Many thought it unattainable. A feat beyond human ability. Sir Roger Bannister proved that it could be done. This episode pays homage to Sir Roger Bannister on the 69th anniversary of his remarkable achievement, running 3:59.4 for one mile at Iffley Road Track in Oxford, UK on May 6, 1954.

Guest Number 1: Neal Bascomb, New York Times Bestselling Author, author of The Perfect Mile

In his book, The Perfect Mile, Neal recounts the quest for the sub-four-minute mile being undertaken by Bannister, Australian athlete John Landy, and American track star Wes Santee. Neal is a master of historical narratives. The level of detail Neal uses as he describes the three-way competition between Bannister, Landy, and Santee makes you feel as though you are witnessing the events firsthand. I recommend reading Chapter 14 to travel along with Sir Roger as the day unfolded on May 6, 1954. From a gray and windy start to the day to near-perfect execution on the track, you will feel the anticipation as Bannister and his teammates go all in.

I have selected three audio clips from an upcoming Runnerd Library Podcast episode featuring Neal Bascomb, author of The Perfect Mile for this tribute episode. In the first clip, Neal paints a picture of the man, Sir Roger Bannister. In the second clip, Neal talks about walking around the Iffley Road Track with Sir Roger as they discuss Roger's memories of the day. And in the final clip, Neal sets up the showdown between Bannister and Landy in Vancouver to see just who was the fastest miler.

Guest Number 2: Todd Corbin, Mindfulness Coach and author of mindfulness for student athletes

Todd will be my guest on a full episode of the Runnerd Library Podcast that drops on May 9th. On that episode, we will discuss the concept of mindfulness in sport and Todd will share his expertise on the subject matter. While we were preparing for that episode we exchanged several emails about mindfulness in sports as it relates to personal best performance. I asked Todd to rewatch the video footage of Sir Roger Bannister breaking the 4:00 minute barrier. In the audio clip for this episode, Todd will discuss the focus and awareness he observed from Bannister during the race.

(There are several excellent videos on youtube containing the entire race. Look for a version that includes Bannister's commentary.)

Guest Number 3: Alan Webb, American Record holder for the mile (3:46.91)

In 2007 Alan Webb set the American Record for the mile with a mark of 3:46.91. These days you will find him coaching the Gyrenes of Ave Maria University in Florida. He graciously joined me to discuss the importance of Bannister breaking the 4:00 minute barrier for future runners, including Alan himself. We talk about training methods, equipment, the rite of passage for milers, and what the future might hold for the American Record.

Listen all the way through to the end of the episode to hear a special challenge issued by Runnerd Library. You can also find more details about the challenge at www.runnerdlibrary.com.

Thanks for listening.

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Runnerd Library Podcast

Episode 2: Bill Kenley, author of High School Runner