Reading Comprehension

Read the passage carefully. Then answer the questions below.

Have you heard of the Ironman Triathlon? It’s considered one of the most challenging sporting events in the world. Competitors swim, ride a bike, and run. The race consists of a 3.86-kilometre swim, a 180.25-kilometre bicycle ride, and a 42.2-kilometer run. There are no breaks during the race, so competitors must keep going no matter what. People who choose to enter this race must be healthy and prepared in both mind and body.

lronman races are held all over the world. Some well-known competitions take place in New Zealand, Germany, and California in the United States. There are several rules for those who want to compete in the lronman. The minimum age of racers is 18, so everyone who competes is an adult. Training for the lronman can take more than a year. People who train often start practicing the events at shorter distances first and then increase the length and time they swim, bike, and run. Training can be difficult because people need to find a balance between strength and endurance training. Without enough training, people can get bad injuries. Some people even gain weight when training because their bodies store calories instead of using them for energy. All people in training should drink plenty of water.

Doctors believe that exercise is good for people’s health and helps the heart. People participate in other sports and games such as golf or American football, but the Ironman is a challenging way to stay fit. Even though it is hard, it can still be fun. It’s a great way to stay active and enjoy life!