J-Town Running Club: 5 Days to Showtime

Wow! Where has the season gone? It is hard to believe that we will be taking to the streets of Los Angeles in 5 short days! Tomorrow, Wednesday will be our last official training run together. It will be a bittersweet day. As much as it may sometimes seem like a chore at the end of a tired day, we will miss these times running together. Three weeks ago we made it down to the beach for our 20 mile run. For many of us, it turned in to 21+ and we were still smiling…or passed out on the grass on the bluff…..Juan. =) It was a monumental day. Who would have thought…after never running more than a mile in PE, these champs would finish 20 miles Amazing! As Serena finished she became emotional realizing what she had just done, I got emotional too, that feeling is what it is all about. I love the conversations after the run about how we each felt through the miles, the sights we saw; how we cheered one another on and what we planned to eat as soon as we got home. A common feeling among “us” runners is the slight annoyance of the chatter of others who down play the mile we run and say, “they could easily do it, too”. The students shared that frustration of others who just don’t understand. This is something that many people can do, but few chose to put in the effort and make it happen. Our runners do not just talk about it, they are about it and we are very proud of them. We are runners!

After 20 miles, 14 the next weekend was quite relaxing, but we are tired. This late in the season it takes a lot of focus to keep going. It was a tough run, but we did it. The river bike path is not as nice as the beach, but it is home to us. Last week the weather scared us away and we did our final “long run” on Monday. With a few grunts and groans, we got out there and muscled it out. Maoleng snapped some pictures as we ran along. I have been absent quite a bit this season and cherish each time I get to be out there with the crew. This will be a tough marathon, but the excitement of the meeting the kids at the finish line will get me through.

As the season comes to a close we have many people to thank for helping us get across the finish line. We are very grateful for all who have donated. Thank you to all who sent in checks or donated via the site that Isaac set up. He took the initiative to set that up and clearly shows what Running Club means to students who take the opportunity to participate. Isaac ran with us last year. His effort and determination left a little…. or a lot, to be desired. I couldn’t figure him out. A year ago this time, I asked him if he even wanted to do the race…he shrugged his shoulders! I was in shock. Come to find out, like many of us, the thought of running 26.2 miles scared the heck out of him. As disappointed as I was in the shrug of the shoulders, I could not be more proud of the young man he has become since crossing the finish line of the 2013 LA Marathon. He has changed his attitude, gained confidence and has really hustled for the team this year. He is but one example of what doing the seemingly impossible can do for a person. We are grateful to have Keifer, Alberto, Armando and Isaac training with us again this year. They are great motivators for the team. Cindy, Marisol, Armando and many other students have really worked hard to put the word out in the community about the J-Town Running Club and worked hard to get donations to get all students across the finish line. Their dedication and support means a lot to Ms. Del Cid and I.

I will check back in on Friday after our trip to the expo and team dinner. We are blessed to work with incredible students and have the support of our family and friends.

Many Thanks,

Whitney and Sandra