Going the Distance

1. Set Focus 
Pose this essential question: How might autism pose challenges for athletes?

2. Read and Discuss 
Have students read the article, marking key ideas and questions. Then ask them to answer the following questions, citing text evidence:

• What is the Cocodona 250? Summarize what, according to the text, makes it challenging. (The Cocodona 250 is an ultramarathon that takes place every May in Arizona. The article notes that it involves running a punishing distance on rugged terrain over 5t46the course of very hot days and very cold nights.)

• What is autism? What are some strengths and challenges that people with autism might have? (Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to the development of the brain. Some people with autism may have intense, highly focused interests and unique individual strengths. However, they may also struggle with managing sensory input, communicating, and forming relationships.)

• How does Zach Bates’s autism help him as an ultrarunner? How might it pose challenges for him? (Zach’s intense focus and unflappability work to his advantage as a distance runner. However, he struggles to communicate his needs, which may limits others’ ability to understand how he is feeling or whether he needs help. Moreover, he is hyposensitive, so he might not react to hot or cold temperatures or pain like other people would.

3. Core Skill Practice
Assign, print, or project the activity In Their Words. Have students identify the speaker for each quotation from the article and paraphrase their words.

4. Writing Prompt
Write a brief informative essay on ultramarathons. What are they, what are their benefits and risks, and what drives people to participate?

5. Classroom Debate
Are ultramarathons worth the potential health risks?

6. Quiz & Skills
Use the quiz to assess comprehension and the Analyze the Photo skill sheet to practice visual analysis.