Running has played a very big role in my life during the last year, but  reason I started running is not the reason I continue to run. What started as a distraction and a way to forget someone, turned into a new way of life as well as a challenge for myself. I typically run 4 times a week,that’s three during the work week and once during the weekend. It’s also a great way to socialize and make friends, stay in good shape and healthy and it’s fun. I enjoy seeing that I am capable of so much more than I thought.

Now we’re at the end of 2025 and I look back at the fact that I was able to compete in 16 races this year. I think that’s more races than I had run in my whole life. The original goal was one every month but I might have gotten a little excited a few times and ran in more than one race in a month. That made up for not being able to run in September because of my injured ankle, but I got right back to it in October. 

Apart from running, I also took time to take a beginner’s sewing class where, after learning how to use the sewing machine, I made my first bag and  dress.I am still undecided about my next project. I don’t know if maybe fixing a torn skirt and fixing a dress that’s too big before diving into a new project. Whatever I decide, I hope it comes out as well as the bag and the dress. 

As happy as all of my small successes make me, I cannot ignore the hardest part of the year, for me and my family, and that was the loss of my grandfather. He is still very much in our memories and can’t help but think about what his reaction would be in different scenarios, like politics or after my races. He was always very proud of me and I wish I could have told him about my races, especially the half marathon. I know he would have been very proud, like he always was. 

I couldn’t have gotten through the bad times or enjoyed the good times as much without my loving family and friends. Those who have been with me in my running journey, whether it’s driving me to and from practice and races, waiting for me, running with me, or cheering me on; thank you! Good and Freddy, I couldn’t have done this without you! 

Tití Margo, thank you for encouraging me to take a sewing class with you. I had a lot of fun sharing this experience with you. I’m very proud of the work you did and very glad I got to share this experience with you. 

I hope next year brings a lot of great things too. I’m starting the year running a 10k in January and trying to run a total of 8 different races to complete the Puerto Rico 10k Challenge. That challenge, as well as completing at least one race every month, continue sewing, writing and enjoying spending time with my family and friends and working hard are my goals for this new year.

And before I forget, usual New Year’s resolution, to continue to be seizure free year! In 2026.

Hope everyone has a Happy New Year!

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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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