HI  my name is Jennifer Castaneda and I will be coaching over at Ladera Middle school. I am beyond excited for the journey! I guess you could say I started running when I was a little girl. My mom laughs because she said I ran my first running event in elementary school, however I forgot my shoes that day so I ran in clogs that I had worn to school.  My running skills took me through high school where I ran track and then in my adult life ran several half marathons, tough mudders and various other running events. I live in Mission Viejo with my two teenage sons.

I never heard of WeROCK until last year and school registration. I was at school with my son Cody who was going to be going into 7th grade. I happened to know one of the coaches standing at the WeROCK table so went to say hi and asked what WeROCK was. The next thing I know we somehow get Cody to sign up. As for me, although I had run several running events in my past, I had hung up my running shoes due to two sprained ankles (and just getting older – or at least feeling older). But once Cody got going I decided to dust off my shoes and sign up as a parent member and I trained with the team. Cody and I, together, finished our first marathon and it was the best feeling to not only complete the marathon but to also share it with my son.  I saw my son change throughout the year and become a different person than he was in the beginning.  The program really does change kids for the better.

My favorite WeROCK event is tied between the Circus Heritage half marathon and the 20 mile qualifier.  The Citrus Heritage is a really beautiful course through citrus groves and takes place during the beautiful sunrise hours.  The 20 mile qualifier is great because everyone has come so far and to run 20 miles feels amazing and then to celebrate at the end with a food truck and music while you watch everyone and celebrate with others.