Tips to running better! And alternatives

Jill

Hi guys! I’m 17 years old been a runner for 5+ years trying to break the 6 mark, I was bigger and had a mile of 14 minutes 5 years ago and now I’m at 6:10 trying to break 6, but it’s off season from xc and my coach suggested I should try to do 20-30 minute runs recovery and then other activities to keep cardio up and stay in shape? What would you suggest?