Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Endurance Sports & Country Walking 10

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four people discussing the addictive nature of achieving a ‘runner’s high’ and how it positively affects their daily mood.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   admits that their mood noticeably deteriorates if they miss a session?

2   uses the mental clarity gained from running to resolve work-related dilemmas?

3   explains that their primary reason for running has evolved significantly?

4   feels the peak of their euphoria after they have finished exercising?

5   credits this biochemical rush with helping them get through a difficult period in their life?

6   describes a sudden feeling of physical ease while they are still in motion?

7   points out the stark contrast between physical discomfort and psychological reward?

8   notes that achieving this state of mind has made them feel emotionally invincible?

9   deliberately schedules their exercise early to influence their attitude for the hours ahead?

10   equates their need to run with an intense, almost uncontrollable urge?

Chasing the High: How Running Rewires the Brain

A Liam

I’ve never been a natural early bird, but these days I routinely drag myself out of bed at dawn to hit the pavement. To be honest, the first few kilometres are usually a profound struggle; my lungs burn and my legs can feel like solid lead. However, the stark contrast between that initial physical agony and the subsequent mental reward is exactly what keeps me going. Interestingly, I rarely experience the legendary ‘runner’s high’ while I’m actually sweating it out. For me, the euphoria kicks in about an hour later, right when I’m sitting at my office desk. A wave of profound positivity washes over me, and the day’s typical stresses simply bounce off. By structuring my routine this way, I purposely dictate my mindset for the ensuing hours. Even when my boss hands me a mountain of urgent paperwork, I tackle it with an upbeat attitude. People think I’m crazy for getting up so early, but they don’t understand the biochemical payoff.

B Maya

When I originally took up jogging, my sole intention was to shed a few stubborn pounds before a family wedding. However, I can safely say that my driving force has completely shifted. I no longer care about the scales; instead, I am entirely hooked on the flood of endorphins that sweeps through my system. It’s a genuine physiological craving, much like a caffeine addict needing their morning coffee. If a torrential downpour or a busy schedule forces me to skip a run, my family will tell you that I become incredibly irritable and short-tempered. The neurochemical rush is so potent that my body actively demands it. While some of my peers run to untangle their daily problems or brainstorm ideas, I simply run to chase that unparalleled feeling of bliss. It washes away any lingering anxiety and leaves me feeling completely grounded. I never took it for granted that a simple pair of trainers could drastically alter my brain chemistry.

C Noah

As a graphic designer, my job requires constant creativity, which can occasionally lead to severe mental blocks. Whenever I find myself staring blankly at a screen, unable to conjure up fresh ideas, I know it’s time to lace up my shoes. I tend to run long distances, and there is always a distinct moment—usually around the six-kilometre mark—when the magic happens. The heavy, laboured breathing suddenly disappears, and it feels as though I’m effortlessly gliding above the ground. While in this state of physical weightlessness, my mind becomes incredibly sharp. It is precisely in the midst of this mid-run euphoria that I manage to unravel complex design issues that had been frustrating me all week. I don’t run to temporarily escape my professional hurdles; I actively use the runner’s high as a tool to overcome them. Returning home, I feel completely revitalised and ready to sketch out the concepts that magically came to me on the trail.

D Chloe

A couple of years ago, I went through a rather painful career setback that left my confidence in tatters. I took up distance running almost out of desperation, hoping to find some structure in my chaotic days. Little did I know that the ‘runner’s high’ would be the very thing that helped me bounce back from that dark place. When you push your body to the limit and a surge of endorphins floods your brain, it produces a profound sense of emotional resilience. You finish a gruelling session feeling as though you can conquer absolutely anything life throws your way. That overwhelming sense of invulnerability gradually spilled over into my everyday life, giving me the courage to apply for new, more challenging roles. While some runners are addicted to the physical fitness aspect, I rely on the psychological armour it provides. Coming to terms with my past failures was tough, but the euphoria of running essentially rewired my outlook.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four walkers describing the aesthetic beauty of nature changing through the four seasons as observed on their regular walking routes.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   mentions keeping a visual record of a specific location over time?

2   enjoys the atmosphere of their route when it is largely deserted?

3   comments on the illusion of exploring an entirely new area?

4   is fascinated by how rapidly the landscape undergoes a transition?

5   notes a distinct shift in the behavior of local wildlife?

6   believes that unstable weather conditions actually enhance the walk?

7   admires the underlying shapes of the vegetation when it is stripped bare?

8   describes how variations in illumination completely alter the scenery?

9   feels a sense of reassurance from the dependable repetition of the seasons?

10   appreciates the brief, intense bursts of color before they fade?

Walking Through the Seasons

A Alice

I’ve been strolling through the same dense woodland near my house for over a decade, and I never grow tired of it. What captivates me most is the gradual awakening of the landscape during spring. You really have to pay attention to notice the tiny buds appearing on the branches. I actually draw immense comfort from this predictable rhythm; no matter how chaotic life gets, the unfurling of the bluebells is a certainty. Some walkers complain about the sudden spring showers, but I feel the volatile climate is a bonus rather than a drawback, leaving the air smelling incredibly fresh. Furthermore, the shifting angle of the sun casts long, dramatic shadows that completely reinvent the forest floor, making the familiar mossy rocks look otherworldly. It’s fascinating to observe the subtle daily modifications. While winter has its own stark charm, the gentle transition into warmer days, accompanied by the symphony of returning birds, remains my absolute favourite phase of the year.

B Ben

My daily route takes me along a rugged coastal path that borders a sweeping bay. For me, the peak of aesthetic beauty occurs at the height of summer, when the wild heather is in full bloom, painting the cliffs in vivid shades of purple. I make a point of snapping a picture of the exact same oak tree on the headland every single Friday to document this ongoing transformation. Looking back at these images, it always takes me aback how swiftly the vibrant summer palette is wiped away the moment September arrives. One week it’s lush and green, and seemingly the next, the harsh coastal winds have stripped the foliage entirely. People often assume I’d prefer the route when the weather is calm, but the dramatic, stormy seas of late autumn offer a fierce, breathtaking beauty that a tranquil summer afternoon simply cannot match. It forces you to respect the sheer power of the natural world.

C Clara

As an avid walker, I am fortunate enough to live right next to a sprawling botanical garden. Many visitors flock here in May, but my heart belongs to the later months. The brief, fiery explosion of copper and gold leaves in late October is a spectacular final display before the frost sets in. However, what I truly look forward to is the aftermath. Once the foliage finally drops, it unveils the intricate architectural skeletons of the branches, which I find far more compelling than the dense, green canopy of summer. Without the visual clutter, the true shape of the woods is revealed. Moreover, as the temperatures plummet, the casual strollers tend to stay indoors. I absolutely relish the peaceful isolation before the spring crowds return; having the crisp, frost-covered pathways entirely to myself allows me to absorb the silent, sleeping beauty of the park without any distractions. It’s a deeply meditative experience.

D David

My regular circuit involves a steep hike up the moorlands behind my village. The landscape undergoes a massive aesthetic shift as the year progresses, but the arrival of heavy winter snow transforms it into a magical, monochrome wonderland. When a thick blanket of white covers the familiar heather and rocky outcrops, it entirely erases the usual landmarks. This dramatic alteration tricks my brain into thinking I’ve stumbled upon an undiscovered region, even though I’ve walked the path hundreds of times. Aside from the visual overhaul, I’m constantly fascinated by watching the fauna adapt to the changing seasons. The frantic, noisy foraging of the local squirrels in autumn eventually gives way to the silent, stealthy footprints of foxes in the winter snow. While I do appreciate the burst of wildflowers that pop up in July, the pristine, untouched wilderness of a harsh January morning is uniquely captivating. It makes every grueling step up the hill totally worthwhile.

Exercises:   123456