It's not a myth. I'm talking about the famous "wall" you hit during a marathon race. You encounter it normally around mile 20 or 21. It's been my experience in almost every single one of the 18 marathons I've run to this date. The wall is not a myth. And it hurts. It really hurts.
This means that you have to mentally prepare yourself for it. Ya gotta be ready for it so that you can push through it and finish well.
Well, this summer my students have been running a marathon of their own as they navigate the 26 chapters of my beginning grammar. Today we will be in "mile" 22.
My message to them?
- It's okay to hit the wall.
- It's okay to feel tired.
- It's okay to feel some pain.
- It's okay to slow down a bit.
- It's okay to rest.
But it's NOT okay to quit unless you absolutely have to.
I think the wall is related more to mental preparation than to anything else. After my first marathon in Cincinnati, I realized I could push through the discomfort and fatigue. You just have to prepare for discomfort and be ready to fight.
Thus far my students are absolutely nailing their race. I could not be prouder of them. Only one more week to go and they will have learned everything they need to know in order to be able to translate their Greek New Testaments. What a prize.
Keep your eyes on the goal, my friends!
