The air was refreshingly cool this morning. It is May 6, 2004. I had been planning this day for some time now. I've been working out with Jim Hite, Eddie Shelton and Rob Sharkey but, unbeknownst to them, I had been doing some secret work-outs……..and even a few double secret work-outs. The stage was set. (And by the way, that is the first time in my life that I've used the word "unbeknownst" in a sentence.)

It was 50 years ago today that Roger Bannister became the first man to run a sub four-minute mile. This was going to be my day.

I stepped onto the cinder track (actually, it was red clay). It was still damp from the morning dew. Not to worry, my spikes (nike waffles) would prevent any slipping as I rounded the turns on my record-breaking attempt. There was a light breeze which was good, in the movies…there is always a light breeze. The stands were empty. (No big surprise here………the stands are always empty at 6 o'clock on Thursday morning.) I was not deterred. I did my warm-up mile, stretched, then I heard the call for milers to report to the starting line. I walked nervously to the starting line, there was Bannister with his two rabbits, Chris Basher and Chris Chataway. I glanced around the stands one last time……I'm not sure why……I already told you…..the stands were empty. Suddenly the gun sounded (or I said go). My heart began to pound, blood raced through my veins ready to deliver the life sustaining oxygen to my muscles for the next four minutes. I was like a finely tuned racecar as we threw ourselves into the first turn. I'm not sure how many were in the lead pack as we rocketed down the back straightaway………I guess there was one. No matter……..the chase was on.

The race started and finished at about the 50 yard line of the football field. Remember, we are racing on a 440 yard track, not a 400 meter track.

Suddenly, the only sound I hear is the gentle pounding of my feet on the track……….maybe because that's pretty much the only sound period. I know the first lap must be around 58 or 59 seconds….we come out of turn two and are approaching the starting line. I listen for my first split. 2:16….2:16??? I'll admit, that's a little slow, now it was decision time….I would have to run the next 3 laps in about 1:43 to get my four minute mile. I decide to press on…..heck……..I'm a racer not a quitter!

On lap two I come out of the 1st turn like a freight train. I'm staring at about 100 yards of track on the back straightaway. My mind goes over my checklist, arm swing --- smooth, knee lift --- steady, breathing --- even and relaxed, concentration, concentration, concentration. I head down the back stretch and I think I hear……..yes I know I hear the sound of footsteps approaching from behind. Curses……Bannister has lapped me. I'm into the 2nd turn, balance is so important here. Lean into the turn, no wasted motion, breathe, relax. Then I hear the roar………then the announcement…….Bannister is finished……his time…..3:59.4.

I come out of the 2nd turn and I'm about 50 yards from the starting line and my second lap split. I might not win the race, but I still feel pretty good. Forty yards from the split, thirty yards, twenty yards, ten yards, I lean across the start/finish line and hit my split time……..I'm afraid to look, but I must. 4:35 (2:18 on the 2nd lap).

I won't bore you with the details of my last two laps, but I finished with a couple of 2:22 laps for a 9:20 mile. By now it was about 6:35 a.m., there was a beautiful sunrise to greet the new day, the sky was turning blue, and the birds were singing. ( I'm not sure what kind of birds….the only birds I recognize usually come if a 3 piece combo from KFC). I thought about how lucky I am to enjoy a great sunrise, to see the blue sky and hear the birds, and to be able to run. I guess today wasn't my day after all. I started my cool down laps, but I wasn't too disappointed, after all I guess Roger and I have at least one thing in common, he didn't break four minutes on his first attempt either.

So to Eddie, Rob and Jim, I got one last thing to say…….YOU'RE FIRED!!!! I've been running with you guys for 25 years and the best you can get out of me is a 9:20????????? I wonder if I can reach Derek Turnbull, Scotty Carter, or Harold Chapson - check numbers 3, 4, & 5 below.

When I got back home, I found some interesting facts about the mile in the May issue of Running Times.

Did you know?

1. The world record is 3:43.12, Hicham El Guerrouj; women's record is 4:12.56, Svetlana Masterkova.

2. Eamonn Coghlan was 41 when he ran 3:58.15.

3. Sixty-five year old Derek Turnbull clocked a 4:56.4 at age 65.

4. Scotty Carter ran a 5:57.2 at age 75.

5. The oldest person to break seven minutes is Harold Chapson, he ran 6:43.3 at age 80.

Uuuummmmmmmmmm, now if I can hold that 2:20 pace for four laps, that's a little over 9 minutes for the mile. All I have to do is to maintain my present level of conditioning until I'm 123 years old and the record is mine.

One last thought. I hope that one day a 12 or 14 or 16 year child will read an article about Roger Bannister. I hope that little boy or girl will go up to the local track and just give it a try. Who knows? If he or she can run one lap in around 60 seconds, and two laps in around 2 minutes……..maybe………just maybe……they will wonder if they can run the magical four minute mile. Sometimes, that all it takes……just say to yourself………..I wonder???????

I hope you take a few minutes and remember that one of the most memorable moments in the history of sports took place in the sport we all enjoy everyday. I'm not really worried about any four-minute miles, but I hope I continue to enjoy running, and especially running with my good friends for many years to come.

And my wish for all of you is………………I hope you do too!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way….Jim, Rob and Eddie….I've changed my mind about firing you guys…….I'm going to give you another chance, and I can wait!!!!!

See Ya, Ray