Emma, Lucky for the Little Things
Emma considered herself lucky because she was able to join SRLA and take part of the Los Angeles Marathon in 2020. When just 5 days later the world was locked down due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Emma had to come back to running with a new mindset. She realized she was lucky for the little things.
Emma completing her first Los Angeles Marathon in March, 2020.
I still remember the day that I became a part of the SRLA family. My P.E teacher and fourth-grade teacher, who would become my SRLA leaders, announced and explained the program to me and I went on a limb and signed up. I had never really thought about how long 26.2 miles was and how much work it would even take.
That last-minute decision however was the best thing I have ever done because the 2019-2020 season was some of the best times that I have ever had. My friends and I had pasta parties and sleepovers, which were then followed by a race and even more celebrating. It was amazing. Then in March, we were luckily able to run in the LA Marathon. I got a great time and had seen so much improvement in my running and overall fitness throughout the season.
Then just 5 days later, the world stopped. The coronavirus, or Covid-19, had taken over the world and forced everyone into lockdown. It was a blast of shock, fear, and uncertainty that followed my personal euphoria. When the world stopped initially, everyone stopped. Like most, I wasn’t doing as great mentally or physically and was overall just lacking.
“The pandemic just gave me an understanding of how lucky I am to be surrounded by great people that want the best for me, and how lucky we were to just see each other and motivate each other to run in these troubling times.”
Emma during one of the 20 - 21 virtual races.
As time went on and just staying at home and not seeing the people you care about and doing the things you love became normal, I was itching to do something. Especially just having finished a great season. I just wasn’t ready to let that go. I knew that what I needed to get back into my usual go-getter mentality, I needed running back.
The SRLA 2020-2021 season began, and running in a pandemic brought many new changes. There were no more pasta parties, sleepovers, or live races. But even with these changes, I found myself so happy to just see my coaches and team and go on normal runs. One of my coaches recently had a newborn child, and I find myself so grateful for him. I struggle to wake up at 6 am for practice in the morning and I don’t have a newborn baby crying all night to tend to.
The pandemic just gave me an understanding of how lucky I am to be surrounded by great people that want the best for me, and how lucky we were to just see each other and motivate each other to run in these troubling times. Even though I jokingly complain to my coaches and teammates when I arrive tired at the crack of dawn to begin running, I really wouldn’t trade running and being part of SRLA for the world.
This year is unlike any other, but through adversity, I and those around me have improved so much and will be forever grateful for this season, SRLA, and each other.