It is interesting that in the word ‘perseverance’ are the words ‘severe’ and ‘race’. As perseverance is a long word, a long-distance word, this serves as a good reminder that we need perseverance when we take part in a long, severe race.
What often happens at the start of a long-distance race at school is the runners (all excited, enthusiastic, energetic) tear off very fast and, like dogs, spur each other on to go even faster. So a child leads in front of the crowd on the first lap, but then slows and slows and slows and slows…. Often such a child comes in last, having walked some of the race, or gives up. The obvious advice, therefore, not just for runners but also for all sportspeople is this: we need perseverance in sport and the way to have perseverance is also found in the word ‘perseverance’ for we do not find just the words ‘severe’ and ‘race’ in the word ‘perseverance’ but we also find the word ‘PACE’.
We should learn three things from the word ‘pace’. Firstly, we must do exactly that, pace ourselves. That really, simply, means that we should get into a steady rhythm and keep at it. An athlete will not succeed with irregular spurts (sprinting, walking, sprinting again, stopping, then sprinting and so on). Pace is in the word ‘perseverance’ and we need our children to grasp that.
Secondly, the word ‘pace’ is spelt with a P followed by ACE. In music terminology, P means the music should be quiet, soft and easy. ACE in all contexts has the meaning of ‘top class’. ‘Pace’ therefore means that we should start quietly, comfortably and save the top class running to the end of the race (just as ‘ace’ comes at the end of ‘perseverance’).
Thirdly, ‘pace’ reminds us that ACE is at the end. Races and awards are not won at the start of the race or at the end of the first lap but at the end. The key is how we will finish. We must finish well – and we will do that by starting quietly, with a steady pace.
While all of the above applies to sport, the same message can apply to life: life is a severe long distance race and we need perseverance in life to go through tough times. In that regard, we need to remember the same three points about pacing ourselves as we consider how to go through life.
We must pace ourselves, in our studies, sports, relationships and business. We must get into a steady rhythm, not charge off in spurts then stop or walk, then sprint, then walk. We must not have sudden bursts of enthusiasm, energy and excitement, then nothing. We must find the right rhythm. Secondly, we are better to be quiet in the early days, months, years and work towards being stronger. We should not be like sportsmen who boast about what they can do now as they may be dismal next time; we should not mock an opponent when we get a wicket or score a goal as the next batsman may hit us for thirty-six or the opposition may score ten goals. Thirdly, we must remember that ACE is at the end; we must finish well, at Primary school, at Secondary school, at work, wherever. We must be strong at the end not simply at the start.
It is not really a matter of having to get an award at Primary school, as such sports awards are only the end of the first lap and awards are not handed out at the end of the first lap. There is still senior school; there is still business; there is still marriage. However, if we do get an award at such a ceremony, we say “well done” and “keep at that pace”. Pace yourself!
Finally, we must understand that the same message can equally apply to parents. Parents, we must help our child to see school and life as a marathon, not a sprint. We must help them to pace themselves, not to rush off at high speed. We must reward them for pacing themselves. Furthermore, we must help our child to pace their life. We must not rush them into national or provincial representation at a young age; they have plenty of time to progress. We must ensure our child will not peak at Under 15 level; we must ensure our child will not burn out at a young age but will persevere. Far too many children in our schools stop sport when they leave school because they do not persevere. We are failing them, because education is for life; sport is integral to education; therefore sport is for life, not just for school. Perseverance is really important but pace is crucial.
