Student Run Los Angeles Research Paper

Waking up at six in the morning on a Sunday is not typical, especially so when it is to run ten miles. However, this is how I have been spending my Sunday mornings for the past three years. I am a member of Students Run Los Angeles (SRLA), an organization that provides students the opportunity to run the LA Marathon. It is thanks to SRLA that I have been able to complete two marathons and am currently in training to complete my third. SRLA has not only taught me the importance of setting goals in life, but the character skills required to achieve those goals. As most marathon runners will tell you, the greatest obstacle in running is not the physical pain, but the battle with your mind. SRLA has taught me to break down mental barriers by reinforcing the lessons of persistence. By practicing multiple days every week and having multiple races leading to the marathon, I have learned that accomplishment does not happen overnight, but rather with continuous hard work. SRLA has taught me to believe in my abilities and to look forward in the task ahead. Most importantly, it has taught me to approach any task with a “can do” attitude as anything else will lead to failure.
The energy you I feel when waiting at the start line with 20,000 people who share a common goal is unbelievable. Running through the streets of Los Angeles gives me a different perspective on the city I thought I knew. Above all, running a marathon allowed me to discover more about myself, as you are alone with your thoughts. When completely drained of all physical and mental strength, you discover the drive that motivates you to keep on moving. As a marathon finisher, this drive has led to the realization that I can do anything I set my mind