Holiday Half Reflection: Keep Pushing

Monique is an 8th Grader at Los Nietos Middle School, she completed her first marathon with SRLA last year. Last month she ran the Holiday Half and this Sunday she will be taking on her second half marathon of the season, the Pasadena Half. Monique will be sharing her progress with the SRLA community all season long.

Monique proudly receiving her Holiday Half finisher medal.

What were you thinking about before starting this run? Is there anything you were particularly nervous or excited for?

Before starting this run, I was thinking that I was about halfway in completing the season and I was about to complete the first half marathon of the season. Something particular that I was nervous about were the steep hills of the route that we were about to run.

What were your goals for this half marathon and how did you plan to accomplish them?

My goals for this half marathon were to run all of the steep hills and try to start as steady as possible. I planned to accomplish this goal by having a steady pace and staying hydrated.

How did you feel while you were running?

At first I felt excited, but then, throughout the run, I got tired. But I kept pushing until I got to the finish line.

What was the best part of the run?

The best part of the run was when I saw my mom cheering me on as I ran to the finish line.

How did you feel after you finished your run? Was it any different than other runs you've done before?

I felt very tired and hungry, but very happy of what I had just accomplished. The run was different than our other runs because the hills on the route were very challenging.

What was your favorite part of the Holiday Half?

My favorite part of the Holiday Half was when I saw the lake shining and the ducks.

Is there anything you learned on this run that will help you with your next half marathon?

Something that will help me in the next half marathon is that the half marathons are challenging, which requires more preparation to be successful and have a fast, steady pace.

Anything else you want to share?

This half marathon is probably the most challenging I have ran because the steep hills and the narrow roads really challenge you. They make you believe that you can run the other half marathon, the 18 mile run, and the marathon.

To support students like Monique and her team mates at Los Nietos Middle School consider giving at srla.org/donate.