Leader Spotlight - Ms. Tracy
Ms. Tracy is the SRLA coach at Alliance CRMA4. Throughout her time with SRLA she was shown unwavering commitment to her students and gone above and beyond in representing the SRLA community. Recently, Tracy 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?
When I did my first marathon these very young people kept running past me. I read their shirts and wondered what does SRLA stand for? I didn't get a chance to ask any of the runners but once done with my first marathon I went online and discovered that SRLA was an acronym for Students Run Los Angeles. As a teacher, I knew at that moment that I wanted to be a part of such a wonderful organization. 5 years later and with a change of school, I jumped at the chance to become the secondary leader at my school. A year later, I became the primary leader and have been so ever since.
What is your favorite memory (so far!) from SRLA?
Oh, there are so many, Diego attempting to "ride" in a shopping cart to the finish, Jose's mother jumping into the marathon at mile 18 in full make-up and heels determined to get he son through to the finish - and she did, and the many students who were not on my team who have trusted me to get them to the finish, often by saying, "Hey Coach, can you help me...?" Of course I can! I have learned long ago, I am not running my time, I am running students' time - not just my student, but any and all SRLA students who might need my support.
What has been your biggest challenge as a leader? How did you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges as a leader is that I don't look like our students and parents expect. They seem to think that a marathon runner could not possibly be a middle-aged, chubby, Black woman, who does not run a 7 minute mile. How do I overcome their doubt in me? I show up, support, assist, teach and most importantly, I just keep running. Eventually, I earn their respect.
What’s something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
People might be surprised to learn that I ran my first marathon in my early 40's and my first marathon was also the first event I entered - I had never even run a 5K before. (Note: I did train, but it was quite informal - I just made a schedule and increased my milage weekly until I ran 25 miles).
What is your favorite training tip, quote, or words of advice that you share with your students?
Train well to recover well - and have fun!!!
What is something about SRLA that brings you joy?
Being a part of this amazing organization brings me such joy. I am so proud and humbled to be one of the 100 plus coaches that help students do something that they never thought they would do. Selfishly, it is such a great feeling.
Rapid Fire!
My favorite race has been...
Holiday Half - even this last one in the rain...
The longest run I've ever finished was...
LA Marathon where I actually ran 32 miles going back and forth to find students that needed support.
One thing I can't run without is...
My Fitbit - I'm a teacher - we love data!!!
My favorite place to run is...
Kenneth Hahn Park, very early morning
My favorite post-run snack...
Bananas
The best part of every race is...
Watching the students sleep on the bus with all of their gear on - brings a smile and sometimes a tear at every single event.
YOU CAN HELP LEADERS LIKE MS. TRACY GET THEIR STUDENTS ACROSS THE FINISH LINE
Donate, volunteer, or sponsor our students to make a difference with SRLA.