Q:

Building cardio and lungs

I am 6'3 297 lbs at 37% body fat , it's bad I know I'm only 26 and have smoked 1-2 packs a day for 14 years.  As of Christmas 2013 I have stopped smoking completely no relapses or cravings.  I was diagnosed with asthma at age 2 and was a chronic asthmatic by age 3, but this has tapered off pretty good even with the smoking. 
Now I have decided to join the police academy.  But I have to run 1.5 miles in under 15.55mins.  I marked it out and gave it a shot made it in 22.32mins thought I was gonna die trying.  Please help me.  I have 2 months before enrollment test and I have no idea how to build cardio for sombody in my condition.  

A:

I can relate to your story here.  I'm a former smoker, and I have completely quit smoking now.  Stamina is one thing, speed is another.  Before you try to hit speed, try to improve your stamina.   
I used to struggle to do 1K, but now I do 5K (which roughly 3.1 miles) in under 30 minutes.  It's something which comes with practice.  I would say start practicing twice at day (AM/PM).  Start with a treadmill, and push yourself as hard as you can.  Try hitting 6.5mph consistently.  It's okay to reward yourself with short breaks during these practice runs.  For instance, run at 6.5mph for a mile, and then walk at 3.1mph for 200 meters or so.  You should still be able to hit 1.5 miles in under 15min mark with this rhythm.  
Get apps which let you track your progress and give you feedback while on the move.  I use Nike+, but you can use just about anything you like: Runkeeper, ARGUS are some popular ones.  
Good luck! 