MODULE 1
11
Michael Scott talks about his success story of
going from being a
sickly
teenager to a London
Marathon competitor.
Growing up with a
heart defect
was difficult. While other kids my
age were going to football practice and on beach holidays with their
families, I was in and out of hospital. My only involvement in a
sporting competition was watching it on the television.
One of my favourite events to watch was the London Marathon.
When I was just 14, a man from London, named Chris Brasher,
organised the first London Marathon. It was 29th March 1981 and
7,747 people
were involved
in the race.
Now, there are
46,500 participants each year from all corners of the world and of
all levels of ability. Many people say the marathon is the
ultimate
physical
challenge
. Athletes have to train physically and
mentally
for each marathon and be prepared for many challenges.
I always found it surprising to see how many well-trained athletes
did not complete the course each year.
Some
dropped out
because of injury or illness, but most just
‘hit the wall’
, an infamous
experience suffered when their bodies simply
ran out of
fuel. For
many runners, by the time they reached the 30 to 35 km point in the
1
2
race, they just couldn’t go any further. Their muscles would
cramp
and their heart and
lungs
could not
obtain
enough oxygen.
Each year, I tried to imagine what it would be like to
line up
before
all the crowds prepared to run the 42.2 km along roads, up hills
and around some of the most famous sights in London. The race
started in Greenwich Park, then competitors would race along the
River Thames, towards Big Ben, and eventually ending in front of
Buckingham Palace.
I decided to talk to my heart specialist and find out if there was
any chance that I could train my body to
handle
running 42.2 km.
At first, he thought I was joking, but soon he realised how
important this was to me.
At the same time, I started
lifting weights to
build
muscle strength.
Over the course of a year, I
progressed
from just walking to
running. Running became a daily thing for me and I was building
more strength and confidence with every step. My doctor was
thrilled
with my progress and allowed me to continue forward.
Finally, at the age of 19, the time came to apply for the London
Marathon. I knew that only a certain number of people would be
allowed to
enter
the race and as much as I wanted to do this, I
knew that my chances were slim.
I couldn’t believe how
far I had come and that finally my dream would come true.
My doctor and I worked together to
set out
a training schedule
that would allow me to safely complete the
entire
42.2 km.
Physically, I was fit and my heart appeared to be in good
condition. The biggest problem would be dehydration, as it would
be with all of the competitors. On average most of the runners
take four to five hours to complete the race and water is
essential
to all of the competitors. The year before 710,000 bottles of water
had been
consumed
during the race!
Soon enough it was race day. My family, as well as various friends
were all gathered to watch and support me.
I finished the
race in less than six hours, which was amazing since just a few
years before I was
barely
able to run across the garden.
Today, I am still running. I have not competed in the London
Marathon again, but I do
volunteer
each year to assist the
athletes in any way I can throughout the race.
I learned
that as long as I try my best and have faith in myself I can do
almost anything.
4
5
6
3
6
What would you do if you were Michael? Tell
your partner.
Listening & Speaking
5
Listen to and read the text. Which of
the following qualities best describe Michael?
Discuss in pairs, giving reasons.
•
determined
•
passionate
•
persistent
•
tolerant
•
courageous
•
stubborn
Michael is very passionate because he cared so
much about the marathon.
A
Over the years, I watched the event grow into
the biggest of its kind in the world.
B
I enjoy taking part in the atmosphere and
sharing my success story with the other athletes.
C
Three weeks later, I received my acceptance
letter and was over the moon.
D
The London Marathon is the most challenging
marathon in the world.
E
Out of the over 46,000 starters, on average, only
33,000 actually crossed the finishing line.
F
It was the most difficult and the most exciting
and rewarding experience of my life.
G
I began walking for a few minutes at a time,
increasing my intensity until I was able to walk
for 10 minutes a session.
4
Explain the words in bold. Then, in pairs, ask
and answer questions based on the text.
Exam Practice: Reading
