Marathon or Sprint?马拉松还是短跑？

2024-01-24 15:40:40来源：网络

Marathon or Sprint?

马拉松还是短跑？

【听力音频】

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　　By Anna Matteo

　　20 January 2024

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

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

　　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 endurance. 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 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.

　　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 sprints.

　　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 finding 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 ace 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 sprinting!

　　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!

　　Until next time ... I'm Andrew Smith.

　　Anna Matteo wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English.

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　　作者：安娜·马特奥

　　2024年1月20日

　　现在，我们来到VOA学英语的“词汇与故事”环节。

　　在这个节目中，我们探讨英语中的词汇和表达。我们会给出定义、例子和使用说明。

　　今天我们要讨论的是来自两种非常不同的比赛——马拉松和短跑的表达。

　　马拉松是一种长距离的足跑比赛，它是一种耐力的考验。短跑是一种短距离比赛，考验的是速度。这两种比赛各需要不同的跑步方法才能赢得胜利。

　　在短跑比赛中，跑步者并不关注时间或距离。相反，他们只是尽可能地快跑，从比赛开始就全力以赴。

　　但在马拉松比赛中，情况就不同了。如果一个选手从一开始就尽可能快地跑，他或她可能会很快就筋疲力尽。这种方法或策略可能不会带来成功。相反，马拉松跑者需要控制自己的节奏。控制节奏意味着要考虑你需要完成的任务和你可用的资源。可能的资源包括时间、能量和金钱。