Q&A for How to Run a Fast Mile

Take it slow. Get your heart beating at a steady pace instead of working overtime. You don't have to feel exhausted and drained to have a good run!

Try not to think about stopping, or even how hard it is not to. If you can "disconnect" your mind from your body, it will be easier not to stop. You don't have to be a fast runner for good endurance. If the problem is cramps, or other sharp pains in your side, learn to exhale on your left foot landing on the ground - it will happen less. Everything comes gradually, so don't be surprised if it is still hard; one day, you wont have to stop.

If you start getting tired when you're running, slightly change your pace. You can start to jog until you regain your breath, but you should never stop.

Try doing some warm up jogging. You can also try doing some high knee raises as well. You shouldn't rest before your race because your muscles could become cold, which might make you sore later on during the race. Try to keep moving so that your muscles will stay warm.

There is a difference between tired and hurt. If they are hurting to a point where you can't deal with the pain, then yes, stop. Otherwise, push through the fatigue and finish your mile.

Make a good playlist, with the most awesome songs, the ones you like most. Think about people staring at you during running and how much respect they will feel toward you. Rely on all your training to convince yourself that you can do this. Then get out there and give it a go.

Breath in with your nose, out with your mouth -- and not too rapidly. Basically, you want to control your breathing. Also, breath with your diaphragm, not your chest.

In this case, you don't want to sprint all the way, but you also want to jog. Do a constant pattern. Start jogging slowly, then fast, sprint slow, then sprint fast and repeat the same process over and over.

I am sorry people are making fun of you. This is how you can run a 20-minute mile: Try to find some time in your day to run. Even in gym class, try to push yourself. If you feel like you are going to pass out, stop. Try to start out running short distances until you feel comfortable with them. Start at 70m, then 100m, then 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m, and finally (I know you can do it) 3200m. Or ask a parent (if you are a kid) if you can get a running trainer.

Try running timed 800-meter dashes to increase your speed, and try to run year round.

Remember the reward of finishing a mile and knowing you did well. Also, gritting your teeth might help.

If you get bored while running, you can listen to music, run with a friend, or try running somewhere you haven't been before for a change of scenery.

This is a way to see if you're running at a steady pace. You plan a route consisting of equal "intervals" (city blocks, quarter miles, tenths of a mile, etc.) and see if you can run each interval in roughly the same amount of time. This is a good training practice.

Practice every day and try doing other things, like biking,swimming and lifting weights.

You can try distracting yourself. Many people listen to music, audio books, or podcasts while running. Or, alternatively, pick an interesting subject to think about or work through in your head while you run.

That's only a 20-second difference. Set the goal, then stick to your routine. Push yourself every day, and you'll get there.

You just follow the routine, and work slowly towards the goal, and have patience.

No. You can only run a 1 minute mile if you are going 60 mph, and no one can run that fast.

Just take your goal time and find a quarter of that time to get your lap splits.

It is possible, but it would take a lot of work and you would have to be naturally fast.

Try to start by setting smaller goals that work their way up to 5:00. For example, try to set a goal to run an 8-minute mile in a couple of months. Once you complete that set another goal 30 to 45 seconds faster than that. Every small goal you accomplish will not only get you closer to 5:00 but also motivates you to keep going.

If you have a treadmill, try setting the speed at 8.8 miles per hour and maintain that pace for a mile.

With practice. The more you practice, the easier it will become and the longer you will be able to go without getting tired.

You should not have much dairy before you run. Carbs like bread and pasta are good a couple of hours before you start running.

You can't do that in a month. It takes time, there is no magic solution to make you that much faster.

You're not the only one who doesn't like to be passed. An "outstanding runner," however, will rise to the challenge and fight back. Pick up your pace, and dig down for every bit of energy you have. The goal is to use up the last of your energy just as you pass the finish line.

Pretend you're running at home. Focus on the other runners right in front of you, tuning out the onlookers to the sides. Pay attention to your breath and the movement of your body through space.

Possibly, but it depends on your own condition and dedication. Strategize, and once you have found your best strategy, start speeding up around corners.

Stretches that focus on your quads and glutes would be ideal. You can find lots of videos and lists online that will outline stretching routines for these areas. I would recommend doing 10 minutes of stretching before and after every run.

Follow the steps listed above.