Leader Spotlight - Cynthia
Cynthia has been with Students Run LA for a decade! She started her journey as a student cadet with the SRLA group at LAPD Hollywood PAL. Throughout her years in SRLA she inspired her siblings to join and rose up as a leader in the program. After graduating she continued to train with Students and became a Marathon Leader for the same group she trained with as a student. Cynthia has always gone above and beyond in support of SRLA, she, and her cadet volunteers have spent many early mornings and long days dedicated to supporting the SRLA program. Last month, Cynthia was honored with an SRLA Star Award for her commitment to unselfishly and enthusiastically providing outstanding leadership…
What motivated you to become an SRLA Leader?
SRLA had such a huge impact on my life and I didn’t realize it until I got to college so I knew that I needed to go back and help out. I never thought about being a coach but I fell into it and it’s been one of the best things that has ever happened.
What is your favorite memory (so far!) from SRLA?
I have two favorite memories and they both involve my family and SRLA. The first was in 2019-2020 season where I was able to coach both my younger sister and brother for the first time and meet at the 2020 Marathon finish line. The second is when we got the opportunity to represent the SRLA and Hispanic community for the Nike Latin Heritage Month campaign.
What has been your biggest challenge as a leader? How did you overcome it?
Having the confidence to lead a big group was difficult at first but I started to use the coaching styles that my coaches used and I was able to relate and engage with our youth and the confidence came.
What’s something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
I didn’t like to run. It took me a long time to get into running and learn that there is more to it than just getting up and moving your legs.
What is your favorite training tip, quote, or words of advice that you share with your students?
Someday you wont be able to do this, but today is not that day.
What is something about SRLA that brings you joy?
The unity that everyone has. It starts in our individual groups but when we see other groups at races everyone is friendly and willing to help each other out and that is amazing to see especially in youth.
Rapid Fire!
My favorite race has been...
2020 LA Marathon
The longest run I've ever finished was...
27.2 Miles (LA Marathon + the dreaded walk)
One thing I can't run without is...
Headphones and chapstick
My favorite place to run is...
Griffith Park
My favorite post-run snack...
Tacos or chips
The best part of every race is...
The last mile. Getting to recap that what you just did is beyond amazing and playing out the feeling of accomplishment is my favorite part.
YOU CAN HELP LEADERS LIKE CYNTHIA INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF RUNNERS
Donate, volunteer, or sponsor our students to make a difference with SRLA.