One mile is 1,609 meters (5,280 feet) and is the standard running distance. It requires good endurance and pace to run one mile, and therefore, it is an ideal means of displaying the athlete’s pace as well as strength.
Racing ranges from top-level track mile competitions where champions are competing for sub-4-minute (men) or sub-4:30-minute (women) performances to leisurely road “mile” fun runs. Training the mile consists of intervals (for example, 400m repeat work), tempo runs, and speed workouts to develop VO₂ max and lactate tolerance. The mile is half the distance between short and long races, and as such, it requires good leg turnover and the ability to tolerate discomfort for about four to eight minutes, depending on the level.
