VOA科学技术2024--Marathon or Sprint?

Marathon or Sprint¹?

　　And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning² English.

　　On this program, we explore words and expressions in the English language. We give definitions³, examples, and notes on usage⁴.

　　Today we are talking about expressions that come from two very different types of races – a marathon and a sprint.

　　A marathon is a foot race that happens over a long distance. It is a test of endurance⁶. A sprint is a short race and tests speed. These two races each require different running methods to win.

　　During 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.

　　But 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 strategy⁷, 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.

　　Just 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 sprints⁸.

　　A 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 finding⁹ a good job, creating a nice home or developing friendships all can take time.

　　There is also a similar expression to consider: Slow and steady wins the race.

　　Now, let's hear two friends use these expressions in a conversation.

　　A: So, are you excited to move and start a new job?

　　B: I am! I want to learn about the city, make new friends, decorate my new apartment, and ace⁵ my new job!

　　A: 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.

　　B: That's a good point. But I really just want to start over and make a great life.

　　A: Well, that takes time. You know what they say, life is a marathon not a sprint.

　　B: I know. But I can't wait! I feel like sprinting¹⁰!

　　A: I understand that feeling. I have an idea. I'll come visit in a couple of months and remind you to pace yourself.

　　B: Ok, you've got a deal!

　　We 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.

　　And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories!

　　Words in This Story

　　endurance – n. lasting¹¹ for a long time, hard to tire out

　　run out of steam – expression. to lose energy or get tired

　　pace – n. the rate of speed at which something is done in order to finish without getting too tired

　　patient – adj. the ability to wait for something

　　steady – adj. something that is strong and keeps working over time

　　ace – v. to do something very well

　　burn 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

1 sprint   

n.短距离赛跑；vi. 奋力而跑，冲刺；vt.全速跑过

参考例句：

• He put on a sprint to catch the bus.他全速奔跑以赶上公共汽车。
• The runner seemed to be rallied for a final sprint.这名赛跑者似乎在振作精神作最后的冲刺。

2 learning   

n.学问，学识，学习；动词learn的现在分词

参考例句：

• When you are learning to ride a bicycle,you often fall off.初学骑自行车时，常会从车上掉下来。
• Learning languages isn't just a matter of remembering words.学习语言不仅仅是记些单词的事。

3 definitions   

定义( definition的名词复数 )； 规定； 清晰（度）； 解释

参考例句：

• Write clear definitions in order to avoid ambiguity. 释义要写清楚以免产生歧义。
• Definitions in this dictionary are printed in roman type. 这本词典里的释义是用罗马体印刷的。

4 usage   

n.惯用法，使用，用法

参考例句：

• I am clear about the usage of this word at last.这个词的用法我算是弄明白了。
• The usage is now firmly established.这种用法现已得到确认。

5 ace   

n.A牌；发球得分；佼佼者；adj.杰出的

参考例句：

• A good negotiator always has more than one ace in the hole.谈判高手总有数张王牌在手。
• He is an ace mechanic.He can repair any cars.他是一流的机械师,什么车都会修。

6 endurance   

n.耐久力，忍耐力，耐久的时期，持续的时间

参考例句：

• She reached the end of endurance.她到了忍受的极限。
• The exercise obviously will improve strength and endurance.这种锻炼会明显改善体力增加耐力。

7 strategy   

n.方法，策略，战略

参考例句：

• The only way to take the enemy position is by strategy,not by forceful attack.只可智取，不可强攻。
• Tactics differs from strategy.战术有别于战略。

8 sprints   

n.短距离的全速奔跑( sprint的名词复数 )v.短距离疾跑( sprint的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• You can run sprints only so long before you're out of breath. 你死命地跑，只能跑那么一段时间，到了喘不上气的时候，只好停下来。 来自辞典例句
• The cheetah finds the open grasslands ideal footing for its lightning-quick sprints. 非洲猎豹把开阔的草原作为它们闪电猎食的理想处所。 来自互联网

9 finding   

n.发现，发现物；调查的结果

参考例句：

• The finding makes some sense.该发现具有一定的意义。
• That's an encouraging finding.这是一个鼓舞人心的发现。

10 sprinting   

v.短距离疾跑( sprint的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• Stride length and frequency are the most important elements of sprinting. 步长和步频是短跑最重要的因素。 来自互联网
• Xiaoming won the gold medal for sprinting in the school sports meeting. 小明在学校运动会上夺得了短跑金牌。 来自互联网

11 lasting   

adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持

参考例句：

• The lasting war debased the value of the dollar.持久的战争使美元贬值。
• We hope for a lasting settlement of all these troubles.我们希望这些纠纷能获得永久的解决。