Do we have any runners/joggers/cardiovascular buffs in here?

[stack1]

Try running that 2 miles at a pace that you can maintain, even if it means that you're barely running. You should try to run 3 times a week. Each time increase your pace slightly. Just take it easy at first, you can't get into good shape overnight. It takes a few weeks. Hopefully this is something you can keep up with even when your test is over.

 

[Pablo]

Your running shoes are no good anymore far far before your soles get thin. The compressable materials in the sole lose their sponginess and take a set well before then. This leaves you with a shoe that does not provide you with proper stability and can set you up for injury.

You don't need to buy really expensive or fancy lookin' shoes to get good support. In fact, as a general rule of thumb, if the shoes have a whole lot of "whiz-bang", chances are they aren't very good running shoes (like a lot of nike's for instance)

I personally wear nothing but New Balance 991's. The advantage to buying New Balance is that their shoes come in widths, and are appropriately constructed for different foot types - flat, med arch, high arch. I have pretty flat feet so I get a shoe built for me.

There are plenty of other good running shoe brands. Good luck.

 

[6APPEAL]

I agree that your shoes are toast. Depending on your weight and mileage, you can kill a pair of shoes in a month. I used to go through running shoes at the rate of a new pair of trianers every 6 to 8 weeks and racers every 6 months. But, that was when I was running/racing seriously. I was putting in around 80 miles a week with a race every other weekend, sometimes every weekend if they were 5K's. I only run 10 to 20 miles a week now. Cycling and the gym are the rest of the obsession.
John

 

[Gothmog]

I'm looking for ways to improve my running. I want to go faster so I can run a mile and a half in less than 12 seconds (currently it takes me closer to 13 and that's if I'm pushing myself to the brink of keeling over) but it seems when I start pushing myself I start running out of breath and my lower back and sides start cramping. What can I do?

Also I am looking for ways to boost up my energy. Since I run at 3 pm and eat lunch between 11 am-12 pm I am wondering if I should eat a bunch of pasta for lunch and drink a lot of water....?

Thanks!

If youre serious about running, get Jack Daniels book. It is the definitive answer.
If you're just looking to run 12 minutes, thats easy, just run 30 minutes everyday. That should meet your modest goal quickly
Pasta and carbo loading is only for LONG distance running, It will have no affect on you.
With running shoes, you get what you pay for. Shoes under $60 are no good-up to $100 is the right range. Above $100 is a waste
Nike, Asics, Saucony, NB are good, the others are mostly crap.

 

[6APPEAL]

I've read Daniel's book. Good stuff!
John