Senior Stories: Jose, Developing Connections

Jose with his SRLA team wearing their Marathon Finisher jackets!

Jose found out about SRLA through his siblings who had participated previously. Jose joined because he wanted to improve his physical health and wanted a distraction from his studies. Being in SRLA helped him develop connections and a strong mentality. Jose became very close with the people in his team and a sense of community was built. This community encouraged him to finish four LA Marathons! Jose is a SRLA scholarship recipient and will be attending USC to major in Environmental Studies.

I found out about SRLA through my siblings who had participated in the group before me. I had wanted to join mainly because it was a program that could improve my physical health and it could also serve as a positive distraction during the school year. As I participated through the years, I developed connections, had amazing experiences, and developed a strong mentality on top of getting the chance to brag about finishing a marathon.

Jose and his parents at his graduation from Alliance Gertz-Ressler High School.

My first year with SRLA was during 7th grade. When I initially entered, my physical health wasn’t the best but I was determined to improve. Not only is training for the marathon very physically challenging, but it also challenges runners mentally. However, with the support of the leaders, parents, and other runners it is made slightly easier. While I was eager to run some days, it was difficult to find motivation to run other days but the people around me was what made the experience worthwhile. The experience of SRLA taught me that the people involved in a common goal are a part of what makes the journey worth it in the end. I remember there would be times during races when I felt like giving up, but the parents and the runners involved in the team would encourage me which motivated me to finish. Through the years on the team which included my 8th, 9th and 12th grade years, I came very close to the people on the team and a sense of community had been built.

As previously expressed, SRLA has played a significant role in my life by helping me develop connections as well as improving who I am as a person. I will definitely carry the experience I have gone through with SRLA throughout my life as it has taught me so much. I am thankful I was able to join a team through SRLA and had the experience I had.

Rapid Fire!

My favorite race has been…
The Pasadena Half Marathon because I got my personal best for 13 miles in that race and I really like the views it has.

Something I can’t run without …

A little fanny/hip pack where I store anything I may need like my phone, some money, and energy gummies for long races.

A special SRLA memory was…

Crossing the finish line with two of my closest friends and having our arms interlocked. While it was very cheesy, it was a moment full of a lot of emotions.

My favorite LA Marathon mile is… 

Probably around the 18 mile mark because that's when there's a lot of promotions and people hyping you up while also handing out energy drinks and popsicles.

Someone/something that inspires me to run…

My mom because she has been running alongside my sister and I for about 8 years. Seeing her persevere and have fun while running reminds me of the joy running can bring through hard work.

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