|
Sonia Rocio Lucia Alvarez is here for you!
Need
advice concerning school, running or high school life in general?
Send your
questions to Sonia and return to this page to see if they have been answered.
Dear Sonia : I've been in SRLA since the beginning of the year. I was just wondering..
is it a good idea to run with someone while in a race or is it better to run by yourself? During the races I get
leg cramps what do you advise for me to do so I get a better time, because I know I can do better.
- Paula
Dear Paula : It is always better to run with someone, that is why we have Students Run L.A. When you
run with someone there are many advantages. Here are a few. You have added safety if something goes wrong (you trip and break
your ankle you have someone to help!). You are more likely to run if you have an appointment to run and running with someone
or a group means you have that appointment. If you need motivation be sure to chose running partners that are self-motivated
and it will rub off on you. Two unmotivated runners together might work, but often there is too much walking and talking involved
and not enough running.
As far as leg cramps I am willing to guess that you don't drink enough water. Despite
recent stories that you don't need to drink water if you are running you need to drink water! Also when you first start
running cramps are common and often go away. If they continue be sure to see your Doctor or trainer at school if you have
one. Most cramps are just uncomfortable but you can still run without doing damage as long as you are sure it is not an injury.
If it continues for more than a week it may not be just cramping so see a professional.
Dear Sonia : I go to school in Pomona and i havent heard anything about the SRLA program around
my area, i would like to become a part of it but dont know how to do that. How can i get enlisted or involved in it?
- Oscar (and feeling Grouchy without SRLA)
Dear Oscar : I believe Pomona is out of the SRLA coverage area. Find
an adult at your school that would like to start a running program at your school. Have him/her contact me at this site and
I will talk to them and see if your school qualifies and if not, I will give some ideas as to how to start a program.
I'm a Senior at Rialto high, part of the Frisbie team, and I heard about the SRLA scholarship
for seniors. I've been trying to get the application, but i haven't had any luck.
- Ritchy
Dear
Ritchy
At an upcoming leader meeting, your SRLA leader will pick up the application forms. If you want to be considered,
be sure to be thoughtful in your answers and complete in filling out the form. Check back after the marathon, and we
will have a special page designed to help with the application for the scholarship.
What do you think is the perfect breakfast
before a race? Will there be help available if I can't finish the marathon? How do I get rid of terrible thoughts in my
head that I will not be able to finish the marathon? I have heard about people dying while running the marathon.....what about
that?
- Jose
Dear Jose,
I believe the perfect breakfast before a race is something that will
get you going without making you feel too full to run. A bagel or dry toast is good. Some fruit would be ok. Water is a must.
Don't eat anything that you know doesn't agree with you. I have heard that students have shown up in the morning with
McDonalds in hand, probably not a good idea. Don't over eat or drink or you will regret it.
There is a lot
of help at the marathon. If something happens to you on the course a shuttle is available. There is also a SRLA support station
at mile 22.
Keep all thought associated with running positive and I think the terrible thoughts will go away. As
far as dying in the marathon, if you are running with SRLA you have a physical exam on file. You have been checked and you
are safe to run the marathon. Every year several students are not allowed to run the marathon because they have a condition
and something could happen to them. So if SRLA has you signed up and ready to run you are going to be OK (although expect
to be very sore).
Dear Sonia,
When I run
I get really tired and want to stop but the coaches make me keep going and I feel like I want to puke. What should I do?
Elizabeth
Dear Elizabeth
Since you are training for the marathon your coach has to push you.
When it is time to go 26.2 you are going to be really tired. You need to be pushed a bit, that is why you joined SRLA.
As far as wanting to puke I would examine your diet. Maybe you eat right before you run? Or you don't eat enough? Or
you are eating the wrong foods? It is better to eat a meal a few hours before running so it is not sitting in your stomach
while you run. A light snack like a bagel is ok shortly before running.
Not eating may make you feel like puking but
you probably will not.
For ideas on healthy eating go to the nutrition page.
|
