Okay Boingo......I admit that I made some pretty condecending remarks. Sorry. Also, based on some of your remarks to me, I did take offense. At this point, I'd shake your hand, or hug, or whatever, just to put all that behind us. My suggestions to that HS girl were genuine, not inentionally misleading.
Having been around this sport since 1969, I've seen a lot of bad miles being run. One thing many milers do is "fall asleep" in the middle of the race. They lose their pace, and they lose their form, and it is all bad after that. This is most common in novice milers, as that girl said she was.
If you recall, I broke the race into 4 parts, 600, 400, 200, 400 (or 300 for 1500).
The first 600 just run with the pack. Anyone can run a 600.
The middle 400 I suggested that she completely focus on form, and on breathing harder than she needed. That middle 400 is crucial. You can not "fall asleep". You need to be ready for the end when the actual racing starts. The harder breathing will keep you more aerobic than everyone else, prolonging the inevitable anaerobic feeling.
The next 200, relax, "rest" if you will. But pay attention to the race, be aware of what you need to do the last lap.
For the last 400, with experience, you will find yourself feeling better than your competition. NOW is when you make yourself hurt.
BTW, I would never intentionally give bad advice, nor intentionally wish a bad race onto anyone. I'm sorry if I came across that way. Also, I think I know who you are, I'll be watching for your name in results. Good luck.