Captain Profile: Diego, Leading through Challenges
Fairfax High School SRLA, the morning of the 2020 Los Angeles Marathon.
Diego is a senior at Fairfax High School and this year he is captain of the SRLA Group there. Diego has run 5 marathons with SRLA and hopes to finish his 6th this March. Diego answered some questions so we could get to know him better.
What motivated you to join SRLA?
My mom’s an avid marathon runner and encouraged me to try running a marathon in 7th grade. I enjoyed running around with my friends since I was kid, so I went for it. No regrets. Training for the races built character and discipline and helped me with my goal setting. I can thank SRLA for making me more social and proactive in my school’s community in the years following. My brother even joined SRLA a couple years ago after being encouraged by us. I guess you could say it runs in the family!
What motivated you to become an SRLA Captain?
I’ve witnessed my high school’s SRLA team evolve over time. Moving forward from my freshman year, I’ve been granted the amazing opportunity of getting to grow with the teachers, staff and students that run in the program. After years of experience, I’m excited to become captain of a team that I’m proud of knowing and belonging to.
What has been your biggest challenge so far as Captain? How did you overcome it?
The pandemic has made it difficult to reach out to new students interested in running with us. I’m working with our coaches to create streamlined communication with the rest of the team through texting and Schoology. Social media has also been a big help in promoting SRLA and other clubs at our school.
Diego and his teammates after finishing the Los Angeles Marathon.
What is one thing you want to accomplish as Captain?
Motivating our team and pushing both returning and new runners to do the best that they can during these unusual training circumstances is a top priority. I look forward to seeing those around me(six feet apart of course) persevere throughout the season.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I couldn’t possibly express my gratitude for this program in a few sentences, but thank you SRLA for all of the resources and support that you’ve given us runners! SRLA has helped me cultivate my passion for running and have my training goals come to fruition. This program has changed my life for the better!
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