David: Goal Setting and Determination

David is an SRLA Runner and recently finished his senior year at Downtown Magnets High School. He plans to attend Brown University in the fall. 

David starting off at the Pasadena Half Marathon

Being a part of Students Run LA taught me the value of goal-setting and determination. When I first began SRLA in my 7th grade year, I wasn't a great runner and didn't exercise often. But as the years progressed, I learned the fundamentals of running, exercised more, and met new friends as a result of the experience. 

David and his teammates before starting the Los Angeles Marathon.

Moreover, each Saturday or Sunday morning long run prepared me for the races both physically and mentally. These long runs filled with hills, warm or cold weather, would often put me in an uncomfortable situation, but I knew that each practice would improve my stamina and my mentality going in. I have now run 5 marathons and shaved off minutes each year starting from 5 hours and 25 minutes to my new personal record of 3 hours and 22 minutes. 

As a result, I have now transferred over these same skill sets in the classroom and my daily routine. I set goals for the academic year, whether it be studying for a particular AP Exam, obtaining good grades in the courses I'm enrolled in, or learning a new subject, running the marathon helped me place things in perspective and accomplish much more than what I thought I could do.

I now plan to move to the East Coast and major in Political Science, Business Economics, or International Relations at Brown University. In addition, I hope to continue training for the Providence Marathon and hopefully qualify for the Boston Marathon in the future.

I would also like to thank Students Run LA for all the opportunities and resources they have offered me year after year!

You can help students like David achieve their goals and go on to college.