Edith: Always Strive for More

SRLA has taught me a few life lessons, the most important one being that if I put my mind to it, I can achieve anything.

I remember my freshman year of high school, I attended the Los Angeles Marathon, not as a runner, but as a support system. I remember telling a close friend of mine, “man, these people are crazy, who would want to run this.” Jokingly I told my friend, “next year this is going to be us.” A year later, I am at the LA marathon again, but this time as a runner. There were so many times throughout the course where I was ready to give up, but just seeing the crowd yelling and cheering, and seeing fellow SRLA runners supporting one another, motivated me to continue. Crossing that finish line felt so great, the sense of accomplishment was everything. My second year of SRLA, I started getting constant knee pain. A few weeks before the marathon the pain became severe. I remember saying to myself, “ I can’t give up now,” and thinking it would be the end of my running career. I had an amazing support system, helping me get through the pain. With the support of my coaches, I was able to run and complete my second marathon, and here I am training in hopes to complete a third this upcoming March of 2019.

When I crossed the finish line, it felt like a great accomplishment. I felt so relieved, my feet were killing me, but it was a life changing moment for me. I always doubted myself and thought I’d never be able to finish. We’re speaking about 26.2 miles. Before training I could barely run a mile without getting tired. I was so proud of myself when I crossed the second time. Although it wasn’t about time for me, the second time I finished 12 minutes earlier, and that to me was progress. 

Some advice I’d give to first timer would be to focus on breathing. Breathing plays a huge role when it comes to running. Also, drink water!!! Do not pass up on water, trust me, it’ll hit you by mile 10 if you don’t drink enough water.  I would advise them to enjoy the run, it’s such a beautiful route, such a beautiful city. Have fun and don’t stress about it too much. You’re going to finish, believe in yourself, you got this. 

After high school, I plan on attending college and pursuing architecture. I also would love to be able to continue running, and potentially be able to run the 2020 marathon. SRLA has taught me to never settle, always strive for more. It has taught me that I can achieve anything, as long as I focus and never give up. 

Ever since I started running with SRLA, I have encouraged my family members to begin running and even run this upcoming marathon with me. A lot of people doubt themselves when it comes to running a marathon. Don’t give up, if I could do it, so can you. It is a great experience, something you will never forget.