Earlier this month, we marked the 50th anniversary of the first 4-minute mile run by England’s Roger Bannister.  The 4-minute mile is perhaps the most famous time barrier in track and field.  It’s symmetry is simple, yet alluring  – 4 laps x 60 seconds per lap = 4 minutes.

Of course, human performance has moved along since that fateful day in May of 1954.  In fact, as of the end of last year, 28 different Canadian men have run a 4-minute mile. Further, Kenyan Daniel Komen strung together two back-to-back 4-minute miles a few years ago when he clocked 7:58 in setting the world 2-mile record.   While the 4-minute mile is still well beyond the abilities of 99.999+% of people who lace up running shoes on a regular basis, it’s not the holy grail that it once was.

Now anyone who has raced has faced time barriers.  Some of the more common barriers for a better male recreational runner include running a 3-hour marathon, a 60-minute 10 miler, a 40-minute 10 km, or a 5-minute mile. 

Just how fast is a 3-hour marathon?  At the risk of comparing apples to oranges, it’s like shooting 85 on a good golf course in a tournament round.   Difficult – yes, but certainly not impossible for a good recreational golfer.

Numbers keep athletes motivated, and it’s not just runners.  Triathletes strive for the sub-2 hour Olympic course triathlon, 10-pin bowlers for the 200+ average, and curlers for the elusive 8- ender.

So what’s your own personal 4-minute mile?  More importantly, do you have a plan to achieve it?  And more importantly yet, do you honestly believe that you can do it?

Fifty years ago Roger Bannister was successful in his historic quest.  Your quest starts (or continues) tomorrow. 

For help with designing a program to meet your goals, check out a Run Quick program.