Taking a Step Into a New Version of Yourself - Juan's Marathon Reflections

Last month Juan, a Junior at Foshay Learning Center completed his first Marathon. He was just one of 2,600+ SRLA runners completing the LA Marathon that day. Juan shares his LA Marathon Experience in this week’s blog…

What was your favorite part of the run?
My favorite part of the run were the last 0.2 miles. I’m not going to lie it was longest 0.2 miles I’ve ever ran. At that point I can barely stand but yet I can the indomitable human spirit surging through my veins. My body wants to walk but my will won’t allow it. I can see the finish line so clearly. I slowly start running faster until I’m sprinting and at that moment everyone is cheering me on. That was the best feeling I’ve ever felt.

What new place or thing did you discover during the Los Angeles Marathon?

The dragon bridge in China Town was something new that I’d surprisingly never seen before.

What was the most challenging part of the run?
The most challenging part was Mile 20, by then I can barely walk and still need 6 more miles. On the left side of the rode I can see people nearing the end, while I still needed at least an hour worth of running. It was the most challenging part mentally and physically.

Were there any moments when a fellow member of the running community helped you during the event?
My friends ran with me for majority of the race and we all encouraged each other and helped push each other to our limits, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be at the level of running that I’m at now.

How did you feel crossing the finish line?
Crossing the finish line of the LA Marathon was an incredibly emotional and rewarding experience for me. After running 26.2 miles through the streets of Los Angeles, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride as I cross the finish line. Crossing the finish line of the LA Marathon represents the culmination of months of training and hard work I’ve put in through this past SRLA season. I feel like as you cross the finish line, you’re also taking a step into a new version of yourself.

What advice do you have for someone who is planning to run the Los Angeles Marathon next year?
The only way to grow faster and stronger is to push yourself beyond what your body can handle, when you feel like you can’t walk just smile and keep running no matter how much it hurts, awaken your indomitable human spirit.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I just want to thank my amazing coach Mr.Wolf who always supported me and guided me throughout this SRLA Season

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