I didn’t have any special plans for Labor Day weekend, just my sewing class on Saturday morning and I had to complete my weekend long run on Sunday. 

Almost done!
Titi Margo’s bag (left), my bag (right)
Paseo Lineal de Bayamón

I was a little surprised when my running coach sent a message to the group, inviting those who could for a 5 to 7 mile run at the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey Campus on Monday afternoon. Even though I was a little scared I wouldn’t be able to keep up, it’s always fun to go running somewhere new. Also, I knew the weather in the mountains in Cayey would be a lot nicer than the weather in San Juan. 

Universidad De Puerto Rico, Recinto de Cayey

I didn’t know what the plan was but I expected to run around campus or maybe the track, but he didn’t give us any details. To my surprise, he took us to a big open field with two soccer goals in the middle.

As he explained what we would be doing, I couldn’t pay attention, I had a million thoughts in my head, starting with just how beautiful and peaceful that campus was. I was also wondering how many times we would have to run around the field and what the route was.I also hoped I didn’t get lost but I knew I would be the last one and I could just follow the others. 

What I wasn’t counting on was that I’m not used to running on grass. I later learned that this is where the track and field teams practice and I am not used to that. The closest I get to track and field is running at the beach so it was no surprise when I tripped a few times, twisted both my ankles and fell twice. On the bright side, falling on grass doesn’t hurt; I just got back up, walked a little and kept running as soon as I felt better. 

Most of us were running at different paces so I couldn’t really follow anyone anymore and got a little confused about where I was supposed to be running so I think I took a shorter route than everyone else. I know I ran a lot less than the rest of the group; I just ran two miles. After I finished running, I was told to walk a little around the field but I ended up taking a longer walk exploring the campus. It was very nice.

UPR Cayey Mascot- Cuco the bull
Cute dog

I’m glad I went, had some fun and spent some time with the group, met some new people and got to share a new experience with them. 

Freddy’s Runners
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Published by mariacristinasanfeliu

I’m an aspiring writer still looking for exactly what I want to write about, with a lot of creativity, imagination and desire to write. I studied Writing and Rhetoric at Syracuse University where I explored many different sides of writing through my classes and extracurricular activities in order to narrow my search for an identity as a writer. I have written for Citrus TV Noticias and La Voz magazine, both of which gave me the chance to explore different mediums in which to write in. Through Citrus TV Noticias I also gained experience in translating from English to Spanish and vice versa, which is also something that I would be interested in working on since I am fluent in both of these languages. I was also an intern at Syracuse University Press where I got hands on experience in what goes into actually editing and publishing a book. Through out the last four years I have faced a lot of challenges, which helped chape the person I am today. After being in a tragic car accident, being in comma, having a Traumatic Brain Injury, and being in therapy for over a year, I am a new me, willing to face challenges and knowing how to deal with them. I want to write about my accident and life after it to help others, show them it can be done and help in any way I can.

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