Students Run Oakland: News

SRO: Planning for the Future

2009-11-05T20:57:00.000-08:00

As some of you may be aware, Students Run Oakland (SRO) is taking our 10th Anniversary season as an opportunity for a closer look at where we have come from, where we are, and where we would like to go as an organization.

A Strategic Planning Initiative led by Board Chair Bridget Harper and Executive Director Spencer Hooper and comprised of staff, volunteers, and students is chartered with examining and positioning SRO to provide increased opportunities to a greater number of students in a more sustainable way. The objective is to develop the organization's road map for the next three years to meet these goals.

To date, with the help of outside experts, we have completed several significant phases of work:

Planning and goal setting
Evolving the mission, vision, and values statements
Completing a comprehensive stakeholder assessment and SWOT analysis
Summarizing internal and external data to develop core future strategies

During December and January, the team will move into the final initiative stages: writing and socializing the plan. To ensure that the strategic plan is a dynamic and living document, the final phase will be to develop the implementation plan.

We will continue to update you about our progress as the Strategic Planning Committee and our outside consultants wrap up their work this winter. As the implementation plan takes shape, we may be drawing on many of you to assist with its execution.

Together, we will build a stronger organization that continues to train Oakland youth for life, one step at a time.

Volunteer Engagement

2009-10-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

Volunteers, By now, you should be starting to get used to our weekend routine. Here are a couple of tips for making the most of your weekend runs:

Keep engaged with students: Remember to run with and converse with students. That's why we're here! If you find a student running by himself or herself, or even find that you are running by yourself, please alter your pace to pair up with a student.
Keep engaged with other volunteers: At the start of the runs, check in with your Lead Volunteer and others in your volunteer group. Consider participating in the Thursday Evening Social/Training Run at Lake Merritt as a fun way to get to know other volunteers. Tonight we start at 6pm at the corner of 14th and Oak. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Steve Roberts for more details.
Keep engaged with marathon training: Remember that although a marathon is mostly mental, physical preparation can make it so much easier. Last week, we emailed out a training calendar to serve as a guide, especially if you are new to marathon training and looking for some additional information on how to help yourself be as prepared as possible to run with students in LA. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Steve Roberts if you did not receive your copy.

Week 4: 4 miles

2009-10-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend we'll run along the SF Bay Trail through Alameda for another four mile long run. Typically this run is not as windy as the Emeryville Marina, but come prepared for anything! It's getting late enough in the year that a sweatshirt or jacket for after the run is a good idea.

Students, there is a Nutrition Clinic with Dr. Michelle Mietus Synder on Thursday this week (Oct 22) at the YMCA. You can browse our Nutrition Resources and look through your Student Handbook for some basic information. Bring your questions to Thursday's clinic!

Volunteers, this weekend we begin the process of splitting everyone up into groups, with Lead Volunteers, Student Support Volunteers, and Students. If you are unable to make this run and don't find out your group, or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Steve Roberts. Also, please remember to sign up for this weekend's run on the calendar, where you can also find directions to the run.

Beginning Our Runs Right

2009-10-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

Students and Volunteers, congrats on your first two weekend runs! It may seem like a long way now, but in a few short weeks this mileage will be easy for you!

This weekend we'll be at the Emeryville Marina for 2-4 miles. Before the run, SRO's own Becky Austin, MD, will provide a clinic on stretching. Proper stretching during your marathon training will help you increase flexibility and prevent injuries. You can review our handout on injury prevention and stretching, or check your Student Handbook or Volunteer Handbook for some background information. Be sure to bring your questions to Saturday's clinic!

Volunteers, please remember to sign up in advance for this weekend's run on the calendar.

Violence in Our Communities: Message from the Executive Director

2009-10-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

In major metropolitan cities, urban communities across the country, inner-city students are being murdered in alarming numbers. As we watch the nightly news and hear about our wars, the economy, and health care, the murders of young people seem to become just statistics. But they are casualties taking place right in our own backyards.

In late August when I visited one of our schools to start recruitment discussions, I entered a somber campus and learned that the school community was mourning the death of one of its students who had just been murdered. Three weeks later, another one of our schools, Oakland Tech, lost a young person; she was murdered on Labor Day. This second senseless death hit even closer to home: she was in SRO's training program last season.

For the last few weeks, I sat to write about this deeply troublesome issue. Out of respect for the families and their privacy, I first decided that perhaps I should not write anything. But as each day progressed, I have become more compelled to voice the sheer anger and sadness I feel with what is going on. All too often when there is tragedy in our communities, it is followed by outrage and the feeling to do something; but as time moves on and the cameras or reporters are gone, the outcry and rallying to act dissipates. I often wonder what then happens to all of the emotions. If we only react during crisis, I am not sure how we will ever prevent them from occurring.

Many of the young people that we serve in SRO have experienced the loss of a friend or classmate by senseless acts of murder. Probably what is most troubling is that they are experiencing these atrocities as part of the realities of life. But we cannot allow ourselves and our youth to accept this as a truth. While I can't figure out how to stop or change it, what I have come to understand is that we must continue to keep a focus on each tragedy. Only by keeping these tragedies in the spotlight will there ever be change. I think more and more of us are realizing this. I applaud Sheilagh Andujar, the principal at Oakland Tech who established a task force of concerned parents, teachers, and citizens to come together to collectively change our young people's realities. I have pledged my support to Sheilagh to be an active member of this effort. I also encourage members of SRO to get involved.

Until we make ending the violence a top priority, more of our students will continue to lose their lives. We are all desperately needed in this fight. Those of you who want to get involved to make a difference, let me hear from you.

- Spencer Hooper, Executive Director

We are meeting here to put an end to this cycle [of violence], to put things back in order and to put the wheel of peace on the right track. The task is very great, but our hopes are greater.
- Hosni Mubarak

Welcome to the 2009-2010 Season!

2009-09-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

Students and Volunteers, Welcome to the 2009-2010 season! We are looking forward to another great year of Training for Life, One Step at a Time. We are again targeting the Los Angeles Marathon, Sunday, March 21, 2010. You can view details of our planned training schedule on the calendar page.

Students, We look forward to seeing you at the first practice at the YMCA on Thursday, October 1. If you have any questions about paperwork, physicals, or just getting ready for the season, please contact Student Liaison Naa Dodua.

Volunteers, We look forward to seeing you at the first weekend practice at Lake Merritt on Saturday, October 3, at 8:30am. We'll be meeting at the 1418 Lakeside Drive. If you have not yet returned all of your paperwork, please check the forms page. You should bring your filled-out copies of the Volunteer Contract (pdf) and Volunteer Info Form (pdf), and you should review the Mentor Model before you come. If you have any questions about paperwork or just getting ready for the season, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Steve Roberts.

SRO September Newsletter

2009-09-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

Message from the Executive Director

In thinking about SRO's 10th anniversary, I have been reflecting on the organization that I have had the privilege to be a part of for eight of its ten years, first as a volunteer and for the last seven years as the Executive Director (ED).

Through this lens as a volunteer and then ED, I have seen and driven a lot of change. In the early days of SRO, eight students ran the Big Sur Marathon. Seven years ago, SRO changed the culminating event to the Los Angeles Marathon. Los Angeles serves many purposes. It is a great course and event for first time marathoners. It is also a good "hook" to attract students to the program: a weekend stay in Los Angeles piques student interest during recruitment, and for those initially less motivated students, it continues to be the incentive until other motivators kick in.

Many of you may have heard me tell a story about the catalyst for SRO's focus to increase our students' exposure to different neighborhoods beyond their own. One Saturday morning as we were heading to San Francisco for a training run, a young man remarked that the bridge was a lot larger than he thought. While only an eight mile journey -- he had never been across the Bay Bridge. Increasing what our students are exposed to expands beyond local geographies. Over the years, we have added programs to more formally expose the students to healthy lifestyles, and to college and career information, so that they have a wider view of what is available to them.

SRO has always offered the program to students for free. However, each student is required to sign a contract (a code of conduct). What we know as adults also rings true for our students: people value those things that they either work or pay for. So, while we don't ask for money, we do ask for a commitment. Students must adhere to attending the trainings, keeping or developing a respectful attitude, and maintaining the required GPA. Over the last few seasons, we have added mandatory tutoring for all students with GPAs under 3.0.

Over the years, we are frequently asked if training for a physically demanding 26.2 mile marathon competes with students' studies. Our response is, not in SRO. The training comes second to academics, which is why our marathon completion times range from 3.5 to more than 7 hours. The marathon has always been a metaphor and tool for instilling the values of goal setting, discipline, sacrifice, and a commitment to excel. While many are from underserved communities, we know that environment does not dictate ability. We expect a lot from our students because ultimately we know that this is what best prepares them for their future. Our tagline most aptly says it: "Training for Life, One Step at a Time."

For all of the change over the last ten years, there are also many things that have remained the same. SRO's original founders were a passionate and dedicated group of Oakland residents. We very much see this same passion and dedication in our more than 50 new and returning volunteers who have signed up for the upcoming season.

Perhaps the most powerful aspect that has remain the same is witnessing the impact of the program on those who stick with it. Each of the students who has experienced crossing the marathon finish line is transformed and leaves the program with a profound understanding and belief that they can achieve great things if they truly commit to them. This lesson can be drawn upon throughout their lives.

In celebration of our tenth year, it is much greater than SRO: it is about our volunteers, community collaborators, parents, and students. Thank you for your continued support and inspiration over the years to make this milestone a reality.

In any business, a tenth anniversary is a significant milestone. If you can survive for 10 years, you're in for the long haul. The fact that we have expanded further illustrates that we're in a cycle of growth. -- Michael Henry

-- Spencer Hooper

Welcome to New Faces

As the season begins, as always, we welcome back familiar faces and look forward to meeting new ones. This season, we welcome two community members into leadership roles with SRO:

Steve Roberts, Volunteer Coordinator, worked with SRO throughout last season. Previously, he has held leadership roles with the AIDS LifeCycle organization. For any and all questions about volunteering with SRO, contact Steve: srovolunteers@comcast.net.

Naa Dodua, Student Liaison, has been the Saint Mary's College High School's Freshman Academic Dean, and a Member of the City of Oakland's Mayor's Task Force, working on Middle School and High School projects). The Student Liaison primarily serves as a student advocate both within SRO and in reaching out to external resources.

Upcoming Season: Volunteer Opportunities

Join us for this season's Volunteer Kickoff Meeting, Saturday, September 12!

If you are interested in volunteering with SRO this year, we would love to have you join us Saturday morning for an introduction to the SRO program and what is stands for, volunteer roles and responsibilities, and our training calendar.

As always, SRO needs volunteer support not only for mentoring and running with our students, but also to assist us with important duties and projects throughout the organization.

A sampling of our volunteer needs includes:

Administrative - Database Entry and Thank You Letter Support positions available.
Fundraising - a variety of positions are available as we look to build our fundraising team, including a Friends and Family Campaign Coordinator, Event Coordinator, Corporate Donation Coordinator, In-Kind Donation Coordinator, and Grant Writing Assistance.
Clinic/Community Service Coordinator - a single position that serves both student and volunteer communities in coordinating clinics, workshops, and community service opportunities with community partners.
Special Event Support - a variety of positions including bartenders, servers, set-up/tear-down specialists, etc., for a special event in November.
And, of course, Student Support Volunteers - mentoring, running with, and providing training run support for our students!

For more information about the Volunteer Kickoff Meeting or any of the above positions, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Steve Roberts.

10th Anniversary Celebration

As many of you know, this season marks SRO's 10th Anniversary!

Over the past decade, Students Run Oakland has reached over 250 students. Learn more about our accomplishments in our new video at www.sroakland.org.

Tremendous Thanks

Special thanks to those sponsors who have already pledged their support for the upcoming season: Downtown Oakland YMCA, helping with after-school practices; Fleet Feet San Francisco and Mizuno, providing running shoe fittings and running apparel for our students; and Clif Bar, providing nutritious goodies for our training runs.

SRO's website is www.sroakland.org. Tax-deductible donations can be made online or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 10696, Oakland, CA 94610.

Save the Date - Next Season Kickoff

2009-07-26T09:41:00.001-07:00

Save the date!

The Volunteer Kick-off Meeting for the 2009-2010 season will be on Saturday, September 12th.

Location and exact time coming soon. Meanwhile, contact new Volunteer Coordinator Steve Roberts if you are interested in becoming a volunteer for our upcoming season!

SRO Newsletter - July 2009

2009-07-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

Message from the Executive Director

At the end of each season there is always the pride in seeing the transformation of the students who make it to LA and in watching their exuberance as they cross the finish line achieving their goal. There is also the sadness that comes with watching the seniors go off to college and other opportunities, and the knowledge that many of our underclassmen will be pursuing other activies in the upcoming school year and not returning to SRO.

Even though the marathon and our celebration banquet were over a month ago, for many of us it feels as though the season is just ending. This year we had record numbers of volunteers attend our seniors' commencement celebrations. With our extended season, we bonded with the students and the students bonded with SRO on a different and deeper level, perhaps making this end of the season much more bittersweet than others.

On a personal level, many of you know that my daughter Alex (SRO alumna) also graduated from high school this June. What I don't often share is that while I am excited for her to start the next phase of her life, I'm not quite ready to send her off and not have her here in Oakland with me. She too is excited about college and at the same time, not ready to leave. Her transition is bittersweet for both of us.

I suppose what makes transitions such meaningful milestones is exactly this dichotomy of feelings and emotions -- this deep desire to soar and reach new heights and the equally forceful desire to keep things the same, to remain comfortable. In speaking to some of our long-standing volunteers, community collaborators, and donors, here too, I see this dichotomy. While we are planning to move the organization to the next level, we also hang on to the past.

As I've had the opportunity to spend more time with SRO's seniors and prepare for Alex heading off to college, this experience further crystallized for me the instrumental role SRO can play in students' lives. We have only scratched the surface, there are tremendous opportunities we can fill; from helping students navigate exit exams and college entrance applications, to securing financial aid, to providing reassurance during this pivotal life transition.

SRO is also at a transformative crossroads. Last year we formed a strategic planning committee with the charter to build a three year plan to serve as SRO's road map to advance the organization. We want to become an even stronger non-profit organization with more comprehensive support so that we can better serve students. We want to expand the programs and services to the students where you can see the greatest transformations, students that some people refer to as "the difficult ones." I am pleased to say that we are making real strides in completing our strategic plan.

We will spend the balance of the summer achieving a major organizational milestone, the completion of our strategic plan and preparing for our 10th Anniverary Celebration. I will be callling on many of you in a variety of roles, from planning and implementing to helping spread the word. Being up close and personal to so many transitions this year, one thing I know for sure is that SRO's tranistion to the next level will also be filled with the dichotomy of emotion and will be bittersweet for many. We will be tasked with the challenge of how to grow and advance, but yet hang onto those things that make us special, and keep us true to our mission.

The new and exciting juxtaposed with the familiar and comfortable can transform each other to a greater and better whole -- that is both our challenge and our opportunity.

Thank you to everyone who made this unique season such a success and thank you in advance for what I know you will do to make our future an outstanding success!

"We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are."
Max De Pree

- Spencer Hooper

Los Angeles Marathon Success

Congratulations to the 2008-2009 SRO student athletes!!

Every student who started the marathon successfully completed it. Our finishing times were helped by unseasonably cool weather and terrific crowd support. Volunteer support throughout the course -- running, cycling, and helping at the finish line -- made the day go quickly. Thanks especially to those volunteers who were running their first marathon! We hope you'll join us again next year.

Tremendous Thanks

Our 2008-2009 season could not have been successful without the support of you, our community.

Thank you to all of our generous sponsors who have provided grants, services, and in-kind contributions. We would especially like to thank The Barrios Trust, Children's Hospital, Clif Bar, Mizuno, Oakland Unified School District, Saucony Run for Good, Stewardship Council, Team Up for Youth, and YMCA of Oakland for their ongoing support.

Thank you especially to our friends, family, community members who contributed their time and expertise throughout the season. As a community-based organization, our volunteers and grassroots support are invaluable. We couldn't have done it without you, and as we look forward to celebrating our 10th Anniversary Season, we hope to continue to have your support!

SRO's website is www.sroakland.org. Tax-deductible donations can be made online or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 10696, Oakland, CA 94610.

Upcoming Events
Want to stay in touch with SRO? There are plenty of ways to keep up with us in the off-season...
July. Join us for the Fleet Feet San Francisco Sunset Run benefitting SRO. On Thursday, July 16, at 6:30pm at Marina Green in San Francisco, our friends at Fleet Feet are hosting a 5 Mile Social Run ($10 registration) with all proceeds going directly to SRO.

August. Check our website for updates, our first Volunteer Meeting of the season will be held this month. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Steve Roberts.

Save the Date. Stay tuned for details of our 10th Anniversary Celebration! The tentative date is November 7th. More information will be available shortly on our website.

Yes We Did!

2009-06-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

Students and Volunteers, Congratulations on another terrific season! Our trip to the City of Angeles was an unqualified success. 31 students and at least that many volunteers traveled with us, and every runner who started out on Monday morning finished the Los Angeles Marathon. With cooler than average temperatures and an extra couple of months of training under our belts, our finishing times were quick and everyone seemed to be feeling good for our tour of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Venice Beach the next day.

Students Run Oakland Friends, Family, and Community, Thank you so much for your support throughout the season. We couldn't have done it without you. Check back this summer, we'll be posting updates periodically as we plan our 10th Anniversary Season!

SRO May Newsletter

2009-05-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

Message from the Executive Director

After eight long months of marathon training it feels good to finally be heading down to Los Angeles. 26.2 miles is a long distance to run and can be quite intimidating; many runners have difficulty with the last few weeks of training. The truth is that we all get anxious coming into a marathon. There are a lot of reasons for this. For me, I'm concerned about such things as weather conditions, and whether students hydrated and got proper rest in the days leading up to the race, or if they ate too much at the carbo load dinner the night before.

Volunteers probably not only share many of my concerns but also have the added pressure of having to physically run with the students.

Students may have doubt about their outcomes because they have never run this far. They frequently see expressions of amazement or hear comments like "that's really far!" when sharing that they will soon run a marathon.

There aren't very many things we put as much dedication and energy into as completing a marathon. It's okay to be nervous in these final days. We have been training, struggling, hoping, stumbling, and succeeding preparing for our marathon -- all part of Training for Life, One Step at a Time. Using our history as an indicator, I can say with certainty we are ready.

I'd like to give a well deserved thank you to all SRO staff, supporters, volunteers, and students: you made this unusual season extraordinarily possible.

"They fail to perceive the sense of affirmation generated by the challenge of embracing struggle and surmounting obstacles."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

- Spencer Hooper

Supplementing Training with Clinics and Events

As part of SRO's mission to improve the overall health of young people through structured physical fitness training, mentoring, and nutrition education, we work with outside people and organizations to bring additional resources to our students.

In the past few weeks, SRO has hosted the following clinics and events:

Marathon Preparation Clinic with Frank Shorter, Olympic gold medalist, marathon, 1972
Marathon Preparation Clinic with Alphonzo Jackson and Lisa Felder, Bay Area "Team in Training" Coaches
Injury Prevention Clinic with SRO volunteer and doctor Becky Austin
Substance Abuse Clinic with Thunder Road Adolescent Treatment Center
Ice Skating Party with Oakland Ice Center
Community Service: Shoreline Cleanup at Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline park

Thanks for another great season of Training for Life, One Step at a Time!

Tremendous Thanks

Each year SRO receives terrific support from local and not so local organizations.

Special thanks for recent contributions from The Guardsmen, for providing subsidized entries to their Presidio 10 race, and to the Kaiser Community Benefits program and Dreyer's Foundation for their monetary donations.

Additionally, thanks to Mizuno for their support throughout the season, providing training gear for students and marathon uniforms for students and volunteers.

SRO's website is www.sroakland.org. Tax-deductible donations can be made online or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 10696, Oakland, CA 94610.

Getting Ready for LA

2009-05-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

We're into the final two weeks of preparation for our big day!

Physically, we're spending the remaining time tapering.

Mentally, we're getting ready for race day. Students and Volunteers, here are some tips for your preparation:

Familiarize yourself with the course map and elevation profile (.pdf)
Think about what supplies you will bring and how you will carry them. There will be water each mile and Gatorade every other mile throughout the course, but you should plan on carrying your favorite snacks. Volunteers, SRO will provide additional food and first aid supplies for you to carry as well.
Make a plan for different kinds of weather. It is likely to be quite warm, so pack a hat and sunscreen and think about how much more you may want to drink. Re-read our Heat-Related Training tips.
Relax and enjoy yourself! Be sure to get plenty of rest in the days leading up to the race. We'll see you the day before the race -- Sunday, May 24 -- bright and early at the Oakland Airport.

Volunteers, please check the Calendar page for directions to this weekend's run! There is another event at Sports Basement (later in the morning), so consider using alternate parking as we did for the Presidio 10 race.

Tapering

2009-05-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU: Thank you all for such a great job running, biking, and providing aid station support for 20 (or more!) miles through the rain with the students. Everyone who finished was within the required time limit and we're excited to head to LA! Please email Christine with any feedback from your long run with the students.

Tapering: We are in taper mode now, gradually reducing our mileage and letting our bodies recuperate from the pounding of the last few months. This is what every marathoner should to do in the last weeks leading up to the marathon. Unfortunately months of training can be ruined by not reducing our training enough or by reducing our training too much. The goal of the taper is to get us to the starting line in the best fitness and the most rested state possible. Total mileage comes down in the last three weeks, mostly in the distance runs and long runs. It is important to continue to do interval and tempo workouts during the taper, albeit at a reduced volume.

Physically, we want to give our bodies a chance to heal from the stress of long training runs, track sessions, and hill workouts. We need to allow adequate time to rest and recharge prior the marathon. Many overzealous runners who train "harder, but not smarter" end up hitting the wall late in a marathon because their energy reserves were never completely replenished prior to race day.

Mentally, we need to give ourselves a chance to recharge as well. Many marathoners, who don't take the time to taper, lose their enthusiasm for the event and want to "just get it over with" instead of being highly motivated for an event they dedicated months of preparation to.

Marathon preparation: We have scheduled to a presenter this weekend to speak on preparing for a successful marathon.

LA Logistics: Volunteer packets (marathon singlet included) will be handed out at the May 16th run. If you can't make the run, please coordinate directly with Heidi to arrange getting your packet.

Volunteer Appreciation Party: We hope to see you and a guest this coming Saturday evening for our Volunteer Appreciation Party. Check your email for an Evite with all the details.

20 Mile Qualifying Run

2009-04-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Students and Volunteers, This is the weekend! Our last long run, 20 miles, will be this weekend in Golden Gate Park. It may be warm, in which case you should prepare for heat. However, there is currently a chance of rain, so bring your SRO jacket and/or hat to prepare for running chilly weather. All students must complete the run in 5 hours or less. Volunteers should plan to run with the student(s) with whom they plan to run the marathon. Please email Christine to let her know. As always, in addition to running volunteers, we will have several volunteers on bikes as well as water stops every few miles. We're here to support you every step of the way. Good luck!!

Students, As you know, at the beginning of the season you signed a Student Contract in which you made several measureable commitments to SRO as a community. These commitments included not only attending practices and Saturday training runs, but also goals for school attendance and grade point average. If you have not been consistently meeting these commitments, Student Liaison Michelle should be in touch with you to help you form a plan for improving and meeting your Student Contract.

Heat-Related Training

2009-04-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

The last few days could be a preview of what may be our reality down in LA in late May. We need to start preparing for those conditions. Here are some training tips for heat-related conditions.

HEAT EXHAUSTION
Cause: Failing to replace fluids and electrolytes when dehydration sets in.
Symptoms: A core body temperature of 102°F to 104°F, headache, fatigue, profuse sweating, nausea, clammy skin.
Action plan: Apply a cold pack on the head and neck. Restore fluid and salt balance with foods and drinks that contain sodium.

HEAT CRAMPS
Cause: Loss of fluid and minerals (electrolytes) through respiration and sweat.
Symptoms: Severe abdominal cramps or large-muscle cramps (such as quads and glutes). Action plan: Restore fluid and salt balance with foods and drinks that contain sodium (salted snack foods, sports drinks).

HEATSTROKE
Cause: Extreme exertion, coupled with very hot, humid conditions and dehydration, impair your body's ability to maintain an optimal temperature.
Symptoms: A core body temperature of 104°F or above, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid pulse, disorientation.
Action plan: Emergency medical attention necessary.

HYPONATREMIA
Cause: A low level of sodium in the blood. Most runners are not aware that they can drink too much water. If you drink only water during your race, you will dilute your blood.
Symptoms: Nausea, muscle cramps, confusion, slurred speech, unsteady stride and disorientation. Because these symptoms mimic those of heat exhaustion, many runners make the mistake of increasing water consumption, which make the condition even worse.
Action plan: Seek medical attention. Drinking sports drinks and eating salty foods can treat minor symptoms. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications.

Prevention is better than cure, so it's up to you to recognize the early warning symptoms and take appropriate action.
- Take a walking break if needed to let your body cool down
- Drink at each water stop, take water and or Gatorade
- Watch out for symptoms of dehydration
- Wear a hat and sunscreen

Beyond Running

2009-04-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

As we mention frequently, SRO isn't "just" -- or even primarily -- about training for a marathon. SRO is a mentoring program, and we've been working hard to train not just for a race, but, as our motto says, training for life, one step at a time.

We're in the middle of a couple of weeks that really exemplify this commitment. Last Thursday, parents and families attended our second Parents Meeting. We're working together to support and ensure all students meet new challenges and exceed expectations. Last weekend, after our run, we participated in shoreline clean up at Martin Luther King Shoreline.

This week and next, students will hear presentations from teens at the Thunder Road teen alcohol and drug recovery program. And this coming Friday, we'll have an ice skating event, just as a chance to relax, laugh, and have fun together.

Then Sunday May 3rd it's our 20 mile run – the last long run prior to the marathon in a few short weeks!

Students and Volunteers, as always, it's a pleasure building a community with you.

Upcoming Events

2009-04-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

Students, Congratulations on completing the 17 mile run this past weekend! Once again we enjoyed excellent weather, and our strategy of walking for a minute after every ten minutes of running left us fresh and helped us finish quickly. We’ll continue to work on pacing during our upcoming runs.

Upcoming Events:

17 Mile Run: Students and volunteers who missed last weekend's run will have an opportunity to make up the long run by running the Martin Luther King course twice. Volunteers, we'll need your support for this! Please email Heidi if you are available to run the extra mileage.

Student Community Service: The students will be doing their community service this coming Saturday after the weekend run at Martin Luther King Shoreline. All volunteers are invited and encouraged to participate with the students. Please email Michelle if you plan on participating.

Parent Meeting: We have our second SRO Family Meeting Thursday, April 16th 6:00-7:30 at 1000 Broadway, Suite 500 (near 12th Street BART station in downtown Oakland). Volunteers are welcome.

Ice Skating Event: SRO will host ice skating for students on Friday, April 24, 2009 from 7:15 to 9:15 at Oakland Ice Center (519 18th Street, near 19th Street BART station, 268-9000) Please come out and join us for evening of fun!

Qualifying Runs

2009-04-09T19:39:00.001-07:00

This weekend is the first of our two qualifying runs. We will be running 15-17 miles from the Berkeley Marina. Our second qualifying run is 20 miles from Golden Gate Park, on Sunday May 3. Students must complete this run in 5 hours time in order to travel with us to LA.

Students, You need to be sufficiently trained in order to complete the marathon, and this weekend is a major milestone and fitness checkpoint. At this point in the season, you should all be able to finish without trouble! Consistency in weekday practice and weekends run will help you get there. If your attendance has been less consistent, Saturday may be a little harder, but we're here to support you.

We're also interested in helping your families to support you. Please let your parents and families know that we will be having a Parents and Families Meeting on Thursday, April 16. (More details to follow, check the Calendar page.)

Students and Volunteers, Please take the time this week to prepare for your long run this weekend -- 3 miles farther than we've ever run before! During the week, and especially on Thursday and Friday, stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep at night. On Saturday, bring your hat and sunscreen, as we will be running for most of the morning.

Message from the Executive Director

2009-04-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

Last week Olympic Marathon Gold Medalist Frank Shorter talked with students and volunteers at the YMCA. He was impressed not only with our efforts to commit to a marathon but also with our staying the course with such a long training season. He made reference to "hitting the wall" and the mental aspect to completing the task.

For many of us, the term “hitting the wall” will be familiar. For our novice runners, this occurs in endurance sports and describes the condition when an athlete suddenly loses energy and becomes fatigued, the result of glycogen stored in the liver and muscles becoming depleted. It is at that point in the race when one feels like they just cannot continue. We have heard Coach Al talk about "mind over matter." This will start to take on a new meaning for many of you as we work through the last two months of training. His mantra, “mind over matter” is what's needed for all of us to endure. It is the mental stamina to push one’s body forward when physically, the body seems it cannot go on.

As we all know, SRO uses the marathon to promote the values and rewards associated with training, commitment, and sacrifice. In a usual season we train for five months and in early March, we complete our goal – the LA Marathon. With the additional three months this year, our training season feels like a grind. I can see it on faces of many of you at the start of our Saturday runs. I can feel it in the tone and vibe on the campuses during the weekly practices. It’s present in the conversations with parents. And, yes, I hear it in myself as there are days that I truly wish we had already completed our goal.

We need to remember that the marathon is our vehicle for instilling important values that serve each of us well in life. This unexpected eight month season is perhaps a great metaphor for life situations. The LA Marathon organizers, similar to what can happen in life, threw us a curve ball. We decided not to back down from the additional challenge and to continue our original course. And now, six months into the season, metaphorically, many of us have “hit the wall.” We grimace, we complain, we have to talk ourselves into going to practice, and on those bad days, we may even try to convince ourselves that we should quit. But, we know from completing our half marathon a few weeks ago, or finishing the first run that was in double digits – it is "mind over matter."

Over the next few weeks let’s focus on getting over that "wall." Perhaps we can enlist our "head cheerleader" Ralph to do what he does so well – lead us to chant like we did at the beginning of the season, “Yes we can.” Let’s chant, “It's mind over matter and if you don’t mind, it don’t matter.” If you see someone who looks like they have hit the wall, pat them on the back and remind them that they can do it.

I know that we – SRO’s students, volunteers, and staff - will make it through this season. We will endure. We will make it over the “wall” and we will complete our journey victoriously on May 25th as we each cross the LA Marathon finish line.

Spencer Hooper, Executive Director

PS – If you see me with that grimace, like I just can’t take it any longer, please remind me that - Yes I can.

Keeping Healthy Habits

2009-04-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

Students,

By now you should be well on your way to developing (and keeping!) healthy habits. We've had five full months of five days a week of training -- congratulations!!

As the spring progresses, we continue to have excellent weather, and it's just getting warmer. It's time to seriously consider your sun protection, especially as the runs get longer. Wear your hat, and apply sunscreen before the run. Remember to drink when you are thirsty! You will probably start to sweat more as the weather gets warmer.

This week, you are required to attend a mandatory meeting at the YMCA on Thursday at 4pm. All absenses need to be pre-approved by Michelle.

Looking forward to seeing you at Lake Merritt this weekend!

Upcoming Community Events

2009-03-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

Students, we have lots of exciting events coming up! Only 8 weekend runs left, and lots still left to do!

On this Thursday, March 26, Frank Shorter will be at the YMCA to talk with you about marathon training. Among other running achievements, he won the Olympic gold medal for the marathon in the 1972 Olympics, and the silver medal for the marathon in 1976. Bring good questions!

On this Sunday, March 29, we'll be running the Presidio 10 race, a hilly 10 mile course in San Francisco (including over the Golden Gate Bridge!).
Castlemont students, the bus will pick you up at 6am on Sunday.
Tech students, the bus will pick you up at 6:15am on Sunday.
The bus will not wait. Please be prompt.

Next Thursday, April 2, the Alameda County Health Department will be providing a nutritional clinic at the YMCA. As part of the clinic participation, you need to keep a three day food journal -- so you'll need to start on Monday, March 30. Student Liaison Michelle Deiro will have more information on what the food journal needs to include.

Volunteers, if you are running the Presidio 10 Race with the students, please confirm with Christine, and meet us at 7:15am on Sunday. See you then!

Gearing up for our next race!

2009-03-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

Students, Terrific job on three weekends in a row of hills (Inspiration Point), hills (Lafayette-Moraga trail), and more hills (Stream and West Ridge trails in Redwood Park)! If all this hill running has left you injured or unusually sore, please make sure to check in with your captain. We'll also have a stretching and injury prevention clinic at this weekend's run.

Volunteers, As you know, we'll be racing in the Presidio 10 on Sunday, March 29. Special thanks to The Guardsmen. They are a service organization of Bay Area professional men devoting efforts to providing youth an opportunity to participate in camping, educational and other culturally enriching opportunities that they otherwise would not be afforded. The Guardsmen are sponsors of the Presidio 10 and have generously donated race registrations for volunteers and students. We'd like to support their efforts by providing volunteer support for the race. See your weekly SRO email for exact times and locations that support is needed, and contact Volunteer Coordinator Christine Chapon with any questions. On race day, we'll be meeting at 7:15am. Parking is available in the Presidio fairgrounds parking lot. SRO's exact meeting location TBD.

Calendar updates

2009-03-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

Students and Volunteers, please note that several of our next few runs have changed dates and/or locations. Please check the Calendar page for the latest information.

- Saturday, March 14, SRO takes to the trails! We'll run from Redwood Gate (Canyon Meadow staging area) in Redwood Park. See the calendar entry for directions.

- Saturday, March 21, we'll be running at the Emeryville Marina.

- SUNDAY, March 29, we'll be running in the Presidio 10 mile race. Registration fees for both students and volunteers have been generously provided by the event sponsors. Volunteers, if you will be running, make sure that Christine knows that you are running and what your t-shirt size is. Students, check in with your captains to make sure you are registered.

SRO Newsletter - March 2009

2009-03-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

Message from the Executive Director

I usually get to share this message at the beginning of each New Year, but give the doubling of our training season this year, you are getting it over a month later. As we enter into the second half of our training season it gives us the opportunity to reflect and focus on what we want to improve. For our seasoned volunteers, this message will be familiar, but it serves as a good reminder for all of us.

Our students have signed up for an audacious goal: the completion of a marathon. More importantly, they have signed up to become better students, peers, teammates, and contributors to society by adhering to SRO's code of conduct, which includes achieving or exceeding SRO's GPA (grade point average) requirement.

It would be great if I could say that all have completely committed to the program. Some have committed to all aspects of the program and are well on their way to participate and complete the LA Marathon. For others, the journey is yet to unfold -- some will make it to LA and some will not. As SRO staff and volunteers, we need to stay focused on our goals and SRO's mission statement. In order to best support our students, we need to communicate regularly with the appropriate folks -- students, myself, captains, and student liaison.

The upcoming weeks will be even more challenging. We are much stricter in enforcing all of the requirements as this is the time for everyone to not only become physically but also mentally prepared for the ultimate goal: completion of a marathon. We have better visibility into students' grades and realize that there will be students who are too far below the GPA requirement to meet it. Unfortunately, there will be others who will not be able to overcome the mental barriers. This can be a difficult time for our volunteers and staff as some students who they have gotten attached to will not complete the program. Usually, this is a very small group. This does not mean that we expect less from them -- we will continue to offer support and encouragement while holding them to our expectations.

What is most exciting about the upcoming months is that we also see the greatest growth and transformation. The least athletic students run significant miles. Those who were struggling to meet the GPA requirement make material improvement in their grades; I am very pleased to report that we are already seeing some marked improvement. Some students who had bad attitudes are much more respectful. And the more motivated ones become stronger leaders by helping their peers make it to the finish line. We witness our students successfully complete the big goal they set out to accomplish.

This is also when our volunteers get to witness the fruits of their labor -- students' transformation. I am again invigorated because I know that our collective efforts will produce yet another successful season.

"A gem cannot be polished without friction, not a person perfected without trials" -- unknown

- Spencer Hooper

Kaiser Half Marathon Success!

A little over a month ago, SRO participated in the Kaiser Half Marathon in San Francisco. The race was challenging yet rewarding: the students and volunteers pushed themselves through the sporadically hilly Golden Gate Park, onto the Great Highway with its amazing ocean view, and up a tough incline to the finish line. Finishing the half marathon showed students and volunteers alike that we are all committed to conquering the 26.2 miles that lie ahead in Los Angeles. In fact, the race caused many students to express both renewed hope and increased excitement about the marathon itself.

"For me, the half-marathon was fun, challenging, difficult, painful, relieving, and inspiring. Completing the 13.1 miles allowed me to believe in myself, because I never knew I could run such a long distance. Crossing the finish line was one of the best feelings in the world, because I was able to prove that I could put my mind to something and accomplish it. The race also assured me that if you push yourself, and put your 'mind over body', that anything is achievable. The Kaiser run was a wake-up call -- if I can do a half marathon, the full marathon is certainly within my reach." - Marcus, Grade 11, Oakland Tech

Two New Members of the Board of Directors

We are pleased to introduce you to two new members of SRO's Board of Directors. For many close to SRO, one name will be familiar -- Peter Gertler -- as he has been an active volunteer with SRO and has supported the organization in a variety of ways. The other new board member, Julie Waters, will not be a familiar name, but last season Spencer and one of our existing board members, Mark Alexander, started working with Julie to increase SRO's access to local political officials. Both Peter and Julie have a strong sense of community and a passion for SRO's mission; they will be great additions to the advancement of the organization.

- Bridget Harper, Chair, SRO Board of Directors

Peter Gertler is Vice President and the National Director for Rail and Public Transit with HNTB Corporation based in Oakland, CA. He has over 22 years of professional experience and specializes in large public transit development. A former Senior Manager at the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART), he provides a strong record of achievement in both the public sector and private consulting.

"As a volunteer, I look forward to my Saturday morning training runs, hanging and bonding with the students, and of course the ultimate prize of the marathon experience. Now as a Board member, I look forward to contributing to SRO's mission and organizational growth and development." - Peter Gertler

Julie Waters has interned at the office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee and was awarded a fellowship at the American Heart Association (AHA) where she worked throughout the Bay Area to create public policies that would ensure better health outcomes for residents. She received the prestigious Cornelius Hopper Diversity Award from the Tobacco Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP), designed to help keep minorities and those from underserved backgrounds in sciences. Julie currently continues her research at UCSF in health disparities and directs a program in West Contra Costa County focused on reducing liquor store concentration in marginalized communities.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to be involved in an organization that I strongly believe in. SRO not only offers lessons in running, but also lessons for life. I am thrilled to be a part of those efforts and can't wait to create a positive change in the lives of the students we serve." - Julie Waters

Student Liaison Helping Students Reach Academic Goals

Student Liaison Michelle Deiro has been collaborating with teachers, parents, volunteers, and students to ensure that each student has the personal and academic support need to sustain their training and their commitment to the program in order to complete the marathon.

As part of their obligation with Students Run Oakland, students sign a contract committing themselves to our rigorous training schedule and to a 2.5 grade point average. To help students achieve their acamedic goals, Michelle has organized tutoring. This provides students with individualized help in order to improve their grades, and also helps them obtain extra credit in some of their classes. The tutoring as so far been quite successful: after reviewing the first semester grades, we are happy to report that the number of students requiring tutoring is declining.

Our seniors have been hard at work applying for college, which included an SRO application workshop to complete their personal statements. A few have already received acceptance letters!

In the coming months, students will also have opportunities to do community service, and apply for internships at the businesses of SRO volunteers.

Tremendous Thanks

Each year SRO receives terrific support from local and not so local organizations.

Special thanks to Pamakid Runners, who assisted with entry fees to the Kaiser Half-Marathon, and to ClifBar, for their generous donation of nutritious snacks for our training runs.

Thanks also to recent donors The Firedoll Foundation, The Gilmore Foundation, and The Olympic Club. SRO would not be possible without your generous support.

SRO's website is www.sroakland.org. Tax-deductible donations can be made online or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 10696, Oakland, CA 94610.

SRO gets good weather again!

2009-02-25T06:32:00.000-08:00

Once again, we managed to get in our weekend long run between rainstorms! We had a lovely run last weekend at Lake Merritt. Thanks to everyone who made it out to the park.

Next weekend we return to hilly Inspiration Point in Tilden Park for an 8 mile run.
Students and Volunteers, please remember to bring your water bottles! All of our aid station supplies are hiked in by supportve volunteers here, so we ask runners to make sure and carry some of what they'll need themselves.

Students,
Injuries: We realize that some of you are experiencing injuries; you are still expected to come to weekend training runs where you can be evaluated.
Emails: Remember to check your SRO email twice each week. Many of your support volunteers are trying to communicate and check in with you via email.
SRO shirts: Please remember that you are expected to wear your SRO t-shirts to weekend runs. Talk to your school captain if you still have not received a rain jacket.