Is it physically possible to run a mile in less than four minutes?
This question haunted coaches and runners for over 50 years.
Doctors and athletes alike agreed this barrier was unbreakable.
In 1954, Roger Bannister proved all of the experts wrong. He finished his one mile race in 3:59.4.
Bannister did it. He showed the world the impossible was indeed possible!
After Bannister’s record breaking race, something odd happened. Runners across the world started beating the time too.
Less than 2 months later, Bannister’s record time was beaten by a full second. Only one year later, three runners beat the four minute mark in the same race.
Why? Why did a mark that stood for so long start being beaten regularly after Bannister’s historic race?
The answer is psychological not physical.
Bannister showed the world what was possible. Runners began to believe they could do it too.
They got rid of their “it’s impossible” mindset and adopted an “it’s possible” one.
It is amazing what the body can do when the mind knows it is possible. When you believe anything is possible, it truly is!
Confidence Connection: Confidence is believing you can do it. If you are having a hard time believing in yourself, surround yourself with people who will show you it is possible.
Yancey Sanderson
Follow me on Twitter @YanceySanderson
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