I believe in the mind over matter. When it comes to physical fatigue, many people tend to give up immediately upon the discomfort of muscle pain. Once the pain is felt your mind tends to accept it resulting in you giving up. But we are all stronger then that, our bodies are fascinating creations that are complex beyond my understanding. I know one thing - the mind is stronger then anything else in our body. At about fifth grade I began training athletics as a sprinter when my coach started to shape the mentality that would lead me in the following years. It wasn't easy at first, come to think of it, it wasn't easy at all but I kept going day in and day out. Each day brought pain, fatigue and difficulties but I had a vision in my head that I strived to achieve - become the best. Past all the pain I kept going and results were clearly improving and I was proud of it. Not only did I prove to myself that I can achieve anything, but I also proved myself to the coach who gave his all. Unfortunately in 10th grade during an ordinary training session my left thigh began to hurt as if a knife was cutting my leg. Later I found out it was a micro tear of the muscle. I couldn't run, I could barely walk but this meant my athletes career was over. For six months I had rehabilitation after which I returned to the field but the muscle was still and issue. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't run like before, the tear kept reminding me the bitter reality. And so 12th grade came and I ended my athletes career. It was a mentally difficult time, I felt as if I had failed my coach, which even to this day I harbour. But everything changed when I joined the military, the school of men. Thankfully my leg had healed and I could resume physical activity once more. Everyday was a test of your will. Push ups, pull ups, sit ups,, running, yelling, screaming, swearing everything, it was a whole new world. But nothing came close to the infamous day, the ending of boot camp- The path of Glory. It was our initiation to become a full fledged soldier of the Iron Wolf Brigade. Early winter, temperatures below freezing, snow and ice covered the forests horizon. The Path of Glory is a rigorous obstacle course that took about 3 hours to overcome. It was the hardest 3 hours I have experienced. From carrying crates, pulling the "wounded" and traversing freezing ponds to running the battalions obstacle course near the very end of the Path, which was built on a pond that was frozen. I remember very fondly how both of my legs got stuck in thick mud my comrades pulled me out but as a result both of my legs muscles got strained. I could barely walk but I endured. "I won't let myself be a burden to my section... I must move on". The pain disappeared, I was like an berserk animal ignoring all wounds and just followed my section leader. We reached the the obstacle course and plowed through all the challenges. Not even the freezing water, which was quite unpleasant for several parts of my body, could stop our crusade. I felt my body go numb, I could barely move my fingers, but I kept repeating "Come on, we're almost there". Finally we reached the ending, hot tea and a bonfire awaited us it was over. Physically we were all crushed but I felt like we could repeat it if we had to. The warriors mentality kicked in. We would ignore pain and hardships to fulfill our tasks. I felt my bodies limits but now I know I can do even more if i mentally push myself to the edge. This I believe.