| Level | Topic | Speakers | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Difficult | Running and Exercise | Man | 03:51 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
What are the psychological and physical benefits of exercise and running? In the picture above, why do you think Michael and Shirley are holding up ribbons, and Randall only has his sock and a rock?
- Running outside is better for your health than running on a treadmill.
- Trail running is more challenging than running on flat roads.
- Running is the best way to stay in shape.
- Everyone should try running at least once in their life.
- Running with a group is more motivating than running alone.
- You need special shoes for trail running.
- Running can help reduce stress and improve mental health.
- It’s important to stretch before and after running.
- Running every day is too hard on the body.
- Exercise is more important than diet for staying healthy.
Idioms
“run like the wind” = to run very fast
“Jacob ran like the wind when school ended.”
“run out of gas” = to lose energy
“Ashley did very well during the first part of the race, but she then ran out of gas during the last mile of the event.”
Listening Exercise
Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)
Vocabulary and Sample Sentences
Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:
- descend (verb): to go down; move from a higher place to a lower place
– We descended the hill to the beautiful lake below and had a peaceful lunch. - steep (adjective): almost straight up and down
– The mountain trail was steep, so it took us a long time to reach the top. - scenery (noun): a view of mountains, trees, hills, and valleys
– The scenery along the mountain trail was beautiful, and we stopped several times to take pictures. - spectacular (adjective): impressive, great
– The scenery in the valley wasn’t very spectacular, so we didn’t spend much time there. - slightly (adverb): a little
– My friends were slightly disappointed when they couldn’t join us on the spectacular hike. - proceed (verb): to continue or move forward
– We couldn’t proceed on the trip without our missing plane tickets, so we had to call the airlines for help. - spot (verb): to see or notice
– The group spotted a great camping spot near the lake, and they spent two nights there. - hurry (verb): to move quickly
– I hurried to the car because of the heavy rain and darkness. - throb (verb): to feel pain that starts and stops repeatedly
– My muscles in my legs began to throb after running for 20 miles in the hot sun. - pace (noun): the rate of speed at which something moves
– James ran at a good pace during the first part of the race until he fell and injured his knee. - come to find out (verb): to discover something
– John and I started the race together, but his pace was slower than mine. Later, I came to find out that he dropped from the race around mile 15 because of illness. - a (the) bright side (or “look on the bright side” or “be on the bright side”) (idiom): a good part of a bad situation
– I wasn’t able to run the marathon last weekend, but on the bright side of the situation, I was able to attend my sister’s wedding. - bliss (noun): perfect happiness
– Running long races isn’t all bliss. There are times when you feel terrible, and you want to quit.
Post-Listening Exercise
What are two things you like to do to stay active and fit? What do you like most about these activities? Share your ideas.
Online Investigation
Read and watch the videos of my race reports. What are your impressions about such events? Why do you think that people participate in such races? Would you ever give it a try? Why or why not?