An 80% guideline

(Nelson took this photo in FL last winter)
My running coach used to tell me that the hardest part of a run is near the 75 to 80 percent point. On a three-mile run (12 laps around the track), the first three or four laps were easy. Warmed up and fresh, it was hard to hold back and save energy for the end. Half-way wasn't bad either -- just keep a steady pace and repeat what had just been done. But somewhere between laps nine and ten, the run stops being fun. That's when the real work begins. In my mind I can still hear Coach. "Focus. Pick up your feet. Lift your arms. Breathe ... Pick up your feet. Lift your arms. Breathe...". The mind wants to quit long before the body's done, he'd tell me. That's the point when cheerleaders are the most important. "Go! Go! Go!" I remember a college student who worked out about the same time I ran. Every time I ran past her she'd shout, "Way to go! Keep it up." It usually worked, psyched me up for the finish. And then a stretch break and day to recover for the next run.
I've found that the concept applies in nearly every project. I'm in week eight of a ten-week term. As I study I tell myself, "Think. What's the point? Write it down ... Think. What's the point? Write it down." It's the point where cheerleaders are the most important. Nelson's fixing more meals and helping with some of my chores (like he did my laundry for me this week); he's offering more praise and prayers. Siblings and daughter are e-mailing a bit more often. And it's working. I can do this. Just a few more weeks to go. Then a break for respite and another term.
Dad's nearing the 75 percent point of his radiation treatments, too. I wonder what mantra he'll repeat. Perhaps something like, "Concentrate. Mind the doc. Drink the fluids." And I wonder how best to be his cheerleader. Money for gas. More frequent phone calls. Perhaps a card or two. He can do it. Just a few more weeks. Then a respite and life's next challenge.