Jessica is a graduating senior from Rise Kohyang High School and an SRLA scholarship recipient. Jessica loves having an active lifestyle and SRLA has helped push herself to her limits all while having fun and creating new friendships and memories. Jessica was part of the LAPD Wilshire Cadet group and will be attending University of California, Riverside to major in Public Health!

Jessica at her graduation from Rise Kohyang High School.

I ran my first LA Marathon during my sophomore year. I trained with Student Run LA, ran with hundreds of people, and was cheered by the crowd. As someone who loves to be active and has a passion for sports, SRLA has given me this opportunity to go beyond and prove to myself that I can push my limits.

Jessica with one of her role models, Jocelyn Rivas!

Fortunately, I was able to run my third LA Marathon in March of 2022. Along my way, I was able to meet the Warrior herself, Jocelyn Rivas, (an SRLA alumna and youngest woman and Latina to run 100 marathons) which was a very memorable moment for me since she is one of my biggest role models in running. I love how I am able to use running as a way to meet new people, who I now consider as my running partners and friends. Running has also allowed me to encourage others along the way. As I look back on my years of being in SRLA, I say “wow Jessica, you have ran 3 LA Marathons so far, and there is more yet to come.” I love the feeling of crossing the finish line in every run because it always gives me that feeling of success that shakes my body to life. Running has influenced me to be the person I am today, becoming a better version of myself than I was yesterday. Throughout my 3 years in SRLA, I saw a constant growth in myself mentally and physically and it proves to me that with determination, having a positive mindset, and being able to finish a 26.2 mile marathon, then I believe I can do anything.

Rapid Fire!

My favorite place to run...
Is Griffith Park around the trails next to the golf course. Ever since I was little, I have gone to Griffith Park on the weekends with my family to go for hikes, make carne, or just have a picnic. I love coming to this park for a run because I can see the trees, birds, and breathe the fresh air. Running in green spaces makes me feel calmer and energized, and I find it easier to concentrate while running.

Something you can’t run without…

One, obviously my running shoes and socks. Without my running shoes I wouldn’t be able to go anywhere and run comfortably. Secondly, as wonderful as it is to step out to nature and listen to the birds chirping, sometimes when I go for much longer distance runs I need that boost, so I need to take my AirPods. To be honest when I run for long runs it can get a bit boring if it’s just myself running. So listening to music not only does it entertain me, but also motivates me to keep running. Another must have for running is my phone. I use my phone to track my miles and to also track my time to see whether I improved my time from my last run. This is a way to help me track everything through the Nike run app and helps me improve my running and to reach my goal.

Favorite SRLA race…

Definitely has to be the Holiday Half Marathon. This is the run that I enjoy running the most because it feels very festive and I forget the fact that I’m running. I just have a good time and see it as a way of ending the year with a good run with the people I care about. But honestly, every run that I have had with SRLA has been my favorite runs because I am able to do the things I like doing which is running and experience it with others who enjoy it as well.
Favorite LA Marathon mile…

Mile 10-15, running at Hollywood Blvd and Sunset Blvd. I love running through Hollywood because the crowd grows, music gets louder, and I am able to see landmarks that are familiar to me like the Chinese theater, Capitol Records Tower, and I love how I was able to see a parade of the movie/ series billboards along the street. This was a chance to take a selfie with the super-sized golden Oscar statues. Running here made me feel like a star and this kept my legs running.

The reason for why I run is because…

Running is like my therapy. I run for self-discovery, the ability to push beyond previous limits, for fitness, for the simple joy of running. I like how I can use running as a way to meet new people and meet friends who are now my running partners. Running has provided me with so many wonderful experiences and I find that it gives me a boost both physically and mentally. I also run for those who can’t. Through running I am able to inspire other young athletes by sharing my experiences and lift and help each other to find in ourselves one last push to endure more.

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Senior Stories: Jessica, Running is My Therapy

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