IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Running

Do you go running a lot?

I recently started incorporating running into my routine to get back in shape. However, due to weight gain, I experienced ankle pain, and the doctor recommended brisk walking for now. Jogging is in the plan, but I’ve been cautioned against immediate running to avoid potential ankle injuries or exacerbating existing issues.

Where do you usually go running?

In my younger days, I used to run near our school grounds, completing about two to three laps, which took around 30 minutes. With friends, we could finish faster as we motivated each other. Saturday evenings were another opportunity for a run, and occasionally on Sundays, it might be a morning activity.

When was the last time you went running?

The last time I ran was during an emergency when I had to sprint in a hurry. It wasn’t a pleasant experience as I hadn’t been running regularly in the past few months. I ended up in pain for the entire afternoon, making it a less-than-ideal day for me.

What do you think of running as a sport?

I see running as one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to stay active. All you need is a good pair of running shoes, and with regular warm-ups, you can enhance your speed. The ability to run fast not only benefits you in running but also contributes to excelling in other sports. It serves as a foundation that can be advantageous if you decide to shift or engage in other sports.

Did you do much running when you were a child?

Although I really wanted to run when I was a child, we lived in an apartment where the road was busy. So, my parents restricted me. The only time that I could run was when I was in the park or at school. When I was younger, I was envious because most of my relatives lived in the countryside, and they could run whenever they pleased. I never had that chance. Now, if there is time in the park or on the ground, I do a couple of joggings. When I was younger, I had very limited time, only during PE or when my parents decided to go to the park. Those were rare occurrences, though.

What do you think of running as a form of exercise?

Well, one of the good things about running as an exercise is that it allows people to develop their cardiovascular health. The only requirement is a good pair of running shoes. As an overall exercise, it improves your breathing, engages your entire body, and helps build endurance and, to some degree, agility. Of course, it also strengthens not just your lower body but also some parts of your back, especially if you run with good posture. So, it’s a versatile exercise.

When was the last time you ran?

To be quite fair, I cannot remember recently. My schedule was very hectic, and even before the spring festival, I had a lot of things to study. I never had a chance to go out. Although I might have run when I was in a hurry, that’s not something I do for fun. When it comes to that, I really cannot remember. The only thing I could do probably was just brisk walking, but I cannot remember when I ran.

Are there any good places for running near where you live?

One good thing about where I live right now is that they have this really nice park. It was established a couple of years ago, so the place is relatively new. The pavement is quite nice, made of asphalt, providing good traction between your shoes. Unfortunately, due to my busy schedule, I haven’t been able to visit frequently. But when I first saw it, I thought it was quite good.

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