if i were u i think it would be better in present tense but thats my opinion.

Edited below:

In the short story “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara, the main character learned that although you may want something badly, you should always think of others before thinking of yourself.

Squeaky was the fastest runner at her school. She was probably the fastest runner she knew, and when she saw Raymond running alongside her for the first time, keeping pace, she knew everything was about to change. “It occurred to me that Raymond would make a very fine runner…I can always retire as a runner and begin a whole new career as a coach with Raymond as my champion.” (p.40). This shows that giving up your dream is hard, but helping someone else achieve theirs is rewarding. It is certain that Bambara’s characters will always remember how good a runner Squeaky was, but now they will be able to see how good a runner Raymond will be.