3:59.4

Back in my middle/high school days of running, my coach preached about “the race against yourself” to improve your athletic abilities.

The purpose of this mentality was to avoid excessively comparing yourself to competitors, but thinking about beating my personal record (PR) stressed me out more than motivated me.

The competitive aspect of running was not for me, although, Roger Bannister’s PR created a seminal moment in sports history.

On May 6, 1954, Bannister broke the mystical barrier of what was thought to be the fastest mile humanly possible at an astonishing 3:59.4.

Before Bannister broke the record, many athletes came close to running a mile under 4 minutes. Because no one broke this before him, experts convinced themselves humans unable to run this fast.

Roger Bannister’s name became synonymous with his singular athletic achievement. As I continued reading, I learned he was also a neurosurgeon.

Although many runners have beat Bannister’s time by now, considering running circumstances 76 years ago, his achievement is famously impressive, even in today’s standards.

Roger Bannister’s story inspired me. I tend to have excuses for why I can’t and not reasons for why I can.

I’m going manifest breaking accepted standards, starting today!