Training for a marathon requires careful preparation and steady, gradual increases in the length of the runs. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} , buy the best-fitting running shoes you can find. No one can say which brand will work best for you or feel best on your feet, so you have to rely on your experience and on the feel of each pair as you shop. When you have found shoes that seem right, walk in them for a few days to double-check the fit.    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}      As always, you should stretch(伸展) at least ten minutes before each run to prevent injuries.

During the first week, do not think about distance, but run five minutes longer each day.   {#blank#}3{#/blank#}        , it is wise to take a day off to rest. But during the next week, set a goal of at least a mile and a half per run. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}       . After two weeks, start timing yourself.  {#blank#}5{#/blank#}    . Depending on the kind of race you plan to enter, you can set up a timetable for the remaining weeks before the race.

A.    After six days
B.    For a good marathon runner
C.    Before you begin your training
D.    With each day, increase the distance by a half mile
E.    If they still feel good, you can begin running in them
F.    Time spent for preparation raises the quality of training
G.    Now you are ready out a goal of improving distance and time

    Humor plays an important role in relationships. In new relationships, humor can be an effective tool not just for attracting the other person but also for overcoming any awkwardness or embarrassment.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}

Sharing the pleasure of humor creates a sense of connection between two people. When you laugh with one another, you create a positive tie between you. This tie acts as a strong buffer(缓冲) against stress, disagreements, disappointments, and bad patches in a relationship. And laughter really is infectious.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} But don't worry if you're not naturally a lighthearted, humorous person—you can learn to access your playful side and develop your sense of fun.

    Like any tool, humor can be used in negative as well as positive ways. Humor can only help you overcome relationship problems when both partners can understand the joke.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} If your partner or friend isn't likely to appreciate the joke, don't say or do it. Humor in relationships should be equally fun and enjoyable for both people.

Don't use humor to cover up other emotions.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} That's when it is used as a cover for avoiding, rather than coping with, painful emotions. You can be funny about the truth, but covering up the truth isn't funny. When you use humor and playfulness as a cover for other emotions, you create confusion and mistrust in your relationships.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} The important thing is to find enjoyable activities that help you embrace your playful nature with other people. As humor and play become an unseparated part of your life, you'll begin to find daily opportunities for using your new-found skills to help build and maintain your relationships.

A. Humor can help you and your loved one.

B. There are times when humor is not healthy.

C. It's important to be sensitive to the other person.

D. It's never too late to develop your humorous side.

E. The more you joke, play, and laugh—the easier it becomes.

F. Just hearing someone laugh can make you smile and join in on the fun.

G. In longer-term relationships, humor can keep things exciting and fresh.

Four Ways to Give Truly Meaningful Gifts

    Buying someone you love a gift that expresses your truest feelings isn't always easy. But when you get it right, the joy they show is worth it. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Listen up.

    While you may think it's a great idea to surprise someone by giving them something you think is meaningful, it's best to get them exactly what they have told you. For example, you heard friends say they wanted the newest bike but you bought them a gym membership instead. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} So get them what they've specially asked for.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    In the spirit of showing love, we might go big. However, we may not be thinking of what really makes the person happy. You might think buying your father the latest TV is perfect, but then when you get it home, it lights up the living room like a stadium and is totally wrong for the space. So think smart.

    Keep it open.

    Many of us may consider giving cash impersonal （没人情味的）. But this may save you some concern. The receiver can be allowed to choose whatever they want. In a recent survey of over 7,000 Black Friday shoppers, 39 percent said the receiver they were shopping for was “picky （挑剔）”. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Create an experience.

    Visit websites where you can get the latest tickets for a play, buy a surf lesson, or even something unexpected like a flight lesson. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} For example, if your kids are into NASCAR, just imagine the look on their faces when you score them a ride at a race car driving school. So give them a time that they will remember to heart.

A. Ignore the size.

B. Go for something big.

C. Well, that was the wrong move.

D .If possible, cut down the cost of the gifts.

E. These are things that can create a lasting memory.

F. Here's how to discover a gift your receiver will love.

G. So save yourself the second guess and give cash instead.

    What is the secret of writing a good letter? Here are two main ones. Don't try to be fancy. Don't try to impress your reader. You will be successful if you follow these seven Cs.

    Clear. Use short, direct sentences.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Talk as if the reader were right there with you .Above all, don't use an introduction.

    Correct,{#blank#}2{#/blank#}Don't guess, even for spelling. Refer to your dictionary. If you need to, check a reference book too. Use them as much as you need to.

    Complete. Don't scatter your points.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}This is good organization too.

    Courteous. Be friendly rather than overly casual. Present your information nicely even if you are complaining about something. In all letters, treat others as you want them to treat you.

    Concise. Make each point as clearly and briefly as you can.

    Conversational. This is really the secret of good writing,{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Such a letter has a natural, friendly tone. Let your personality come through naturally.

    Considerate.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Write about what you believe the reader needs or wants to know. Try to be helpful. This will build good feeling toward you.

    The seven Cs are about writing letters. But how about school papers? Use the seven Cs. Write as if you are talking to your teacher or professor. You'll be surprised. You'll almost instantly become a good writer. And you might even enjoy writing from now on.

A. Just talk to the person.

B. Finish one point completely before going on to the next.

C. Include long sentences in your letter.

D. Make them easy to understand.

E. Writing should not be taken too seriously.

F. Make sure what you say is correct.

G. Think of the readers' point of view as you write.

How satisfied are you with your life ? How good do you feel every day ? Your answers to those two questions can show how happy you are. 

It's true that your happiness is partly affected by your genes.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}According to experts, happiness is a choice. It's something that you can develop with continuing practice. Following these tried-and-true tips can help you find happiness.

Be kind to yourself.

Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone has different talents and abilities. It's OK that you're not like someone else. Comparison has been called " the thief of joy". In addition, forgive yourself often{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

Take breaks from social media.

{#blank#}3{#/blank#}Yet much of what appears on social media is not real. Many people compare themselves with those images, resulting in feelings of discouragement. 

{#blank#}4{#/blank#} . 

Spending time with people you love and that love you is necessary for building strong connections and developing a sense of belonging. By devoting time and attention to those who matter most to you, you can create lasting memories, deepen understanding, and strengthen bonds with each other happily. 

Get outside for exercise.

Nature helps to reduce stress. Exercise and put your health in the first place. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}Just going on a walk can make a difference. 

Limit time you spend on news.

Stay aware of recent events. But don't spend hours consuming news, which usually includes negative stories and events.

Since happiness is a choice, why not choose it ? Life will look brighter filled with love and joy!

A. You are not perfect. 

B. Invest in your relationships. 

C. Determine happiness through actions. 

D. You could perhaps lead a happier life and feel more satisfied. 

E. But even if you're not usually a happy person, you can change that.

F. People who get up and move are usually happier than those who don't.

G. The Internet is full of people who look beautiful and seem to lead exciting lives. 

Based on his own research at Washington University in St. Louis and other scientific studies, psychology lecturer Bon o offers the following tips for getting and staying happier in your life.

{#blank#}1{#/blank#} Looking forward to an enjoyable experience can make it all that much sweeter. Wait a couple of days before seeing a new movie that just came out, plan your big vacation for later in the summer, and try to take time to enjoy each bit e of dessert. On the opposite, get negative tasks out of the way as quickly as possible —any delay will only make them seem worse.

People who focus more on process than outcome tend to remain motivated in the face of setbacks. They're better at sticking with major challenges and prefer them over the easy route. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Because it celebrates rewards that come from the work itself. Focusing only on the outcome can lead to premature burnout if things don't go well.

{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Find an activity that allows you to get together with friends on a regular, ongoing basis. A weekly happy hour, poker night, or TV show ensures consistency and motivation in your social interactions. People with high-quality relationships are not only happier, but also healthier. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}.

The next time you are attracted to use your phone to look through social media, look through your list of contacts instead. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} The happiness you get from a real connection with another person will be far greater than any comments or likes you get on social media.

A. Anticipation itself is pleasurable.

B. Decrease unnecessary socializing.

C. Find someone to call or Face Time.

D. This "growth mindset" helps people stay energized.

E. Facebook and Instagram often overstate how much better off others are.

F. Nothing is more important for our psychological health than high-quality friendships.

G. They recover from illnesses more quickly, live longer, and enjoy more enriched lives.