NEED HELP!

by David
(West Central Florida)

First off, let me say, this is not so much about how I'm doing, more so than about the help I need.

I am 35 and haven't run since high school. And then it was only because I was made to in PE. Now, I am planning on joining the Navy Reserve and at a MINIMUM need to run 1.5 miles in 14:30 or better.

I have only an old pair of high tops I've been using and have marked out a 1.5 mile trek near my home.

My biggest problem is breathing. I've been at this about 3-4 weeks now and though I've lost weight, I still can't run the entire 1.5 miles yet. Mainly because I am gasping for air after about 1/2 way. I have to walk most of the last 1/2 because I can't breath.

I am running with my mouth open gasping for air. How should I be breathing? What posture should I use to increase my time and keep from dieing before I get to the end? I can't afford shoes much more expensive than from wal-mart, so what kind should I look for?

Please any help would be greatly appreciated. You might not be helping me into the Navy, but you might help me from having a stroke or a heart attack. LOL.

Thanks.

David