56 years ago yesterday Roger Bannister broke the four minute
barrier in the mile. Bannister happens to be one of my sporting heroes. I think
it is amazing that he did this while he was a full time medical student. Because
of his studies he could only train one hour a day. I read his book in 1969, The
Four Minute Mile, when I first started coaching, that was the time that
everyone was espousing super high mileage, 150 miles a week plus. Bannister and
his coach/advisor Franz Stampfl (Read his book Franz Stampfl on Running –
A coaching classic) had a program that nailed it. They trained for the race. I
think there many lessons we can learn from Bannister.
Lesson One: Have a life – If you just train it is easy to take every little setback and blow it out proportion. I saw this with the Oregon project athletes five years ago when I worked there.
Lesson Two: Train for your race – Not only the race, but your race. Learn how you need to run or swim the distance based on your physical qualities.
Lesson Three: Stress quality – Any stumble bum can run miles or swim yardage. It is what you put into the miles that count, be efficient, do not waste steps.
Lesson Four: There are no barriers, just bigger targets to aim for. Four minutes proved to be a mental not a physical barrier.
Lesson Five: Forget facilities and ideal training environment, get out there and go for it. Train where you can, create your own environment of excellence. The track where Bannister trained and set the record was far from an ideal training venue.
Lesson Six: Believe in yourself and know yourself. Have a coach/ adviser and a support group you trust.
Lesson Seven: Don’t listen to naysayers. Follow the path you choose and do not let anyone discourage you
