I was wondering what the amount of weeks is recommended for doing base mileage before heading into workouts. My focus is not to prepare for cross country season, although cross meets will be utilized as a form of getting in some competition and race tactics, but my main focus is by next spring to be in great shape for the mile and 5k. Ive been running for 12 weeks now in total and increased my mileage weekly from about 50 miles(beg.) to now 80 mpw(current). I have not stepped on the track and hills and tempos between runs have been my only source of workouts, considering that next spring is my goal for hitting a sub 4:10 mile(previous pr 4:15 a year ago during cross season) and low 14's for the 5k, when do you think it would be time to step on the track and getting in some great workouts?...thanks guys