Jose: Tackling the SRLA SuperSTAR Challenge

My name is Jose Contreras. I am 16 years old and attend Hilda L. Solis Learning Academy. I joined Students Run LA this year. This is my very first year running and it has been a really great experience. Before I joined I was worried about me not being able to keep up with the rest of the team due to a bike injury I had in 2015. Now, I feel like I can keep running forever thanks to my awesome running leaders Mr. Alvarez and Ms. John.

I decided to joined SRLA because I wanted to become a better runner and be like my uncle who I admire because he has run in many marathons before. I want to run a marathon to make my family proud.

Training in the beginning was really difficult, but little by little I have gotten used to it. When I started I could barely run a mile and now I can run 3 miles without breaking a sweat. My favorite parts of training is feeling the fresh breeze in the mornings. Running helps me forget all of the problems I go through at home, such as when my mom and dad have arguments which make me really sad.

I hope to learn how to run in any terrain with no problem. The best advice I was given was to keep on going and never give up. Whenever I feel tired, I hear that advice in my head and it motivates me to keep on going. Thanks to students run LA I am able to accomplish many personal goals. I am proud at the shape I am in now. Hopefully I will complete the SuperSTAR Challenge and make my family and friends proud.

To support Jose on his SRLA journey, make a donation today! Contact Naomi at naomi@srla.org for more information.