<p>I believe there was and hopefully still is a suggested running/training program (6-8weeks?) posted on the USNA site. If I can find the link I will post it. </p>
<p>What kind of shape is he in now? If he is in good shape all he may have to do is maintain his current level. If not he would obviously want to work harder on getting in good shape. My son ran cross country and track and still had to work hard during Plebe summer. I wouldn’t worry about his mile time, endurance, not speed is what you need. They will sort the Plebes into running groups so your son won’t be running along side a guy that can clock a 4:10 mile. (Only a very select few of those anyway…) </p>
<p>I would suggest he run at least 3 times a week, 3-5 miles from now until early spring and then crank up the effort and move to the recommended program from the USNA site 8-10 weeks out. </p>
<p>Get started in good running shoes if he doesn’t already have some and come spring buy a new pair of good running shoes and start to break them in so they are ready for Plebe summer. My son was partial to Asics, but there are lot’s of good shoes out there. He may already know this, but spend the money and if possible make the trip to a runner’s shoe store, get someone to fit the shoes and make sure he doesn’t have any issues with under/over pronation. If you can’t get to a store in your area or there isn’t one around, some of the better running shoe web sites have shoe selection help that also explains and helps you measure your foot/ankle condition. </p>
<p>Having running shoes that fit and work with your body mechanics are as important as showing up in shape.</p>