San Antonio ISD was well represented during the Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon and half marathon Dec. 5. After responding to an insider inquiry, our district runners weighed in on what motivates them and offered highlights from the big run.
A group of four teachers from CAST Tech High School all ran the half marathon, 13.1 miles. For Megan Whalon, the world language teacher leader at CAST, the group brought her back to a hobby she loved but had put aside due to injuries.
“I hadn’t run more than a 10k in almost 10 years before this fall,” Whalon said. “The running crew at CAST Tech convinced me to try to pick up distance running again.”
The group, consisting of Whalon, English teacher Lauren McDonald, physics teacher David Garcia, and Spanish teacher John Kretlow, completed a 15k race and two half marathons this fall.
“The highlight for me was at the end when I got to meet the other teachers that ran,” Kretlow said. “It was so nice to celebrate the run with them.”
Kretlow and Garcia are both continuing to train for full marathons at 26.2 miles in the spring.
“I think an important part is the satisfaction that comes from the challenge,” Garcia said. “Each run is an attempt to get better at something difficult. For the first time this year, I have been training with friends and I love that we are all doing this together.”
Several district counselors also participated in the race. Beacon Hill Academy counselor Dr. Emma Dromgoole completed the half marathon, her 96th. She has also completed 13 full marathons. Victoria Bustos, executive director of Student Academic and Support Services, completed the full marathon. It was her third full marathon. Bustos said she started running when her brother went away to basic training.
“Running was a way that I felt I could help stay connected,” Bustos said. “It has been my therapy ever since. The satisfaction I get from accomplishing my running goals keeps me coming back for more each time.”
So committed are Bustos and Douglass Elementary counselor Natalie Flores to the benefits running on mental health, they presented a session on it at SEAD Self Care Saturday last spring. Flores, who has completed more than 50 half marathons and three full marathons, put another half in the books this month at Rock ‘N’ Roll. She started running 12 years ago to help with her own grieving process.
“I took up running when I lost my mom suddenly to cancer,” Flores said. "Running has changed my life. It has made me healthier both physically and mentally. It has made me a better mother, wife, daughter, and school counselor.”
Assistant Director for Communications Ryan Loyd runs and cycles for the mental health benefits as well. He completed his fourth half marathon at Rock ‘n’ Roll, and has also completed more than 10 century bike rides.
“I run and cycle because it clears my head and makes me feel so much better,” Loyd said. “It's natural happy medication.”
Jessica Cavazos, middle school counselor at Young Women’s Leadership Academy, has completed four full marathons and a dozen halves leading up to this month’s race. There are many reasons that draw our employees, like Cavazos, to run, including mental and physical wellness. For these nine, the hard work and months of training paid off at the finish line Dec. 5.
“I love the San Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon because the city shows up,” Cavazos said. “I love the encouragement and positive vibes felt throughout the race. Our city is full of love, life, and culture. I love running in our beautiful city.”
Did you run but didn’t check in yet? Email the editor to be on a list of runners for next year’s event.