We have to run a mile and a half tomorrow during practice, it's the cross country course, and I'm NOT someone that can just go run a mile and half w/out having ran a lot before that. We run, but a lot of sprints and stuff, and that's two TOTALLY different kinds of being in shape. Anyways, i have to do it whether I like it or not and we're not supposed to walk any. Does anyone know any helpful tips to make it a little easier? Take my mind off of it? Breath better? Not get tired so easily?? Any help would be GREAT! Thanks!

Is this a one time thing? I mean, will you be doing this on a regular basis? Or will you only be doing it in a day or two?

If you are doing it in a day or two, there is little you can do to prepare for it. My best advice in this circumstance it to keep a slow steady pace.. you are used to sprints on longer stretches, so just use your energy on an even level.


If it is a long term kind of thing, I recommend you do some running on your own time, 1/2 mile then 3/4 mile and then mile.. work your way up and increase your speed at which you run it as you can.

You WILL make it if you are in shape, a mile and a half is not overly long in the large scheme, but you will need to change your pattern of running when you do it. Take water with you so your mouth doesn't dry, and concentrate on breathing in a steady pattern also. Do not huff and suck it in rapidly as this is only oxygenating the top part of your lings.. take time to take decent full breaths.. that is why the slow steady pace is so necessary if you are not normally a long distance runner.

I run on occasion, but for exercise reasons only. Not competition. I despise running, so I never did it in school for track or anything like that. However, I find that when I do it now, pacing myself and breathing through my nose instead of my mouth as much as I can helps me go further. When I breathe through my mouth too much I seem to hypervenilate (sp)

If you can, pace yourself and breathe through you nose. Good luck!! Pup