Encore

 

 

Pain

Armstrong says that pain can teach him about himself, so he values it. (pp. 269-270)

What do you think about pain?

 

a.  Pain always makes us stronger.  It is difficult to overcome pain, and it sometimes takes more time that you imagined. However, pain is there helping us to demonstrate that we are stronger than pain. It shows us that we can pass that obstacle and be ready for the next, but we always should fight. It is not easy, but not impossible. (Flavia, 03/04/07)

 

b. Pain makes our lives valuable. Think about the fact that we don’t have any problem in our lives. Is it good for you? Who will know that you are trying to do your best in your life? What are you doing for tomorrow? If you don’t have any pain in your life, you don’t need to do your best. In my opinion, pain makes our lives more meaningful. (Dae Gun Kim 03/11/07)

 

c. I think pain is a good lesson for us in our life. Nietsche said, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger."  (Jennifer, 03/12/07)

 

 

 

 

How to Succeed

Armstrong says that being told he can’t do something is the best way to ensure that he will do it. (p. 270)

 

What is the best way to ensure that you will accomplish something?

 

a.  It depends on the type of person who you are. Some people do the best if they are challenged by the claim that they can’t do something. Others just feel worse and can’t fight. In my case, I like it when somebody doesn’t believe in me. It gives me more energy to do it. (Flavia, 03/04/07)

 

b. When I want to achieve my goal, I make a schedule how to start and what to do first. However, it is very hard for me to follow my schedule because there is always some trouble in my way. At that time, I always remember my parents, who have given me very useful tips for my life. I think that I can do everything because my people believe in and love me. (Dae Gun Kim 03/11/07)

 

c. I have to make a schedule and finish things by following it. Sometimes, I also need someone to remind me because I am a person who forgets things easily. In short, I prefer doing something that I think I can do. (Jennifer, 031207)

 

 

The 2000 Tour de France

“To fully understand a climb, you have to know where you will suffer most so you can brace yourself for that; where you can rest a little, and where you can potentially attack.” (p. 273)

Are there any similarities between this and your own experience as a student?

a.  It is the same for a student. You know that you should take advantage of the first exams or quizzes because they are the easiest. In this way, if you fail in some course, you can pay more attention in that course. (Flavia, 03/04/07)

 

b. As Armstrong said, our achievement has a circle. It means that we cannot work hard all day long. We are not machines. With a strategy, we should try to achieve our goals. In my case, I usually spent one hour a day on the grammar section and I intensively study it for 3 hour  every Thursday. (Dae Gun Kim 03/11/07)  No wonder you have been  getting such good grades on grammar quizzes! :-) NTL

 

 

c. I came back to school in order to earn a master's degree in the United States.  It’s not easy to come back to school as a student after having had a job.  I have to re-organize my life again.  Just like Armstrong, by setting small goals, I can do it. Step by step to reach the top of the hill. (Jennifer, 031207)

 

Lessons from Cancer 

 

What did Armstrong learn from cancer that enabled him to win the Tour de France, not once, not twice, but seven times? (p. 284)  Can you apply any of these lessons to your own life?

 

 

a.  Cancer made him able to fight for what he wanted. He learned how to make plans and how to deal with defeat. In my life, making small plans for small challenges is good, especially for my studies. (Flavia, 03/04/07)

 

b. This question is similar to question #1. If he hadn't had cancer, we would just consider Armstrong as a winner. However, cancer gave him the will to live. After finding out that he had cancer, he acknowledged the importance of his life and way (?) how to overcome his adversity. One year ago, I had an accident. I wanted to go back to my country. I said to myself, “I lost my legs and will never be able to run again.” However, my friend said to me, “you should get your Master's degree instead of your legs before going back home.” Now, I have started studying again. (Dae Gun Kin 03/11/07)

 

c. Armstrong became stronger to face his life and more responsible for his family.  Further, he used strategy more effectively in his races and in his life. He knew how to plan and finish the race by his control.  It’s a good lesson for me, to use a strategy in my study schedule. (Jennifer, 031207) 

 

 

 

The Last Question!

Would you recommend this book to others?  Why or why not?

 

a. I recommend this book because it gives that courage and hope that you could need when you have problems. He didn’t hide any details. He expressed himself as he is, with his jokes and his anger. Being natural is something that I appreciated a lot in this book. (Flavia, 03/04/07)

 

b. I strongly recommend this book to people. The book shows well how to overcome our adversities. After reading the story about Armstrong’s life, there should be nobody that complains about their lives. (Dae Gun Kim 03/11/07)

 

c. Actually, I promised my friend to exchange this book with her. After reading this book, I have a more positive idea about my life.  At the same time, I know how to face a difficult situation if I encounter one.  I think this book is good for everyone, because from Armstrong’s story we know how to love ourselves and love other people.  (Jennifer, 031207)

 

 

 I am so proud of the three of you for finishing the book and posting such thoughtful responses to the many questions I posed!  Kudos to you!  (Nina)