Q&A for How to Run a 6 Minute Mile

First, focusing on the feeling of your muscles as you run, contracting and lengthening in turn. Practice taking long strides on straightaways—that's where you ought to take strides as long as possible. Finally, pump your arms as you run! That can help get you moving forward faster and with greater balance, which will help your stride.

You should try to stop smoking immediately. Over time, your breathing will gradually become clearer and you will find it easier to increase your running speed.

Try taking a rest day once a week. Your muscles will get too tired if you don't and it will be harder to get your times down without taking some time to recover and rebuild.

Yes, my coach always says that it is good to get out quickly. Then, you won't have to speed up later on (unless you like negative splits).

You should probably slow down, or you could just jog. It's easier if you keep at a nice constant pace. If you're not used to running, you should start out slow and gradually build up. You don't have to run a full mile if you can't do so yet. It can take some time for your heart, lungs, and muscles to get used to such intense exercise and be able to handle it for an extended period.

Use an iPod or an MP3 player and put it in the pocket of your running shorts (if you have one) or hold it in your hand.

The longer the stride, the less energy you are using because you are springing off the ground more. But don't force yourself to stride too long - otherwise, you might fall.

Do lots of stretching before your run and make sure not to drink too much water ahead of time (as that can contribute to cramping).

You don't want to run if you haven't trained for it. You will only end up injuring yourself. Start a training program today, and then you'll be prepared for the next run.

Stop running right away, ice that area, and rest your foot as much as possible for a few days. If you still have discomfort, or it renews when you try to run again, see a doctor.

Any time works - just make sure that if you are running in the evening, it is not that sunny, because the sun can damage skin.

You should start today. The more time you have to train, the better. Alternate running days with slow distance days and sprinting days.

I'm no professional, but it's all about the mind. Look at your lap time and see where you could go faster. Then push yourself in each lap (while setting a steady pace) to cut down on a couple of seconds. Also, try to have a shorter lap time than the previous lap. This will ultimately lead to faster mile, hopefully getting you a sub 6 mile time.

You most definitely should challenge yourself, but if you find yourself feeling light-headed or extremely tired, don't be afraid to take a small break and slow down. You can also try energy gels to increase your energy and not get so tired as quickly. Don't be concerned about the other girls. just focus on your own running and your breathing.

Try to run on your forefoot; that will gradually help you to increase your strides. Always remember to slightly push yourself forward, but not too much. You won't be able to maintain your speed for too long if you do.

10 days is less than you think. Alternate days of hard work and a recovery run, for example on Monday do a hard run and on Tuesday do a recovery run. Your ability to accomplish your goal will depend on how fit you are already.

Go for a long run. If you are out of breath when you are running, it indicates that you are running at the fastest pace you can sustain for the distance based on your current fitness level (or faster). If you can run your target pace (6:00/mile in this case), you need to run longer distances at a slower pace in order to increase your endurance and running efficiency. If you always only focus on the 1 mile distance, or shorter intervals, your muscular strength will outpace your cardiorespiratory system's ability to keep up.

Wow that's great! What you must do in order to reduce your time is to train smartly. Progress will only come if you work on all aspects of your running. So you will need to do strength training, endurance runs, speed and agility workouts. It would be best for you if you join a track and field club, so you could train under a coach. Hope you improve your time.

Probably somewhere around 7½ minutes.

The people who tell you that foot shape matters are lying to you. I have a very arched foot, and my mile time is 5:11. If you want to improve, practice longer distances. If you want to train a mile, run 2 miles and clock times in that area. After practicing and seeing improvement in 2 miles, try running just one mile again. It will literally be light work; you won't even break a sweat.