Running is becoming popular these days. Many of us run for health. Doctors say many health problems come from these bad habits: eating and drinking too much, smoking and not taking enough exercise. Doctors tell us, “Eat and drink less, don’t smoke, and exercise more.”

Running is a good form of exercise because it helps build a strong heart. It also helps most people lose weight. One 68-year-old woman runs three times a week. “I love to eat,” she says. She runs to lose weight.

Running is good for health in other ways, too. Many runners say running keeps colds and other small health problems away. “Running is my doctor,” says one man.

Running can also help people to relax. So today men and women of all ages enjoy running.

My favourite sport is basketball because it is very exciting. I like basketball because the NBA stars play very well. Basketball is very cheap and it is a good sport for our health. We can grow taller if we play basketball often. Also it keeps me fit. I play basketball three times a week. I often play it in my school. I often play it with my friends or I may play it myself. I feel very happy when I play basketball at school with my classmates. Sometimes I play basketball in the playground near my home. Basketball is very easy to play. If you play basketball very well, you can form (组建) a basketball team to take part in the competition (比赛). If you win the basketball competition, you will have the prize. You may become a famous basketball star.

Hiking is very good for exercise and fun. Many hikers like to hike in the countryside, in the forest, and in mountains. Just walking for fun is the first kind of hiking. A lot of people like to hike in city parks or just on the sidewalks.

A hike can take a few hours or weeks. For most hiking, people just need clothing and shoes that are good for the weather. Beginning hikers should start with walks that they can do in one day. As you get stronger, you can go in overnight hikers. Later you can go on longer that can last for days or weeks.

For safety, children should hike with someone. You should always have one or two friends with you. It is also a good idea to carry a map with you.

Backpacking is one kind of hiking. People carry food, clothing and other things on their backs in a pack. Backpackers can stay many days in places where there is no food to buy. They carry what they need on their backs.

It seems that backpacking is now popular in the world. Just put on your hiking shoes and take a hike!