Believing That You Can Believing That You Can
was not easy, but damn, I did it! I started the sport
of running few years ago. In the beginning I was unwilling
to do it. It made me so tired and breathless. I could only
jog for less than one mile. I continued to encourage myself
and I began to be more successful day by day. Key
Biscayne is a wonderful place to start jogging. It has a nice
view, a fresh breeze, but the best part is the bridge. The
bridge rises up over the bay and from the top I have a nice
opportunity to enjoy seeing the ocean, some dolphins, some
manatees, and sometimes some pretty birds. Training for
this event was the hard part.
Having confidence that you will finish the race depends
a lot on how you train. The eating is the best part. My diet
had to be rich in carbohydrates. Eating pasta three days
before the marathon will help to maintain the energy. Pasta
is yummy for me! Shoes are also very important. They have
to fit well. People could get hurt even up to their knees if
they don't have the proper shoes. They have to be a pair
which are not too heavy and not used for the first time the
day of the marathon. I don’t call it a competition, I call it a
completion! The sensation of finishing is great. It is like
completing a goal. The spectators encourage the
marathoners with posters and also with all kinds of noise-
making devices. I know I will do this again and I look
forward to running the New York Marathon!
Nathalia Menicucci is from Venezuela and has lived in the United States
since 1999. She is currently studying to take her GED exam with TLC
Online at The English Center, Miami. Her teacher is Tim West.
How Did I Get Here?
I am Nelirys Sánchez, Civil Engineer Trainee at USDA
Forest Service, National Forests in Florida. I am from
another country, transitioning from college to the
workplace. One day, in 2008, in my third year of college at
the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus, I saw a
sign from the USDA Forest Service for an internship. That
sign invited undergraduate students to interview. As soon as
I saw the sign, I decided to apply. Once I got the interview,
I was so nervous because it was my first one and it was in