So, some of you may remember that I also teach English to sometimes motivated teenagers. Last week was exam week. I remember that as being quasi-stressful. I wanted to demonstrate mastery. I wanted to perform to the greatest of my ability. One thing that teachers often forget is that many of them became teachers because they are good at “doing school.” Even factoring that in, I feel like most of my peers at least recognized that final exams were kind a big deal. That doesn’t mean that all of them studied or did well, but most of them realized that exams were important. Today, I don’t see many kids stressing out about exams. There are a few kids who really get wound up, but to watch most students, you’d never realize that it was exam week.

Since I relate almost every experience to the marathon, it got me thinking. Do I feel the same way about unprepared/uninterested races as I do about under-studious/under-motivated students? I think I do. When I read about people doing marathons without training for them or not valueing the race experience, I fluctuate between frustrated and annoyed.

If you’re going to do a marathon (or take an exam), please don’t treat it like it’s no big deal. It should be a big deal. I know, some people do ultras, so a marathon could be nothing more than a training run. Still, it’s a big deal to most people there. This is a lesson I’ve needed to learn, too. Looking back, I’ll admit that I sometimes diminished others at a 5k race by incorporating it into my twenty-miler. I’m sorry about that. It’s not that every race a person runs is the most important race in the world to them, but it may be the most important race to someone there. Give them the respect of taking the race seriously. Unless you’re running the race dressed as a giant hot dog, then feel free to clown it up as long as you start at the very back.

Part of taking it seriously means preparing for it. Students who refuse to study for an exam are so frustrating. Preparing for a marathon means months of training. Sure, you can miss a workout here and there. If you miss more days than you hit, you probably should re-evaluate your race. I’m pretty frugal (cheap), so I know it would hurt to skip a race that I’d already paid for, but the race is diminished if you’re not really committed to it. If you’re injured, racing is probably unwise. If you’re unmotivated, then find some training partners who will hold you accountable. Whatever. Just do everything in your power to arrive at that starting line as prepared as possible.

So, with that, I’ll end my English teacher rant. Hopefully, I’ve encouraged you to race and train purposefully. If I’ve offended you, I’m sorry. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy this video and forgive me.