When asked if they were excited about the race at least 3 of the 4 people I interviewed said yes. Ms. Perez, a DREAMS science teacher said “ I am excited, a little bit nervous cuz I’m having some issues but I’m excited.” Ethan G when asked if he was excited for the race replied with a simple proud answer “Yes.”
When a race gets closer to the date it can end up being quite stressful so how do the runners prepare themselves mentally and physically? Anthony C, the fastest runner in SRLA, says he just tries to improve his running pace a week before the race. Daniella M says she just eats good, sleeps, and remembers to keep going.
What makes the runners able to run non-stop? What’s their motivation to keep going? Well of course all of them have different reasons to keep running. Mileyah M says her motivation to keep running was because her mom did SRLA when she was in high school. Ethan G. says that his motivation to keep running is his friends.
The history of SRLA
SRLA was made in 1986 When Harry Shabazian challenged some students who people labeled as being misfits and underachievers to train with him to run a marathon which they all managed to run. Two teachers named Eric Spears and Paul Trapani decided to join Harry and also ran with their students together they caught the attention of Roberta Weintraub who was a member of the Los Angeles Board of Education. She saw this as a way to prevent dropouts. Roberta Weintrad and Marsha Charney decided to establish the program at LAUSD. On March 4, 1990, teachers from the city joined in on SRLA they all managed to run the 5th LA Marathon. In 1993 SRLA became an independent nonprofit organization we all love.
As we know SRLA seems like it’s all about training to run the marathon but could that be all?
The answer is no! There’s more to SRLA than you might think. Did you know that running not only benefits your physical health but also your mental health? It relaxes both your mind and body, helping you have the best vision of yourself. With that SRLA allows you to talk with the people around you helping you make new friends along the run. Not to mention SRLA, a non-profit organization will always be free and easy to join.
With that said SRLA also doesn’t discriminate against anyone no matter your race, religion, gender, or disability you will always end up being treated the same as everyone else in the field since we are all runners despite our differences.