last few yards

One month left, and the race begins. It is no longer the marathon we had all been running, but a sprint. Whoever makes it to the finish fastest, and in one piece, wins. 

It's a competition. And the prize? Two months of carefree, peaceful bliss. Free of competitors and running, until September when we prepare for our next cross country meet.

However, in this race, just like any other, it's the last few yards that matter most. It's in those quick moments that the entire outcome of the race is decided. Trip and fall, and you miss first place entirely. 

So you keep your eyes forward and feet moving as fast as you can. Try to ignore the thousands of stomping feet pounding in your ear, and make it to the end successfully. Some will win, many will make it, and some will lose. But it all depends on those last few yards. 

It's when we aren't paying attention that the school year passes us by. Wake up one day with thoughts of Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations, show up to school the next moment and you're sitting in a silent room, taking STAR tests. 

where did the time go? When we weren't watching, the miles of our marathon flew by, and we ended up at the last few yards.

For me, it's those last few yards that are the hardest. Those other 7 1/2 months? Piece of cake. But it's in this last month and a half where the stress and pressure of the year comes raining down, while I'm completely off my guard.

Then the meltdowns come, followed by the unstable victories and failures in each different subject. Thoughts of giving up drift and settle into my brain, urging me to stop trying and give up trying to focus on school. 

What's the most draining part of the last 2 months of school? The struggle to resist the temptation of giving up. It's the daily conscious decision to focus and try just as hard as the day before. 

Some days are easier than others, and some days are a struggle to walk through the looming gates towards another tedious day.

As your foot crosses over that infamous finish line, it's that overwhelming feeling of accomplishment and strength that makes the entire marathon worth it.