Meet The Alumni Committee: Katja!
A group of dedicated SRLA alumni have been hard at work, creating and identifying opportunities for fellow alumni to get involved. Over the next three weeks we will be introducing the committee members on the SRLA Blog. This week we are starting with John Burroughs Middle School alumna and now professional marathoner, Katja!
If you are an Alumni and want to be featured, fill out the SRLA Alumni profile here: https://forms.gle/JvyZ9oQF2LdCaaQL6
Meet Katja!
Where did you run with Students Run LA (what group)?
John Burroughs Middle School
What years did you run the marathon with SRLA?
2002
Do you have a favorite SRLA memory?
My favorite SRLA memory comes from when I completed the marathon in 2002. My friend and teammate Theo and I agreed our goal for the race was not to walk. At around mile 20, we were both getting really tired and started talking about "just walking a few steps". We agreed we would just take a little breather and then continue to run, but when I slowed down to take a few steps, Theo just kept running! This convinced me to just keep running, and thus we finished the marathon and accomplished our goal together. We were so young we didn't realize it, but to this day I value the lesson we learned out there: that you can accomplish so much more together than you can alone. Thank you Theo!
Do you remember any specific challenges training as a student?
Sometimes I didn't want to get up early before school (we had all our practices before school), but knowing my teammates and friends would be there motivated me to keep showing up.
What are you doing now?
I am a professional marathoner and also work as a software developer on the side.
What lessons did you learn in SRLA that you still use today, if any?
The number one thing I learned from SRLA is that when you work as a group you can accomplish so much more than you can alone. If I didn't have my friends at SRLA, there is no way I would have stayed with the program and completed the marathon. I carry this lesson with me as I look at my own life and at the world at large.
Do you have any advice for current SRLA students, related to life and or running?
My advice to current SRLA students both in running and in life is to set a goal, believe in yourself and your own path, and surround yourself with other people who believe in you as well. And don't forget to have fun!
Rapid Fire!
A few more questions - just for fun!
Do you still run?
Yes! I run about 90 miles a week.
What was your favorite SRLA race?
I have 2. The 2002 LA Marathon, which introduced me to the beauty of the marathon, and the 2003 Holiday Half Marathon, which I ran with my friend Jinah. My goal for the race was to help my best friends Hanna and Jinah run their fastest time, and it was super rewarding to help them and see them accomplish their goal.
What did you have to have with you at every race?
My friends!
What SRLA gear (if any) do you still have?
Anyone who knows me knows I don't go anywhere without my 2002 LA Marathon SRLA Finsher's sweatshirt. When I was on the UCLA Track and Field Team, I was notorious for getting in trouble for wearing my SRLA sweatshirt to meets instead of our team uniform (sorry coach!)
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
I am forever grateful for the role SRLA played in my life. Not only did it introduce me to the beauty of long distance running, but perhaps more importantly helped me through a difficult period in middle school. It helped me find a group of people I could feel comfortable being myself around and taught me valuable lessons I carry with me to this day.
YOU CAN INSPIRE A LIFE-LONG LOVE OF RUNNING
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