2 . I did my first marathon at 25. I started too fast and found it very ________. Then, seven years ago, when I was 43, I went to a talk by someone who had just done the Sahara Desert ________. I felt so ________ and pledged (发誓) I would run it, too.

A year later, I completed the 24-hour ultra-marathon in the Namibian desert. I ________ what on earth I could do next. My father, a former soldier, had just died of cancer and I wanted to raise money for a soldiers’ charity ________. There are 66 cities in the UK, so I ________ a challenge — a 50 km marathon in each city, no rest days in between.

On the first day, I ran for around six to seven hours, eating along the way to get more ________. On day two, I tore my right Achilles tendon (跟腱). I ________ my pace and thought about the soldiers’ ________ I was doing the run for. It was nothing compared with some of their injuries.

Then, on day 26, it got worse. I had to ________ through the day, which took almost 11 hours. I kept telling myself I couldn’t fail. If I ________, the pain would have stopped, but I knew I would ________ it for the rest of my life. On May 20, I finished, four days after my 50th birthday.

I have a ________ body now than at any point in my life. Anyone can do this. I’m not superhuman. I’m just ________, and I have the next thing ________ already.

5 . At the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar, you may have noticed this strange scene at the beginning of each game. As the soccer players line up ready to walk onto the field they take the hand of a smiling and excited child next to them and walk out with them hand in hand.

The practice of sending children out with the players first took place from time to time throughout the 1990s. One child, also called a player escort, would accompany a team out at the beginning of an important game. From the year 2000 onwards, this custom started happening much more regularly. The 2000 Euro Championships was one of the first major soccer games where children were seen walking out with the players. But it was the 2002 FIFA World Cup where it really became popular. One of the most prominent ways this happened was by pairing up each player with a child as they walked out onto the soccer field. You can see it at the beginning of most important football games. From then on, it has become commonplace around the world for children to walk out with the players.

Ultimately soccer players walk out with a child because their club requires them to. It is in the interest of the soccer club to do this as it has potential benefits for both the child and the honor of the club. Soccer is a game that is loved by children throughout the world. Many would jump at the chance to have a taste of a real game in person. It’s also a chance for soccer club to make money. Most clubs have some sort of program where it’s possible to buy the experience of being a player escort. In England, it can be extremely expensive. A few years ago it was reported that some clubs were charging almost $800 per child to be a player escort!

6 . Few people don’t know how important it is to stretch (拉伸伸展) before a workout session since it helps in stimulating your movements, warming up your body, and preparing for the exercise. But most people are extremely ignorant of the post-exercise stretching.    1    Actually, the benefits of stretching after exercise are plentiful.

Flexibility is improved.

When you hold static and deep stretch poses at the end of your workout routine, you will have more access to the length in various parts of your body.    2    .This is the biggest advantage of stretching after workout.

Muscle tension is lowered.

Have you ever wondered why your muscles become sore (酸痛的) after a workout routine? Well, that is because your body produces lactic acid.    3    .Thanks to stretching,oxygen is distributed throughout your body and muscles, which can reduce lactic acid production and buildup.

Injuries are avoided.

After an intense workout, with tightened muscles, your body is more likely to suffer tearing of muscle tissues. However, during stretching, the muscles are lengthened, which means the risk is way less.    4    . So save your body from being an easy target for injuries.

While stretching, don’t push yourself too hard. Remember, this is meant to relax you, not to cause additional pressure on you. You may be tempted to rest immediately after a workout session. But trust us: the post-exercise stretching is of critical importance.    5    . But in due time, you will.

9 . The Growing Popularity of Cycling

They say once you learn how to ride a bike, you never forget. Most of us learnt when we were kids, and many still strap (系好) on our helmets, put our feet on the pedals , and shoot off for a ride around the streets. In recent times, cycling has seen a boost in popularity.     1    

First, let’s look at the health benefits. Cycling can improve your cardiovascular (心血管的) health and burm excess body fat. Strengthening your leg muscles in your calves (小腿肚) and thighs (大腿).     2     A long ride in the countryside could help you to clear your mind, or de-stress. But it’s not only about your body and mind— there are also some plus sides for your wallet’s health.

Cycling can be a great way to commute (通勤) or get about town.     3     If you do drive into work, sometimes finding somewhere to park can be a nightmare, whereas finding somewhere to chain your bike up can be much simpler. Then, on the train, there are changes at stations and other commuters speaking loudly on their phones to deal with. And if you’re worried about safety, there are designated cycle lanes in many major cities. Wearing high-visibility clothing is another way to improve your safety when cycling on the roads.

    4     It can help you to reduce your carbon footprint. Not pumping out fumes into the atmosphere is better for the planet and your own environment.

So, whether people want to cycle for their health, getting about town, their wallet, the environment, or a combination of all of them—    5    

Tennis super star Naomi Osaka lit the 2020 Tokyo Olympics flame. The Games     1     (official) started, although a year late. A possible fifth wave (波) of COVID-19 in Japan’s capital put in doubt     2     or not they would go ahead. COVID-19 greatly influenced the event. There     3     (be) no fans and several athletes couldn’t attend the Games after testing positive (阳性的). Japan hoped the Games would show     4     (it) culture to the world. The opening ceremony (仪式) ended at midnight with     5     amazing fireworks show.

Only 950 people attended the opening ceremony. Attendees     6     (include) Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and the US First Lady Jill Biden. Emperor Naruhito declared (宣布) the Games open. President of IOC Thomas Bach said: “It is very     7     (difference) from what we imagined, but let us value this moment because finally we are all here together. Today is a moment     8     hope.” Naomi Osaka posted a message on Twitter after     9     (light) the flame. She said it was “undoubtedly the     10     (great) honour (荣誉) I will ever have in my life.”