Maria is an athlete who (is going to
represent / is representing) her country in the Olympic Games. She (is going to
run / is running) in the marathon, a 26-mile race. She usually (competes) in
the triathlon, which means she (has) to run 10 kilometers, swim 1/4 mile, and
ride a bicycle 25 miles. There is only a month to go before the Olympics, so
Maria (is training) hard to prepare. During regular training, she (swims) 1500
meters and (runs) 5 miles, but during this pre-Olympic training, she (is
swimming) less and she (is running) more. She usually (works) out in the weight
room an hour a day, but this month she (is lifting) weights for two hours a
day, or double her normal time. Cross-country skiing is part of her winter
training, but now that the weather permits, she (is bicycling) and roller –
blading, so that different muscle groups are excited. Normally Maria (is)
careful about her diet; she (eats) a limited amount of fat and a lot of fruits
and vegetables. Now she (is making) extra sure that she (is eating) plenty of
carbohydrates for energy. In addition, she (is trying) to get enough sleep. She
(is) confident that she’ll be prepared, mentally and physically, for the
Olympics, and she (is) proud to be a part of this great event.