MILE SPEED Ed Poirier, Coach Dear Coach Ed, I'm trying to improve my times for cross country and track. Right now I'm focusing on the mile. My best time is 6:27, and I'm 12 years old. My coach is trying to get me under 6 minutes. Do you think that's possible before cross country starts in September? Our longest race in cross country is 1.5 miles. Last year I got 3rd place in championships and this year I'm trying for better. Please write back. Thanks, Jessica Hi Jessica, Getting under 6 minutes will come but will it come before September? I can't answer that. If you have a XC background you will need to work on your speed for the mile. This can come by competing in some 200 & 400 meter races. You are young and working on progressively getting better. Under 6 is a good goal but let it happen with your training and development as an athlete. Be cautious not to over-train. Working on your speed in the summer will also help your "kick" in XC Meets in the Fall. Take care Jessica and good luck on goals, Coach Ed Send your questions to: goodrow@infionline.net. Ed Poirier, "Coach Ed", recently was invited by the United States Olympic committee to attend a workshop and training seminar at the Olympic training center in California.