How fast should you be able run a mile? - Answers

It's entirely dependent on who you are and how much you run. The average boy's mile in P.E classes is usually about 8 minutes. An 8 minute mile consists of more or less one constant jogging speed. In track, we run 4-5 minute miles, working as hard as we can, switching between different strides and race techniques to go faster and place better. The bulk of America is out of shape and overweight, so mile time is really person specific. Cardiovascular endurance is the primary component of fast miles. In terms of difficulty your lungs will hurt long before your legs do. You need to run first without a timer and gauge how you're feeling before, during and after. Half of the battle is maintaining a non-walking stride through 1600 meters, which many people can't do. Once you've done that, move on to time.