A month before my first marathon, one of my ankles was injured and this meant not running for two weeks, leaving me only two weeks to train. Yet, I was determined to go ahead.

　　I remember back to my 7th year in school. In my first P.E. class, the teacher required us to run laps and then hit a softball. I didn't do either well. He later informed me that I was ＂not athletic＂.

　　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＂.

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

　　A. made up his mind to run B. felt scared C. was well trained D. lost hope

　　25. 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.

　　26. How was the author's first marathon?

　　A. He quit halfway. B. He made it.

C. He got the first prize. D. He walked to the end.