On Sunday, I started my day by running a 5k. I thought it would be a relaxing run through the UPR Botanical Garden in Rio Piedras and seemed like a great way to start my birthday. Some of my friends from the running group were there, as well as my coaches because they were helping organize it. I had fun memories from running there in December and last year’s race, especially when I won the Bad Bunny concert tickets. 

I did see the route the day before and it looked a little confusing with a lot of twists and turns but I tried to focus on the bright side; there are a lot of trees in the botanical garden so there would be a lot of shade. What I did worry about was getting lost, so I just tried to focus on staying with the group, so I ran, not focusing on how long I was running to take walking breaks, except when going downhill. 

Then came the surprise; first it just seemed like gravel, them some parts turned into dirt but that was ok, until we got to the point that we only had a narrow path to run in or we would fall into a ditch so I was going slowly. Needless to say I was very relieved when I got to the road again and wanted to make up for the time I lost on that part but I was also tired.

It wasn’t long until I got to the finish line after that but I did not make it in less than 40 minutes. It took me exactly 43 minutes.

After that, the plan was to go somewhere for a birthday lunch but after that I really didn’t want anything complicated, I just wanted to relax and was really in the mood for a hamburger. I got what I wanted, a calm Sunday barbecue with my family at home. I got my cheeseburger, fries, onion rings and cake and I loved it! 

I didn’t stop celebrating there; my coworkers surprised me on Monday with delicious cupcakes!

Thanks to everyone who helped me have another wonderful birthday.

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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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