The "Marlin" in my life

   I can remember those days as if was yesterday. I would always try hard to beat my best friend in soccer but would never accomplish it. It was on a Friday, right after school when we decided to play soccer in Cedarbrook park. We grabbed about four branches and planted it in the ground and used it as our goals. My best friend Kevin was 10 years old and I was 11, a year older. As we started to play I tried my very best to beat him, but nothing. Another victory for him as always. It was his 20th victory so far and me, none. I hated the fact that he was better than me and I wanted to change that. "What happened John? When are you going to try?" Kevin said as he laughed. He knew that would bother me but also knew that saying that would make me try to improve.
   After that day i was determined that one day i will surpass his skills and become so much better than him that he would be speechless. I decided to keep practicing my ball control because that was what i really had problems with. After 2 weeks i faced Kevin again. I started running with the ball and then out of no where he just came sprinting towards me and slide tackled the ball. " What the heck?! Did you just get better?" I yelled surprisingly. He just smiled and made fun of me again. " At that rate you will never become better than me." he exclaimed. I felt very frustrated and did not know what I was doing wrong. I needed to improve.
   After 4 weeks I asked him if we could face each other again, but he couldn't because he had joined a soccer club and has practices everyday. I was a bit upset about it and felt a bit lonely playing soccer. Yet I also knew that I must train as well and decided to practice everyday in my backyard. 4 years later, I felt a whole lot better. I have been running laps, trying my best to gain muscle and eat healthy. I feel that I have made magnificent progress. By testing my skills I asked my sisters husband if I can face him on soccer. He was a great soccer player till he messed up his leg when he was younger but he was still skillful. It was a hot sunny day and I was starting to sweat even though we still did not start to play. We played for about 2 hours and I ended up winning. The score was 20-18.
   I was excited. Knowing that i won meant that i have really improved. I feel a whole lot faster and stronger compared to when I was 11. Then I decided that it was time to face my best friend again. He was still in a soccer club and that means that he has practices every day. I still asked him if hew wanted to play against me and he said sure. I was excited. All I could think of is the impression on his face after beating him. I went to where he would always practice with his team and there he was, with his coach. " I hope you don't mind if i let my coach be here." He said in a calmly way. "Sure." I replied.
   We then went right against each other. I was surprised from his skills and he was fast.REALLY FAST. I felt like I wouldn't keep up to him, but I wouldn't give up. We played for about 1 hr and I was tired as heck. He really made me run. I ended up losing 30- 26. " Not bad John. I brought my coach here so that you can join our team. You will certainly get better there" he said. I accepted the offer but I still lost to Kevin. Even though I lost, one thing that I have won was determination. I decided to keep on training till I would beat my best friend.