I ran the Los Angeles Marathon with my Dad

Days I’ll never forget

March 14, 1999 – at 17 years old (12 days short of my 18th birthday) I ran my first full marathon, 26.2 miles with my Dad.

At the beginning of my senior year in High School, my Dad – a multi 26.2 L.A. Marathon finisher himself – volunteered to be one of the mentors/coaches for “STUDENTS RUN L.A.”

Students Run L.A. – SRLA Is a program designed for at-risk secondary students to experience the benefits of goal-setting, character development, adult mentoring & improved health by providing them with the truly life-changing experience of training for & completing the L.A. Marathon.

By this point in my life, I had already been exposed to the world competitive sports thanks to my Dad – who is a former professional boxer, marathon runner, endurance athlete and well…the original Hard Charger!

I was also a U.S.A Amateur Boxer & Cross Country Runner myself and with my Dad in my corner, I knew there was no limit to what I could achieve. I was truly excited to take on the challenge and join the SRLA team.

After many months of training – which included completing a 5k, a 10k, a Half Marathon, & even an 18 miler, I was ready for the big show!

Running the 26.2 miles of the L.A. Marathon at 17 years old, crossing the finish line & having that finisher’s medal put around my neck with my Dad at my side was emotional, exhilarating and humbling… in that moment it may as well have been an Olympic Gold Medal being placed around my neck!

These are the experiences that from a young age began to mold me into the Hard Charger that I am today. Ready & PREPARED to take on any challenge. I’ve since run multiple marathons & even ultra marathons.

But the best part of it all, are the many individuals I’ve been able to coach and motivate along the way.

I’ll leave you with this

You’ve probably heard this one before “The 1st step is the hardest!”… but if there’s one thing I’ve learned in the nearly 25 years since I ran my 1st marathon & in the past 15 years in which I’ve been a personal trainer is this, it’s not just the 1st step that’s the hardest!

Yes taking the first step is hard – but every other step along the way can be just as challenging without a coach in your corner.

In life whatever your goals may be, whether it’s to run a marathon, get your physique in shape, extend your life, have more energy, get off medication or learn how to make life long healthy eating choices…

I’m here to help you

Get the support, guidance, and motivation you need to transform your body and change your life. 👉🏼 Your first session is on us and I’ll be with you every step of the way!

– Semper Fi, Marine Miguel