My ASICS LA Marathon 2015 experience!

Jennifer, 2 years in SRLA - Animo Jefferson Charter Middle School

My name is Jennifer, I’m fourteen years old and I’m an eighth grader at Animo Jefferson Middle School. I've been in SRLA for two years and it has been an awesome experience! I've created so many memories with my past two teams which was one part of why I joined SRLA. We have been practicing for a long time and have attended many events of running. From the first race I realized that it was going to be a fun time working to get to the marathon.

The day finally came for SRLA which made me feel very emotional not just because it was my second marathon but because I was struggling with a pinched nerve in my back which didn't let me practice. My hopes were lowering every single day and the marathon got closer but then I realized the many people that supported me and cheered me up. So as the marathon got closer my hopes started rising which started making me more positive. Then the day finally came and well I realized that the important thing was to complete the marathon for all our hard work with my team would pay off.

I’m also a journalist, which gives me more time to write and express myself, including about the past events from SRLA, http://bulldogbugle.com/category/sports/srla/.  As a team we have gone to the races from 3-18 miles plus the marathon (26.2 miles) and other events like ice skating, helping out little kids as they become runners, uniting with other schools to eat, having tough workouts, practicing with different schools, running to different places, and the most unforgettable moments of all were creating memories with my friends and even some people that I didn't talk to before.

The countdown started at my school, walking through the hallways and hearing my teachers and staff telling me that the marathon was a few days away. Every day made me feel so emotional. On Friday our team headed to the race expo to get our bibs and things for the marathon and after that we went to eat at a restaurant which was a fun time having with them one day before the marathon came.

On Friday night I had to sleep early and I just couldn't stop thinking of the marathon. Eventually, Sunday came and I woke up thinking if I would complete it. Waiting on the bus was making me feel so nervous and when we got to Dodgers Stadium it was kind of sad because we realized that it was the last SRLA event we were going to have as middle schoolers. Warming up for the 26.2 miles pumped me up and made me feel scared yet kind of relaxed.  The race started and I feared that my pinched nerve in my back would come back and that it wouldn't let me run. Like around mile 15 it started hurting so I had to stop and walk part of it. Then I started having my English teacher’s voice in my mind: her saying “mind over matter” which helped me a lot and I continued to run but I had to run slow.

Alejandro Guzman
People running the 26.2 miles.

During the marathon I most enjoyed that there were a lot of people running in costumes and people supporting and cheering for the runners. Also, seeing many posters and banners with a lot of funny sayings that kept me pumped up. The music also entertained me and the people giving out snacks and drinks for the runners. It wasn't very hot like last year’s marathon which made me feel better. Watching the people eat along the course eat at restaurants while I was running was the worst part of all !

When I finished the marathon I felt super happy and shocked because I didn't think I would finish it that way, and I was proud when I received my medal and my "Marathon Finisher" sweater. But I think it was worth running 26.2 miles because not only it has helped me be active but also it has made me a more positive, open person. For next year I would like to run the marathon in good condition when I’m not hurt so I can challenge myself more. I would like to keep doing this in the future to create more awesome experiences and stay active!

Alejandro Guzman
Someone in a costume running.

Alejandro Guzman
Man in a Superman costume running.

Alejandro Guzman
People running as Batman and Robin.

I would like to thank all my coaches that have supported me throughout the SRLA year! Mostly, my coach, Carl Finer, because he has been there for our whole team and has took his time just to spend time with us. We look up to him because he has ran for a long time and has kept up with us no matter what.

Alejandro Guzman
Carl Finer, SRLA coach running in the green SRLA singlet.

Next year I go to high school, so I won’t have the same team with me, but I know that they can count on me whenever because my SRLA middle school memories, I will treasure them and never forget about it. Well now I come realizing that the phrase that many people used, “Nothing’s Impossible” is actually true.

Alejandro Guzman
People running, about to finish 26.2 miles.

Jennifer Guzman
A view of Santa Monica Beach.

SRLA runner reactions of "The Stadium to the Sea!"

Jennifer, 2 years in SRLA - Animo Jefferson Charter Middle School

Students Run LA (SRLA) runners from different schools had many reactions to the LA Marathon, running 26.2 miles and their day finally came to run "From the Stadium to the Sea"!

Before the LA Marathon
Eighth grade SRLA runner at Animo Jefferson Middle School, Kevin Gomez, felt very nervous because it was going to be his first time running the LA Marathon and he could imagine the amount of miles he was going to run. "While the marathon comes closer I feel excitement because I am going to show what I'm capable of by running 26.2 miles in the heat," Kevin said. He had been preparing for the marathon by running the most miles he can. During the marathon, he thinks he will see a lot of drinks being passed out.

Seventh grade SRLA runner at Animo Jefferson Middle School, Alondra Banda, expected to see the cheerleaders and teachers cheering but mostly her dad at the finish line. "I feel really scared and nervous running 26.2 miles because I have never done it before and I'm not sure if I'm going to make it," said Alondra. She had been keeping herself hydrated and doing short runs to help her out when she runs the marathon.

Eighth grade SRLA runner at Dr. Julian Nava Middle School, Stephanie Yescas, had been sleeping a lot,  eating a lot of carbs, and drinking lots of water for the 26.2 miles. "I feel nervous, yet excited because I can picture myself at the starting line but having problems with my injury I have so I'm also kind of worried," said Stephanie. She hoped to see a lot of people and that she will be able to finish.
Eighth grade SRLA runner at Grace Yokley Middle School, Adrian Sanchez said, "I expect to see someone pass out or falling because that usually happens in races before, so imagine the marathon?" He was training very hard in every practice and event. "I'm nervous about the marathon because I don't know if I'm going to finish or even pass out while running," said Adrian.

Eighth grade SRLA runner at Adams Middle School, Brenda Silva, was full of excitement because her goal was to run in a faster time as the past marathon she did last year. "I practice three days a week and ran the past races to make sure I was in shape for the 26.2 miles," said Brenda. She wanted to see a lot of people and the good views while she is running.

Eighth grade SRLA runner at Carver Middle School, Francisco Vargas, hoped wants to see a lot of people supporting him at the marathon, including his family. "I feel nervous and scared of running the final race for SRLA this year because I hear many people talking about it and it makes me think about it the whole time, but I attend all practices and even workout on my own so I won't have a hard time," Francisco said.

Eighth grade SRLA runner at Carver Middle School, Karen Hernandez, was sure to see thousands of people cheering and giving out snacks for all the runners. Karen said, "I have so many mix emotions because it's going to be my first marathon and also I'm worried about running 26.2 miles in hot weather."

All these runners were very emotional about the marathon and are just waiting for that day to come.

Jennifer Guzman
This is in the morning of March 15.

Jennifer Guzman
This is when the marathon started.

After the LA Marathon
Many students completed the 26.2 miles that go from Dodger's Stadium to Santa Monica Beach.
Kevin Gomez said, "After running 26.2 miles I feel that I have a lot of potential and I feel like the Incredible Hulk and The Flash." Kevin enjoyed the many people that motivated him while running when he was feeling down. "Even though I didn't like the hills I would like to do the LA Marathon again because for me it was fun and I get to run the whole city," Kevin said.

Alondra Banda felt proud running from Dodger's Stadium to Santa Monica Beach because it was a big accomplishment she made. "When I was half way done I still felt it was going to take forever to reach the finish; even though it was hard, I really enjoyed it," said Alondra.

Stephanie Yescas loved the SRLA Marathon Finisher sweater that she received at the end because it reminds her of her wonderful experience she had. She felt shocked and very happy that she completed the 26.2 miles after not attending some practices due to problems she had. "I would definitely love to run another marathon because I have a goal for next year as my time being 4:35 or something closer to that," Stephanie said.

Adrian Sanchez enjoyed running the marathon and wants to do them in the future in order to beat his past times. "I feel proud of myself that I completed one of the toughest things/events in the world," said Adrian. He liked when the people sprayed him with water because that refreshed him and also when he received his medal that showed the accomplishment he made.

Brenda Silva completed her second marathon which made her feel motivated to run more because she has had good experiences with both of them. "I loved that on every mile there was people supporting us to continue running even though they didn't know us," said Brenda.

Francisco Vargas wants to keep running because he had a good time running 26.2 miles with his best friend. "I felt so so so so so so sore after the marathon that I couldn't even walk good to the high school, I wanted someone to carry me over there but no one wanted to," said Francisco.

Karen Hernandez enjoyed the views while running, like Hollywood and she liked when there were police officers or firefighters that would bring the hose to wet the runners and refresh them. "I feel happy, relived, tired, sore, proud, and well many emotions because I had finished 26.2 miles for my very first time and of course I will do anything to run the marathon again for next year to improve my time and also just to have fun," said Karen.

All these runners want to keep running and do the LA Marathon. SRLA teams from many schools took their time to practice for the races and started from little to big, from running 3 miles to 26.2 miles!

Jennifer Guzman
People that ran 26.2 miles.

Jennifer Guzman
These are some people that ran the LA Marathon heading to the finish.

Unforgettable: Meeting the Elite Runners

Karen, 6 years in SRLA - Camino Nuevo High School #2

Meeting Sarah and Ryan Hall was an unforgettable experience because my teammates and I got to meet one of the most amazing runners in the world. ​This was an opportunity that not many runners have the chance to ask for advice, have their signatures, stretch, run, and even watch them run. I especially enjoyed the fact that they made us feel welcomed and made us feel as if we had known them for years. Lastly, it was great to know that they were proud of all of the hard work that we put in the last seven months.

Ever since I met Sarah and Ryan, I've rediscovered the initial reason to why I run marathons. I run because I am passionate about this sport and I indulge every moment with it. Although I might dedicate each mile to someone special, deep down I know that I do this sport because its what my heart most desires. Most importantly, these two awesome runners motivated me to keep having a positive mind and to never give up on my dreams. In a runner's world, there is no such word as "impossible". On March 15, 2015, I will run the Asics LA Marathon with my SRLA team, finish strong, and reach my goal in finishing in 4 hours and 45 minutes.   

#SarahandRyanareawesome!

18 Miles: A Piece of Cake

Cesar, 3 years in SRLA - Camino Nuevo High School #2

Since this is my third year training for the LA Marathon, I knew how the Friendship Run was going to be. I was not worried or scared of how I would do during the run. I was confident. Running the Friendship Run is an amazing experience because I saw many people running with their friends. The race day was a perfect day for a run, aside from the blazing hot sun - it was piece of cake.

No Casualties @the Friendship Run

Laina, 4 years in SRLA – Camino Nuevo High School #2

First practice at Hansen Dam: 15 miles – everything was looking peachy…not really. My body hurt, it was cold, and most of all, super windy! I might have swallowed half a pound of dirt from all that wind. Second practice at Hansen Dam: 10 miles – the sun was out, I felt good, it looked like a prosperous run with no casualties. Now, the big day came: the 18 Mile Friendship Run. Let's have an honest moment here: I am a 4-year marathon veteran. I know what I'm getting myself to. However, the 18 Miler always takes a toll on my brain and body. It's so long and that first lap kinda kills you. I ran with a close friend at this year’s race; we usually don't run together, but we always find each other, so we both thought, "Why not?" Our goal: Don't get picked up by “The Bus of Doom."

The first lap was going great. Mile 6 came along and the sun was blazingly hot! #TheThirstWasReal

Mile 15 by 11:15am and I felt that I was good. No Bus of Doom for me! We jogged the last mile together and we crossed the Finish Line.  It wasn't a new PR for me; it was more about doing something that I was proud of. When I finished, I grabbed two water bottles, three Rice Krispies Treats and three oranges. I headed to my marathon team, known as the MIGHTY TIGERS, and celebrated with them our accomplishment together as a family with even MORE food. :)

 

The Meaning behind the Friendship Run

Fernanda, 3 years in SRLA – Camino Nuevo High School #2

This being my third 18-miler, I thought it would be a lot easier to accomplish compared to the other two races that I had run in the past. But it totally wasn’t. I felt completely exhausted and tired by the third mile, making me wonder what I had gotten myself into. I have to admit that during the first lap I felt like dying and giving up. And I know that it sounds a little too much, but that’s exactly what I felt in the moment. I felt like it was the hardest thing that I had ever done and then suddenly halfway done, I understood the point of the Friendship Run.

Every year, I have run the Friendship Run with the same person. We push one another and encourage each other every step of the run. And this year, it was no different. I ran with the same friend who not only cared about finishing the run at her own pace, but someone who was just as tired as I was, and yet still had the strength to push me and remind me to do my best. She made me realize that running is not all about competition and time, but about actually finishing strong and giving it my best. And just like every year, this year’s 18 Miler made me see how great of a team SRLA is. SRLA @ Camino Nuevo High School is filled with people who don’t let each other give up, even when we think we can’t keep going any longer. Although the rest of my amazing team finished at different times, I have the honor of successfully finishing the Friendship Run with all of them. 

Tougher than the LA Marathon: 18 Miles @Hansen Dam

Omar, 4 years in SRLA – Camino Nuevo High School #2

When I listen to the name, "Hansen Dam", I think of the toughest place I have ever trained for the LA Marathon (well, I haven't trained anywhere else outside of the Southern California area, so: no biggie!). This year, I ran the SRLA Friendship Run for my fourth consecutive year. I can practically say I have conquered this course! I don't like to consider that because I still struggle every single time I go through this course.

I would say it would be the course itself that is such a struggle. Mile after mile, you are at a different elevation so breathing becomes a factor, especially for me since I'm an asthmatic runner. My team ran this place twice this year during our weekend practices. The first was a 15-miler, where I probably had one of the worst practices I have had since my first year back running back during the 2011 – 2012 season. The wind was going crazy all over the place, it was even pushing me around up in the dam. That's when I figured this place still hasn't changed a bit. I managed to finish at a slow rate, but I didn't feel as I if I had run at my normal pace. The following week, we had a 10 mile practice: a perfect run from the start. I knew I was ready for the next week, the 18 Miler.

There was traffic trying to enter the school bus parking lot, so I used my time preparing my mind for the run. I didn't know how I would approach the run. Run a small pace I can keep up for the entire run? Or go pretty fast the first lap trying to squeeze out a really fast finishing time? I decided the safer approach by taking my time, because the second lap I figured is always tougher. My team was so far behind in race preparation. We didn't even have much time to stretch because the race had already began. We sang our pump up song as a team, which was enough to get me going. People stared at us like if we were crazy, but we didn't mind. The run started and I started out pretty okay. I saw the flags we had to stay ahead of, and I worried for everyone who had trouble keeping up with it. Hopefully everyone stayed ahead of it. 

The first lap went by pretty easily. I managed to catch up to my little brother, who had a stomach ache early in the run. I wished him luck and moved on. After the first lap, I thought to myself, "How am I feeling?" I seemed to be fine, my little strategy was working fine. I remembered to keep up my salts and sugars, because our coach, DQ, always told us to eat pretzels and candy along the way. I came up to about mile 12, just about the other side of the entrance of the dam, and that's where I had to take my first break. I seemed to be pretty tired out as this is always where I hit the runner’s wall in the course. I needed to keep up my pace, so I moved along. Every mile seemed to get longer for me, until it was time to do the dam one final time. I needed about three more miles to finish, but the dam was there waiting to take away all the energy left in me. I started off slow, I knew there would be limited fluids up there so I watched how fast I went. Soon enough I hit the midpoint of the dam, where people were handing out water, pretzels, and oranges: exactly what I needed for the remainder for the run. I hit mile 17 and I could just hear the people finishing and I got excited. Taking everything slow, I finished the dam and hit the final downhill. My pace got faster as I was eager to finish. I skipped the final water station and saw the Finish Line. I went faster as people all over cheered on the runners and I sprinted to the Finish Line. Finally, for the fourth year in a row, I finished the SRLA Friendship Run. I got my fastest time yet at 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 32 seconds. I conquered the dam once more!