- USC Marathon Team members practice four times a week to prepare for the Los Angeles Marathon.
- Practices are hard, but runners say their accomplishments outweigh the pain.
- Running with a team helps students form bonds.
By the time most students have schlepped their way to their early-morning classes, members of the USC Marathon Team have already been up for at least two hours and run five miles.
A club team that runs under the USC Recreational Sports department, the marathon team welcomes any USC students, faculty and staff. They practice three times during the week, at either 7 a.m. or 5 p.m., and on Sundays at 8 a.m.
Students say they run with the marathon team because of group atmosphere and the bonds they form with teammates.
“Definitely the most encouraging part of running the marathon was running with the USC Marathon Team,” said Laura Reeve, a junior majoring in public relations and a member of the marathon team for two years. “It’s different doing those long runs by yourself, but having a bunch of other people with you definitely was motivating.”
More than just a way for runners to find running partners, the marathon team also promotes “team work, monitored training routines and healthy lifestyle in order to complete 26.2 miles,” according to the team’s website.
Reeve, who ran the Los Angeles Marathon last March with the team, said the feeling of accomplishment after months of training made her experience worth it.
“I was actually really emotional, which is unlike me,” she said. “Physically, I was so glad to be done, but I was also really proud of myself.”
This year, the Los Angeles Marathon will be held Feb. 16. Students interested in joining the USC Marathon Team can contact the coaches at marathon@usc.edu.
Interested in this story? Read more about unlikely USC athletes here.
- Photos courtesy of the USC Marathon Team
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