Marathon or Sprint?
2024-01-21
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1And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.
2On this program, we explore words and expressions in the English language.
3We give definitions, examples, and notes on usage.
4Today we are talking about expressions that come from two very different types of races - a marathon and a sprint.
5A marathon is a foot race that happens over a long distance.
6It is a test of endurance.
7A sprint is a short race and tests speed.
8These two races each require different running methods to win.
9During a sprint, a runner does not center on time or distance.
10Instead, they simply try to run as fast as they can, using their full energy from the very start of the race.
11But things are different in a marathon.
12If a racer started out running as fast as possible from the beginning, he or she would likely quickly run out of steam.
13This method, or strategy, would probably not result in success.
14Instead, marathon runners need to pace themselves.
15Pacing means considering the task you need to complete and the resources you have available.
16Possible resources include time, energy and money.
17Just like during a marathon, a person involved in a long-term project might consider pacing themselves.
18This is because long-term projects are more like marathons than sprints.
19A well-known saying describes life as marathon, not a sprint.
20This means people need to learn to be patient and not become worried if their life plans or dreams take some time.
21Things like finding a good job, creating a nice home or developing friendships all can take time.
22There is also a similar expression to consider: Slow and steady wins the race.
23Now, let's hear two friends use these expressions in a conversation.
24A: So, are you excited to move and start a new job?
25B: I am! I want to learn about the city, make new friends, decorate my new apartment, and ace my new job!
26A: That's a lot to focus on! It takes time to settle into a new place and feel at home.
27You don't want to get burned out.
28B: That's a good point. But I really just want to start over and make a great life.
29A: Well, that takes time. You know what they say, life is a marathon not a sprint.
30B: I know. But I can't wait! I feel like sprinting!
31A: I understand that feeling. I have an idea. I'll come visit in a couple of months and remind you to pace yourself.
32B: Ok, you've got a deal!
33We can say that Learning English is also like a marathon, not a sprint.
34If you keep studying day by day, little by little, your English is sure to get better over time.
35And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories!
36Until next time ... I'm Andrew Smith.
1And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. 2On this program, we explore words and expressions in the English language. We give definitions, examples, and notes on usage. 3Today we are talking about expressions that come from two very different types of races - a marathon and a sprint. 4A marathon is a foot race that happens over a long distance. It is a test of endurance. A sprint is a short race and tests speed. These two races each require different running methods to win. 5During a sprint, a runner does not center on time or distance. Instead, they simply try to run as fast as they can, using their full energy from the very start of the race. 6But things are different in a marathon. If a racer started out running as fast as possible from the beginning, he or she would likely quickly run out of steam. This method, or strategy, would probably not result in success. Instead, marathon runners need to pace themselves. Pacing means considering the task you need to complete and the resources you have available. Possible resources include time, energy and money. 7Just like during a marathon, a person involved in a long-term project might consider pacing themselves. This is because long-term projects are more like marathons than sprints. 8A well-known saying describes life as marathon, not a sprint. This means people need to learn to be patient and not become worried if their life plans or dreams take some time. Things like finding a good job, creating a nice home or developing friendships all can take time. 9There is also a similar expression to consider: Slow and steady wins the race. 10Now, let's hear two friends use these expressions in a conversation. 11A: So, are you excited to move and start a new job? 12B: I am! I want to learn about the city, make new friends, decorate my new apartment, and ace my new job! 13A: That's a lot to focus on! It takes time to settle into a new place and feel at home. You don't want to get burned out. 14B: That's a good point. But I really just want to start over and make a great life. 15A: Well, that takes time. You know what they say, life is a marathon not a sprint. 16B: I know. But I can't wait! I feel like sprinting! 17A: I understand that feeling. I have an idea. I'll come visit in a couple of months and remind you to pace yourself. 18B: Ok, you've got a deal! 19We can say that Learning English is also like a marathon, not a sprint. If you keep studying day by day, little by little, your English is sure to get better over time. 20And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories! 21Until next time ... I'm Andrew Smith. 22Anna Matteo wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English. 23_______________________________________________ 24Words in This Story 25endurance - n. lasting for a long time, hard to tire out 26run out of steam - expression. to lose energy or get tired 27pace - n. the rate of speed at which something is done in order to finish without getting too tired 28patient - adj. the ability to wait for something 29steady - adj. something that is strong and keeps working over time 30ace - v. to do something very well 31burn out - v. to lose interest in doing something; or to lose the ability to do work - such as when a light bulb no longer works