- why is a Marathon called Marathon?
- request by guest
- reply by hotel
A marathon is called a “marathon” because of a story from ancient Greece. A long time ago, a soldier named Pheidippides ran from a place called Marathon to the city of Athens. He ran to bring important news about a big battle. When he reached Athens, he gave his message and then died from the long, hard run. Because of this famous story, people later used the name “marathon” for a long-distance race. Today, a marathon is 42.195 kilometers. The name reminds us of the brave run from Marathon many years ago.
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Getting an email:
Subject: Marathon Stay – Services and Information
Dear Sir or Madam,
I hope you are well. I will stay at your resort during the upcoming marathon, and I would like to ask about the services you offer for runners. I want to make sure I am well prepared for the race.
Could you please tell me if you have an early breakfast on the marathon morning? I am looking for simple food like pasta, rice, fruit, or bread. I would also like to know if you provide water, sports drinks, or small snacks for guests.
Do you offer a shuttle to the start line or give information about the best way to get there? After the race, I may need to rest, so I am also interested in massage or recovery services, such as ice baths.
Finally, is it possible to have a late checkout on race day?
Thank you very much for your help. I look forward to your reply.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
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Replying:
Subject: Re: Marathon Stay – Services and Information
Dear [Your Name],
Thank you for your message. We are happy that you will stay with us for the marathon.
Yes, we offer several services for runners. On marathon morning, we serve an early breakfast with pasta, bread, fruit, and other light foods. We also provide water, sports drinks, and small snacks in the lobby.
We have a shuttle that takes guests to the start line. At the front desk, you can also get clear information about the route and road closures.
After the race, you may use our recovery area. We offer massages, ice baths, and a quiet room for rest.
A late checkout is possible on race day, depending on availability. Please tell us your preferred time, and we will do our best to help.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Kind regards,
[Hotel Name]
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Vocabulary:
- a request – when you ask for something
- a reply – an answer to a message
- push throught the pain – pain says stop, you say no, you keep moving
- ancient – very, very old
- a battle – a fight between two groups
- to give a message – to tell important information
- a long-distance race – a very long running race
- to remind somebody – to help someone remember
- a brave run – a strong and fearless run
- an upcoming marathon – a marathon that will happen soon
- to make sure – to check something is correct
- to be prepared for the race – to be ready for the race
- to provide water – to give water
- small snacks – little things to eat
- a shuttle – a small bus that takes people somewhere
- to rest after the race – to stop and relax after running
- a recovery service – help to feel better after the race
- an ice bath – very cold water for the body
- a road closure – when a road is closed
- a recovery area – a place to relax and feel better
- to rest – to relax and not move much
- to depend on availability – it is possible only if there is space or time
- a preferred time – the time you like most
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How to prepare? Some ideas:
1. Start Time
- Begin 12–16 weeks before the marathon
2. Weekly Training
- Run 3–5 times a week
- Include one long run per week
- Increase distance slowly
3. Rest & Recovery
- Take rest days to avoid injury
- Sleep well and stretch
4. Nutrition
- Eat pasta, rice, fruit
- Drink water daily
- Take small snacks on long runs
5. Race Week
- Reduce distance (taper)
- Check road closures and transport
- Plan preferred arrival time
6. Race Day
- Eat early breakfast
- Start slow, drink water
- Use recovery area after race