I have just been revising my post about positive mental attitude healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and adding a fascinating tale which I thought might be worth posting for everyone else to read, without going back over my old post.
Here it is……..
Between 1952 and 1954 an Australian, John Landy, ran between 4 minutes 2 seconds and 4:03 no fewer than six times in his attempt to become the first runner ever to record a sub four minute mile. In December 1953 he only needed to run the final 220 yards in 30.6 seconds to break the four minute barrier, but he tied up in the home straight and finished in 4:02. He told reporters after that race, “I feel I could go on for ten years, but I don’t think it is worth it. Frankly, I think the 4 minute mile is beyond my capabilities.”
In May, the following year Roger Bannister famously became the first man to break that barrier, running the mile in 3:59.4.
Forty six days later John Landy smashed the mile record with a time of 3:57.9……….four seconds faster than he had ever run the distance before………..this is the man who had spent two years trying to knock two seconds off his time.
Nothing had changed physically in Lander’s training or form and although his feat has been dissected time and again, the only conclusion is that a barrier in Landy’s mind had been removed, enabling him to achieve what he believed impossible just a few weeks earlier.
Those of us who have completed C25k know that most of us can achieve considerably more than we believe. We constantly tell the newer participants with doubts that they will get there and at some point it dawns on them that they truly can. A phrase that crops up on a daily basis is “I would never have believed…………”
We all need to believe in ourselves. We are amazing.
Keep running, keep smiling.
Written by
IannodaTruffe
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Absolutely right. I always link what brain ‘wants’ and what body ‘does’ in return. Our bodies are fascinating and capable of constant surprises! Self belief is a powerful tool.
... and Landy’s negative thinking cost him immortality. Bannister was one of the shortest ever record holders and yet the only one remembered worldwide. I’d forgotten his name, but knew the story. Bannister was sure Landy would do it in that last run, and when he didn’t realised it was now or never for him.
Kipchoge knows he can break the two hour marathon... I’m hoping now he has the record he still runs London and Berlin, but the Americans are desperate for him to run Chicago or NYC... money may come into it.
My younger son has a complicated disorder which has the dubious benefit of not getting (consciously) stressed in exams. 'Away with the fairies' was how one of his reader/scribes described him in one paper. Which means he doesn't often do very well in them...
Feel the fear and do it anyway (I have no idea if the book of that title is any good but it's a good phrase if it is something worth doing)
This is all so true...& as a new(ish) addict who still some days questions whether she can or she can’t finds your wisdom inspirational IannodaTruffe ..your words have helped me cement that ‘you can’ attitude when I thought ‘I cant’ do many times..for that I thank you..and for your inspirational posts that keep everyone going!!
Wow. I didn't know that. A sub 4 minute mile has a whole new meaning since c25k! Love your positivity which continuously shines through on here. Whenever I hit a whining worry phase I think how much that would displease you and give myself a stern talking to 😂. Timely reminder for me just before my first big race 'I AM amazing. I CAN do this,'. 💪😀 thank you.
Just came across this. What a helpful post. I have various physical challenges which affect my running but none of them are anywhere near as big as the mental struggle to believe I can do it!
I read somewhere that "Running is 90% mental. The rest is in your head".
You have been a constant source of inspiration. And wonderful OldFloss, too. I thank you so much for your guidance and support, and I’ve actually managed to get my two lazy daughters on the course, too. Your work changes lives. Thanks. C
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Well, would you believe it!
W9R3 complete. I can believe I just did it
W3R1 - I can hardly believe it!
w5r3!!!! I believe!!!
