Keeping Pace at Running Club
A free A2-level English story for language learners, readable online in 7 languages, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
Cora slows down to run beside a nervous new member instead of finishing with the fast group.
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Cora runs with a running club every Saturday morning. She usually finishes near the front of the group.
One Saturday, a new runner named Ilan joins the club. He looks nervous before the run starts. He tells the group leader this is his first five kilometers.
The group starts running together. After ten minutes, Ilan falls behind the others. His face turns red, and his steps slow down.
Cora notices him from the front of the group. She stops and waits for him instead of finishing with her friends.
"Do you want company?" she asks.
"I'm really slow today," Ilan says between breaths.
"That's okay," Cora says. "Let's just run together. No rush."
They run side by side for the rest of the route. Cora talks about the path. She shows him a nice view by the river.
Ilan's breathing calms down, and he begins to enjoy the run.
When they finally reach the finish line, the club is already there.
Ilan looks embarrassed, but Cora shakes her head.
"Everyone starts somewhere," she says. "I was slow too, my first time."
Ilan smiles. "Thanks for staying with me," he says.
"Same time next Saturday?" Cora asks.
"Definitely," Ilan says.
