I found these forums and this one in particular, and I'd like to share a story with all of you ending with a question I'd like to ask  !http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/smile.gif|src=http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/smile.gif|border=0!. I am a 15 year old girl and I weigh about 190 pounds. I had noticed in gym class that when I ran, I was slow, but I didn't mind running too much. I had meant to join cross country that year in high school (my 9th grade), but I got scared because I'd heard stories of the huge amount of miles that they run and how fast everyone was. I was scared that they'd make fun of me for being slow because I used to get teased all the time in gym class for being one of the slowest, and so I didn't join that year. Over the summer into 10th grade my mom persuaded me to join, coaxing me, because she thought it would be a good experience and give me some exercise. I finally joined, scared and.. it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. The girls on the team were so friendly, and even though I was the slowest on the team by a good amount, I was never treated any differently. At the meets, people wouldn't turn away in disgust or point and laugh like in gym class where everyone else was, but actually cheer me on and tell me to keep going, and I even that I was respected for joining the team, something I have not felt in a long time. I regret not joining last year, there is something about running miles and going through pain that bonds you with your teammates, and I felt so good after finishing the season, I was so proud that I did it, that I gave it my all, and survived some of those "killer" runs up huge hills. My mile time went from a 10:00 to a 9:00, and I lost about 10 pounds from cross country. My question is, I would like to get even faster, because cross country has really inspired me to run harder and faster.

I was wondering, how much could I run, because now I really want to break 8:00 in the mile and get down to a good slim weight. I don't think I will do track this year, I feel like I am not ready for that since it is about speed, and my mile times don't seem sufficient =/. I want to do it next year if I can break 8:00, I view breaking 7 as something crazy, but anything is possible right?

Thanks if you read all of the above, I would appreciate some good advice on any type of training schedule and I can provide more information is needed. Thanks!