Andrew, In A Moment of Crisis…

Andrew is a junior at Bravo Medical Magnet High. He put together this letter to express his gratitude for this season of SRLA.

Andrew, completing a run with a smile.

I joined SRLA during the pandemic because I needed a challenge, a challenge that will put me to the test. A challenge that would challenge me physically and mentally. “In a moment of crisis, reactions set the leaders apart from the followers.” My ultimate goal was to achieve a feat that few have accomplished. I was given the opportunity to participate in SRLA since my freshman year, but every single year I would reject the offer due to the lack of time I had in my day to day life. With the arrival of the pandemic and the shut down of the economy, suddenly we found ourselves at home with lots of time in our hands, there was no excuse for me to say no to participating this year. I made a promise to a friend that I would join SRLA and complete the L.A Marathon.

Andrew (right) and a teammate (left), running safely together.

SRLA kept me active along the few months of preparation leading up to the marathon. I was training 4 times a week on my own if not sometimes with a friend. When the pandemic recently started I was always at home on my couch or bed, with my face stuck to a screen for hours on end. My mental health, along with many more teens, dropped when the pandemic hit. No more going out, no more hanging with friends, our lives were not normal like before. I became more stressed and anxious, but preparing for the marathon really made my attitude and views on the pandemic flip. Instead of nagging and making excuses, blaming the pandemic for my sadness and always questioning why this is happening to us, I understood how we can still grow individually during a time of crisis and how we can be happy. During my training period I found myself more connected with my teammates from my track team, and sometimes we would meet up to run while of course practicing COVID protocols. With that boost, everyday life became less of a burden. School was easier to get through by, and running was what kept me hanging on to good grades because knowing my parents, they would take me out of SRLA if my grades dipped.

Looking back on these past few months, SRLA has really helped hundreds of kids along with me stay active, healthy, and motivated. One year ago I would never have imagined myself running a marathon during a worldwide pandemic and with a mask on. This is truly one of the most incredible feats that I have accomplished. I am proud to say that I was part of SRLA this season. Thank you for supporting me and my team, and the many other kids that were part of this season. We are truly thankful for everything, the prizes, shoes, medals, and support. I am grateful for the opportunity to run with SRLA. I am looking forward to one more season!

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