Cardio is killing me

[Matthias1550]

So recently I have been looking into joining the armed forces. It comes down to Navy enlisted, Army Officer or Marine officer. Trying to get myself in shape for basic. Well I am in pretty good shape, much better than your average enlisted but the Marine officer pysical requirements are crazy. Talked to a recruiter the other day and he's telling me a Marine officer has to run 3 miles in 24 minutes. So I decided to start hitting my cardio pretty hard.
Day1 ran 1 mile in 14 minutes easy.
Day2 ran 1 mile in 12 minutes still easy.
Day3 ran 1 mile in 9:30 somewhat winded.
Day4 ran 1 mile in just over 9 minutes. Pooped.
Obviosly I am a long way away from my goal 3 miles in 24 minutes.
Right now I am 220lbs 12% BF. I figure it will get easier as I drop weight.
Are there any techniques anyone can clue me into as far as getting my CV endurance up. I need to be in shape for this by June if in fact I do join the Marines. Going to decide for sure what branch by the end of the month.
Help appreciated.

 

[huskyguy]

The only way to make cardio easier is to do more of it, your lungs are not used to it yet but they eventually will be.

 

[Matthias1550]

Used to run 2 miles @ 15:30 last summer. I simply quit running around september. Good for my strength bad for my heart.

 

[DADAWG]

The only way to make cardio easier is to do more of it, your lungs are not used to it yet but they eventually will be.

also alternate in some wind sprints to beef up those lungs . as your weight drops so will your times . make sure your diet is flawless to keep from loseing to much muscle and add in some healthy fats from flax, fishoil etc. also start takeing in a glutamine supp to help keep from becomeing catabolic . if you decide to use juice i reccomend var , it wont add much weight but will help your strength and fat loss.

 

[Brat]

Helpful Links

One thing...when starting running again, don't do it every day...Just like weight training, you'll overtrain, risk injury, and then even enlisting won't be an option with a torn ACL or something...running is one of the best things you can do for overall fitness and the beauty of it is that you don't have to do it every day to improve...do a coupla easy runs a week...a day of sprints and a long run weekly...4-5 days a week...

Here are some links I have for military fitness...except the last one is for Runner's World...

http://www.redwhiteandbluefitness.com/

http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13190,Smith_111904,00.html

http://www.stewsmith.com/

http://store.militaryfitnessebooks.com/allfoboprwo.html (this one costs $$)

http://forums.military.com/1/OpenTopic?a=frm&s=78919038&f=2681962206

http://www.runnersworld.com/home/0,,s6-0-0-0-0,00.html

 

[Matthias1550]

Thanks guys. WBJ those links were great thanks alot.

 

[Brat]

Thanks guys. WBJ those links were great thanks alot.

I use them quite often myself...also there are some books available about what to expect in basic/boot camp...PM if you need any more help or anything...I'm in your boat, kinda...