure yourself in another way. That would not be a good start to any sport season!

Answer 4

theres multiple steps to this, and i'll give them to you all. some people may tell you to do them in a different order, but this is what i'd do:

1. go out and run a mile. not to hard, but at a comfortable-quick pace.
2. after a few days of running only a mile, increase your distance to a mile and a half. try to keep the same pace.
3. be sure to take at least one day off a week. you don't want to get injured.
4. after a few days on 1.5 miles, increase to 2 miles, maintaining the same pace. run a distance of 2 miles for a few more days.
5. now start decreasing your distance, but increasing your pace. go back down to 1.5 miles and then 1 mile, running harder the shorter the distance.

if you do that, you'll be likely to hit the 8 minute mile. i can't guarantee anything, but it's probably the best training option you have. and one of the biggest things to remember is that the human body can do a lot more than people think it can. i discovered this through cross country myself.

Answer 5

I know the feeling. I've been training for a marathon. First you need to run a full mile and time yourself. Then next time you run, try to knock off a few seconds. I've found out that if you don't look at your timer you tend to run faster. :p With 5-6 weeks, you should be able to run an 8 min mile and who knows? Maybe you'll be able to run a 7 min mile with just drive and a little determination! Good luck and hope I helped!!

P.S. - Don't forget to rest really good. I run every other day to give my body time to heal and recuperate.

Answer 6

I would just try to keep a 2-min pace for the first 3/4 of the mile than push it on the final 1/4 of the mile.

Answer 7

For the first 6 minutes run at your normal pace. Pick it up once you reach 7 minutes. If you can wear a watch, you will be able to see how much time you have left and how much faster you need to go. Practice, practice, practice. You WILL get better so don't worry. I improved in just a month so you will be fine. You can't do any better than you best, so make your best better, and dont worry. good luck :]

Answer 8

To run 1 mile in 8 minutes in 5-6 weeks, you just need to do some speed work. Here’s how:

1. Drink plenty of water
2. Stretch often
3. Follow a training plan
4. Time your splits if you will do this on a track or an out-and-back course. Ex: 120 seconds (2 minutes) per lap. OR 4 minutes out, 4 minutes back. If half-mile marks, 4
5. minutes each.

Here’s a suggested weekly plan:

Day 1: 1.5 miles easy, steady pace, deep breathing, relax, good form
Day 2: half-mile jog, stretch, 20x100 yards, half-mile jog cool down
Day 3: 1.5 miles easy, steady pace, deep breathing, relax, good form
Day 4: half-mile jog, stretch, 10x100 yards, half-mile jog cool down
Day 5: 1.5 miles easy, steady pace, deep breathing, relax, good form
Day 6: half-mile jog, stretch, 4x1 lap, half-mile jog cool down
Day 7: Rest. Maybe light gym work, stretching, swimming if you want

Even numbered days, go to a track, run the straights, recover on the turns. ON the 4x1 lap days, run each lap at 2 minutes, rest, repeat. Practice speed runs but hold back some during the first week until you can gauge your endurance and recovery times.

7 days before your run day, cut your speed work in half. 3 days before the run, run 4 laps hitting your splits. Get to bed early and plenty of rest. Stretch, swim, relax the day before the run. Day of run- begin stretching 30 minutes before the run, 15 minutes before - short jogs, relax, stretch. 5 minutes before- 2 20-yard jogs. Good Luck

Answer 9

ok, my best mile time is 6:27... i prefer starting out fast to get ahead of all the straglers....then i stride and breathe deeply every two strides........ my school has to run the 8 minute for volleyball too....consider running crosscountry...it is a great kick in the butt and it gets you fast...well....FAST!!

Answer 10

find a running partner with a faster mile time than, you then work your way up to their level