Running, endurance and energy?

[Live Free]

I am preparing my body to run a two mile test. I havent run in 11 years. I am healthy and strong, but running is not pleasureable for me.

I would like to know if anyone has any suggestions on what I should eat before I have to take this two mile test, something for energy.

How can I increase my speed? I have been running a one mile stretch for a few days now and my endurance hasnt increased or speed hasnt increased much.

I need to be able to finish the two mile test in 18minutes or less. I am short so I feel like I need more strides next to someone who is taller. I feel like the only way to finish this run is by running it the whole two miles instead of jogging it. Because jogging I am at the one mile it takes me about 20 minutes or so. Running the whole two miles isnt the objective of the test. It is the endurance.

I need to rest inbetween laps. I do five laps and rest for a minute or two. I am taking this endeavor slow.

If anyone has any suggestions for me, I would appreciate it.

[lamount03]

Pre run snack/meal. Bananas. I use date water too when doing a long run so you could have some of that prior to your test as well as after.

Speed... intervals. You could try doing 2 min at your regular pace then 1 min as fast as you can go.. repeat for as long as you run. :) Don't do this for every run. Maybe one or two runs a week. :)

Good luck.

[Dj 247]

Since you do not care for running I would suggest to do a intense workout for a shorter time. The Body for Life cardio would be perfect for you. It is only 20 minutes three times a week. That two mile test will seem easy after doing this workout. I say just get it done. You can find the Body for Life book by Bill Phillips at most libraries. The run is a speed play workout based on a 10 point effort. You start out easy at a level 5 for two minutes and then do a 6 for 1 min. then a 7 then a 8 then a 9. You go back to two minutes at a 5 and do another two sets for a total of 3 sets. During the last set you should really try to reach a level 10. This workout is great for building speed and endurance. It will really push you to a new fitness level in just a 20 minute run.