9 Minute Miles

In 1954, Roger Bannister was the first runner to run the mile (1600 meters or four times around a track) in less than 4 minutes.  Now athletes accomplish this feat often.  For me, I have set the mark at 9 minutes!  Now before you criticise, let me tell you my running story.

When I was a young girl, I had braces on my legs.  Today I have no lasting effects from this, but still in my heart I like to say “I showed you body — I can be a good runner…you cannot keep me down.”  Can you tell I like a challenge and I am a bit competitive... 

In high school I ran track and cross county.  A cross country race is 3.1 miles and my first mile split was to be under 6 minutes.  No its not breaking the 4 minute barrier, but not too shabby in my humble opinion.  

As time goes on I become a slower run.  I run now more for the enjoyment than the competitive challenge…and yes you can get enjoyment out of running… I run 3 to 4 times a week and try to run 3 to 5 miles each time.  I try to maintain a 10 minute mile pace, but I am working to get down more toward 9 minute miles. Not so easy in the Phoenix, Arizona July heat right now.  But, I am working on it…  

In life, there will always be challenges (like having braces on your legs).  As the principal of Blueprint Education’s Hope High School Online, I have an opportunity to meet many high school aged students who have unimaginable challenges in life.  They have turned to online school to meet their educational needs during these challenging times.  I like to share my personal running story with them and tell them to set goals in life to overcome their challenges.  Who knows maybe one day they can say, “Roger Bannister eat my dust!”