It is really important that the Year 11 students pace themselves to the finish line.
There are looming deadlines for assessment across all subject areas and it is the students who are organised and who have planned and prepared well for the end of Term 3 that will succeed.
The best approach to each term is to view them like an athlete would a marathon (or in my case, a half marathon).
Preparation and readiness is important and saving some energy for the final sprint is vital for a sustainable and efficient journey. I applied these principles to the first half marathon I took on a few weeks ago.
I put in the time and ensured I had done enough groundwork in the months and weeks leading up to the Sunshine Coast half marathon, familiarising myself with the track and training my body to prepare for the 21.1 kilometres ahead.
I knew I could do the distance, as I had practiced it as a part of my training and I put measures in place to ensure that I was physically and mentally prepared, resting up and easing off on the training in the days before the event.
Year 11 students should apply a similar philosophy with their assessment and classwork. If they put in the hours in the lead-up to the deadlines or exam, they can then afford the very important time to rest and take a break prior to the assessment due date.
Approaching a task or deadline with a well-rested mind and body by having enough sleep, taking breaks from study and socialising with friends, and ensuring the right kinds of sustaining foods are put into your body, will lead to optimal results.
From the start of the half marathon, I paced myself. Unlike many of the competitors in the event, I did not race up Alexandra Headland like a startled rabbit. Many of my fellow competitors reached the top of the hill, vomited and hit a mental and physical roadblock; their legs slowed and buckled as they had burnt off all their nervous energy in an instant.
Other competitors had similar issues later on in the event as they had not left enough energy in reserve to continue at the fast pace they had set off with.
It is interesting looking at my pace per kilometre breakdown of the event.
My strategy is evident in the numbers. As every kilometre passed, my pace steadily increased. I ensured that I had enough energy in reserve for a fast finish and gave it my all in the final few kilometres, when it all mattered.
The first five kilometres of the event were done in 4:46 minutes per kilometre and the final 1.1 kilometres completed in 0.16 minutes per kilometre.
I finished with nothing left in the tank and this is how I hope the Year 11s pace themselves this term.
Cross that finish line knowing that you have given it your all and be proud of the effort you have put in, knowing it was your personal best.
I will be cheering for you at the finish line along with your parents, teachers and friends who have supported and coached you along the way.
– Bridge Muir, Year 11 Co-Ordinator,
Noosa District State High School
