Thanks for the input guys. I make a good effort to be conscious of how low I'm going as to make sure I'm doing push-ups correctly. I'll definitely keep that in mind though.
However, I want to decrease my mile time and I know I can do it. I don't run on a regular basis, so starting that will probably help. I feel compelled to better my run time because I want to come somewhat closer to my father's mile, which used to be a 4:30. Any recommended ways of running to maximize my running potential, or just run?
First, it's a nice goal but don't even try and approach anything like a 4:30 mile.
Now that you have done the PFA, start to concentrate on the 2 mile.
You can always talk with your schools X-Country or Track coaches to get some good tips.
Mix up your running, don't just try and run long distances all the time. Mix in a day of intervals. 2 X 400's then 2 X 800's, and do that twice for one day.
Do about 3 days of longer runs, 5 miles at a medium pace.
Do a 3 or 4 mile and push yourself a bit.
Then do a 5 to 6 mile run at a slower pace.
Make sure you have a day of rest.
If you can't do those distances right away then work yourself up to them, you can always run farther on your slow run.
The longer runs will give you better endurance, the intervals and shorther faster runs will help your speed.
Just remember, running 3 days a week will just maintain your current speed, to get faster you need the added days.
Just keep working on it, the goal is to get below 13:00 for 2 miles. You'll find some guys that will get times as low as in the 10's, a good speed that will give you a lot of extra points on your APFT is around 11:30 to 12:00.
The key is to have good mix of endurance and strength. Having a real fast run time looks good at PT, what really looks good is when you can keep a fast pace with a 40lb Ruck on your back, in uniform with boots, that's why you need the strength.
Balance is the key.