The idea that I was ＂not athletic＂ stuck with me for years. When I started running in my 30s, I realized running was a battle against myself, not about competition or whether or not I was athletic. It was all about the battle against my own body and mind. A test of wills!

　　The night before my marathon, I dreamt that I couldn't even find the finish line. I woke up sweating and nervous, but ready to prove something to myself.

　　Shortly after crossing the start line, my shoe laces(鞋带) became untied. So I stopped to readjust. Not the start I wanted!

　　At mile 3, I passed a sign: ＂GO FOR IT, RUNNERS!＂

　　By mile 17, I became out of breath and the once injured ankle hurt badly. Despite the pain, I stayed the course walking a bit and then running again.

　　By mile 21, I was starving!

　　As I approached mile 23, I could see my wife waving a sign. She is my biggest fan. She never minded the alarm clock sounding at 4 a.m. or questioned my expenses on running.

　　I was one of the final runners to finish. But I finished! And I got a medal. In fact, I got the same medal as the one that the guy who came in first place had.

　　Determined to be myself, move forward, free of shame and worldly labels(世俗标签), I can now call myself a ＂marathon winner＂.

21. A month before the marathon, the author ____________.

A. was well trained B. felt scared

C. made up his mind to run D. lost hope

22. Why did the author mention the P.E. class in his 7th year?

　A. To acknowledge the support of his teacher. B. To amuse the readers with a funny story.

　C. To show he was not talented in sports. D. To share a precious memory.

23. How was the author's first marathon?

　A. He made it. B. He quit halfway. C. He got the first prize. D. He walked to the end.

24. What does the story mainly tell us?

　A. A man owes his success to his family support. B. A winner is one with a great effort of will.

　C. Failure is the mother of success. D. One is never too old to learn.

　B

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