Mrs. Chavez is the SRLA leader at Los Nietos Middle School and, more recently, an SRLA Program Coordinator. She has completed six LA Marathons with SRLA and will use her experience to help provide resources to other SRLA coaches…

What motivated you to become an SRLA Leader?
My husband started SRLA at our school site (Los Nietos) 16 years ago. I was a chaperone that year. Through the years I saw our program grow. I was amazed every year at what our middle school students could accomplish. Once my boys were old enough, I decided to officially join as a leader. I never enjoyed running, but I saw many students and adults go though our program who never considered themselves runners. I wanted to be part of the program. I wanted to run with the kids. It was the most amazing experience. I wasn’t fast, but I finished. I also finished with the 2 students I had been running with all year. I will never forget that year. I have been a leader ever since. This year will be my 7th year as a leader with Los Nietos.

Mrs. Chavez finishing the LA Marathon alongside one of her sons.

What is your favorite memory (so far!) from SRLA?
Seeing students finish the marathon is the best feeling. I also love watching the families cheer their kids on with pride and tears in their eyes.

What has been your biggest challenge as a leader? How did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was running with my son. I have discovered that students are much more receptive to their teachers than their parents. I stuck with it, decided to let him pace us (with a little poking from me along the way), and enjoyed the marathon. It was a life changing experience for both of us. I don’t think he’ll run another marathon anytime soon, but he’s very proud of what he accomplished and so am I.

What’s something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
I hated running my entire life until I became a leader. Running the mile in middle and high school was torture! Now it’s more of a love/hate relationship.

What is your favorite training tip, quote, or words of advice that you share with your students?
You didn’t come this far to only come this far.

What is something about SRLA that brings you joy?
I love seeing my runners proudly wear their medals, sweatshirts, etc.

Anything else you'd like to share?
I broke my nose while running! I was running downhill, my toe caught the uneven sidewalk and I fell face first! I ended up with a broken nose and 2 black eyes. I was so thankful that a parent of one of my students had wipes to clean myself with!

Mrs. Chavez and her students, after completing their virtual marathon in 2021.

Rapid Fire!
My favorite race has been...
I love the LA Marathon. I love the course, I love all the spectators, and I love seeing the sea of neon shirts throughout the course.
The longest run I've ever finished was...
The virtual marathon during 2021. According to my app, it was closer to 27 miles. I guess my calculations were off when I planned it!

One thing I can't run without is...

My phone! If my Nike Run Club isn’t tracking my run, did it even happen?

My favorite place to run is...
I love running in new places. I like to run when I’m on vacation. This summer I ran in London to Buckingham Palace. I’ve also run in my vacations in Maui and Cabo.

My favorite post-run snack...
If it’s a short run, Red Vines! I like to splurge after the 30k and marathon with Carne Asada fries!

The best part of every race is...
The finish! Seeing all my students accomplish something they never thought possible is the best part.

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Leader Spotlight - Mrs. Chavez, "You didn’t come this far to only come this far."

Students Run LA