Local Students Prep for L.A. Marathon
Erin Breznikar
Posted in the Oakland Tribune
Sunday, February 2, 2003
Oakland - More than half of the Oakland high school students training for the Los Angeles Marathon next month are new to competitive running.
In fact, many had not run even a mile before joining the Students Run Oakland program.
Modeled after the successful Students Run L.A., Oakland’s program has volunteer coaches instructing 14 runners from Oakland Technical and Castlemont High schools on technique, nutrition and physiology. Along with finishing the race and improving health, Students Run Oakland — in its third year — intends to build self-esteem and determination.
Participants say competitive running helps them achieve higher grades and gives them a chance to travel. But it also means sore muscles, early morning practices and missed time with friends.
“A lot of my friends thought I was crazy, but my family believed in me,” said Clifton Elliot Smith, 15. “I wanted to run a whole marathon. Most of the people at school can’t do that.”
“Before training I would run 15 minutes and be tired,” said Karla Herrera, 18. “Now I can run 13 miles without stopping.” Those in training say the hundreds of miles they have logged so far proves dedication and commitment will tame the daunting 26.2 miles they face in March.
The students train four days a week and are outfitted through donations and local store discounts. Health benefits aside, program coaches see marathoning as a steppingstone for future jobs and education.
“The running has given them exposure,” said program executive director Spencer Hooper. “Some of these students … really needed to learn how to dream. They didn’t know how to dream. They couldn’t see beyond their current situation.”
Students Run Oakland uses city parks and trails, local tracks and organized races as training grounds. The group recently completed a half marathon in San Francisco — the longest run this season — and has an upcoming 20-mile run that includes crossing the Golden Gate Bridge.
The life lessons that competitive running provide are needed, according to a recent California Health & Human Services Committee study, which estimates 21 percent of teenagers are obese. Likely causes are decreased physical activity and improper nutrition.
“Marathoning is not a joke,” said coach Alphonzo Jackson. “I wanted to let them know that their youth is not the only thing getting them through.”