"The coach's main job is
20% technical and 80% inspirational."
~Franz Stampfl
(The Man behind the Miracle Mile)
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On August 7, 1954, during the British Empire Games in Vancouver, Canada, one of the greatest mile-run match ups ever took place. It was touted as the "miracle mile" because Roger Bannister and John Landy were the only two sub-four-minute milers in the world. Both runners were in peak condition.
Banister strategized that he would relax during the third lap and save everything for his finishing drive. But as they began the third lap, Landy poured it on, stretching his already substantial lead. Immediately, Bannister adjusted his strategy, increasing his pace and gaining on Landy. The lead was cut in half, and at the bell for the final lap they were even.
Landy began running even faster and Bannister followed suit. He felt he was going to lose if Landy did not slow down. Then came the moment as at the last stride before the home stretch the crowds roared. Landy could not hear Bannister's footfall and thus compulsively looked back–a fatal loss of concentration. Bannister launched his attack, and Landy didn't see him until he lost the lead. Bannister won the miracle mile by five yards.
Like Landy, if we have a major lapse of concentration and look away from where our focus needs to be, we will not finish well. Those who look away from Christ–the supreme example of faith and patient endurance—will not finish well. We need to take our eyes off of all the hardships that challenge us and need to keep them fixed on Him.
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"Endure adversity as God's training program." (Hebrews 12:5-11)
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