Leader Spotlight - Coach Kelly: It's a Great Day to Run!
Coach Kelly is the SRLA leader at Port of LA High. She has completed eight LA Marathons with SRLA! This week she share’s her perspective on being an SRLA Leader…
What motivated you to become an SRLA Leader?
I was looking for a way to connect with students on a different level. I had coached the girl's soccer team at Port of LA a few seasons before. I wanted to coach again, but in a far less competitive environment.
What is your favorite memory (so far!) from SRLA?
I have so many great memories from SRLA, but I think my favorite memory so far is when I got to cross the finish line with my twin sister. She is not an SRLA coach, but she is an SRLA supporter and during the 2017-2018 season she trained and ran with Port of LA High. She was always a little faster than me throughout the season, so we didn't run together, but the day of the marathon she hit a wall at mile 23. I caught up to her, at this point in the race, and told her we would finish together and that I wouldn't leave her. We ran the rest of the race together and we got each other to the end. As we were about to cross the finish line, she grabbed my hand and we crossed the finish line holding hands. The photographers snapped a shot of this and it's a picture that will forever be dear to me.
What has been your biggest challenge as a leader? How did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge as a leader, thus far, has been running my program during the pandemic. Fortunately, we were one the programs that was allowed to run an in person program, but it definitely still had it's challenges. Even thought it was a challenge, it was also one of my most rewarding seasons as a coach.
What’s something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have a twin sister, who also has twins.
What is your favorite training tip, quote, or words of advice that you share with your students?
Every morning of a race, when I see my students, I always say..."It's a great day to run a ____!" I fill in the blank with whatever race/mileage we are running that day. The kids always groan, but they secretly love it.
What is something about SRLA that brings you joy?
Getting to spend time with my students in this environment, really builds a strong bond within the team. I really enjoy spending time with my team at races. To me, it doesn't seem like work when I love it so much.
Anything else you'd like to share?
SRLA has changed my life. I feel like it made me a better, person, mom, wife, and teacher. It gave me a bigger purpose in life.
Rapid Fire!
My favorite race has been...
The 15K is always one of my favorites...but also, the marathon, of course!
The longest run I've ever finished was...
The marathon.
One thing I can't run without is...
My Garmin. It helps me keep a consistent pace.
My favorite place to run is...
Long Beach, Shoreline Way.
My favorite post-run snack...
In N Out
The best part of every race is...
Seeing my kids on the course and cheering them on. They are my inspiration.
YOU CAN HELP LEADERS LIKE COACH KELLY GET THEIR STUDENTS ACROSS THE FINISH LINE
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