Running is a popular form of exercise . It is something you can do just about anywhere . And the only equipment you need is good running shoes . Some runners compete in marathons . They can spend months training for one of these 42-kilometer long events . So , to be marathoner , you need strength . You need endurance and stamina . These two words both mean the ability to do something difficult for a long time . Now , a sprint is a different kind of foot race . Sprinters run at full speed over a short distance . So , they do not need endurance or stamina for a sprint . But they do need to run very fast . Sprinters need speed . For today's program , we add the word “mentality ” to “sprint ” and “marathon .” Sprinter mentality and marathon mentality describe two different ways to complete a project or solve a problem . First , let's talk about a marathon mentality . People with a marathon mentality are willing to work on a project or job for a really long time . Now , just like in the race , with a big project you need to pace yourself . If you start to quickly and do too much , you may run out of energy . A marathon mentality means that you are in something for the long haul . You are not going to walk away or leave before the job is finished . Here , “long haul ” means a long period of time or a great distance . For example , long haul truckers drive their large vehicles over great distances . Okay , now let's talk about sprinters . If you have a sprinter's mentality , you attack a problem with short , fast bursts of energy . There is no need to pace yourself . A sprinter's mentality means you do not hold back . You do something with all the energy you have . You can do this because you know the project (or problem ) will only last a short time . Now , a person can have both a mentality of a marathon runner and a sprinter . It may depend on the situation or project . However , some people may be more one kind of person than the other . Some people lose energy while working on a project . They lose steam or lose interest . They get bored . Or you might say they burn out . Maybe they have more of a sprinter's mentality . And other people may need time before they start a project . They have more of a marathon mentality . Please note , we use the term “sprinter mentality ” or “sprinter's mentality .” However , when talking about marathons , we usually say , “marathon mentality ,” not “marathoner mentality .” Of course , foot races -- both sprints and marathons -- have an end . You know , a finish line . But learning English or other languages is more of a lifelong event . So , you may need a sprinter's mentality to finish some tasks . But over the long haul , a marathon mentality may serve you best .