Meet Melissa, 34
Melissa enjoyed running for years. She had an inner peace and confidence that would help her achieve each running challenge she faced. Then her world fell apart. It started with a long and painful divorce. Shortly thereafter, she was diagnosed with Gilliam Barre Syndrome, a disorder that attacks your nervous system. For awhile, Melissa lost the simplest task of walking, putting on socks/shoes, etc. She has slowly begun to understand the illness and how to fight against it. She misses running and is feverishly getting back out there.
Favorite food:
Pizza.
Favorite cross-training activity:
Spin class.
What is on your iPod?:
I listen to a wide variety of music from country to rap to rock. I love any music with a good beat to it. If my music has a great beat than I can usually match my stride/pace to it. Nothing like a great song to get you through those last few miles!
Favorite thing to read:
Hal Hidgon: Marathon Training. It's motivating and inspirational to me. I am very pleased whenever I accomplish one of his workouts. And of course I loved Twilight!
2010 goals:
I have three goals: Run The Fifth Third River Bank Run in under 2 hours, qualify for Boston and work on nutrition. I really have to work and understand the nutritional side to accomplish my first two goals.
Charity Partner
Melissa's Links
Road Warrior: Melissa
My Journey
By Melissa | May 7th, 2010 at 2:29 pm | One comment
What an incredible journey the last 6 months have been. As Matt and I were reflecting last night, I can recall him helping me with some practice interview questions and then at the last minute decided to do a quick print off for the judges panel to see a list my accomplishments and leave it with them so they would not forget who I was. I recall being very nervous at the interview and Sheila later told me how animated I was with my hands and I spoke too fast! Words cannot express, how thrilled I was to get the opportunity of this interview. So, Matt shared in my after interview enthusiasm. By the time I got home and wound down it was near 10:00. At this point, I was a little deflated as by 10:00 I still hadn’t received a call. Astonishing enough, I was able to go to sleep…….the next morning I woke up to a voice mail from Brooke, telling me I was accepted. Brooke was so enthusiastic it was very contagious. Being accepted into the Road Warrior program made me achieve my goals that I have set forth for the month of May and beyond.
Thank you to all the coaches and fellow Road Warriors. I have made some very special and touching friendships that will last a life time. To all of you, the best of luck. This journey has been memorable for me and an icon in my daughters eyes with a very clear cut message: NEVER GIVE UP. We can and will overcome adversities in our lives one step at a time. So, take that first step, you will not be disappointed.
Time Flies
By Melissa | April 14th, 2010 at 8:35 am | No comments
Wow, I cannot believe our race is approx. 4 weeks away! Then Bayshore 6 weeks away. I tell you time sure does fly. My training is going exceptionally well! My leg still gives me fits here and there but I have learned to deal with it. I am learning that speed work outs have a tendancy to irritate it more than just running mileage.
It was great to see everyone last night on the track from RunGR. Michelle (hot stuff) was cranking out the quarters. Don’t let her fool you she sure can run! Adam was doing fantastic and its great to see him on the mend. Cheers to the other Road Warriors that braved the wind tunnel on the track…sheesh
I hope everyone’s training is going well. I can’t wait to see everyone out on race day! Keep up the positive thoughts. Race day is just around the corner!
Kal/Haven Trail Run
By Melissa | March 30th, 2010 at 3:20 pm | 4 comments
This past Saturday, I teamed up with John and we ran the Kal/Haven trail run. We split 33.5 miles. This was a spectacular course. I ran the last leg of the course which was to the finish line. I love this part of the course. It’s simply beautiful. My total run time for 15.5 was 2:02:01. I was very pleased.
This mornig, I got up to meet my friends at 5:00 to run…..that means I had to be up by 4:30..yikes. We put in seven miles. Again, I was under 1:00.
As I keep pushing forward, I am finally starting to see results. I hope you are starting to see results as well. We have 6 weeks left before race day. I will be there and I hope you will be too!
So, as I continue to push forward and strive for my goals
myTEAM TRIUMPH Charity
By Melissa | March 24th, 2010 at 2:34 pm | One comment
What an honor I have to raise funds for this charity. This charity is an athletic ride and promotes children, teens, adults and veterans with disabilities who would normally not be able to experience endurance events such as triathlons or road races to do. The participants with disabilities are known as “Captains,” and the athletes who have the honor of pushing and pulling the Captains on the course are called their “Angels.” Equipment for these endurance sports are provided for the “Captains” to participate. Participation is encouraged for the following events: 5k, 10, half marathon, full marathon and triathlons.
I have set my goal to raise $1,000.00. Please help support my goal and charity. Please make a donation and or become an “Angel”. Please see the following link http://www.myteamtriumph.com/support.html for more information.
You have the chance to make a life altering difference in one’s life. Make a Captain happy today.
THANK YOU.
Irish Jig
By Melissa | March 23rd, 2010 at 1:13 pm | No comments
Last Satuday I ran a PR for the Irish Jig 5k. I ran a 22:23. I was pretty pleased. Next race in April, I am hoping to break 22:00. I felt great all day. Sunday, came and I ran close to 11.5 miles without any issues. So, I am hoping I am back now injury free.
This Saturday is Kal/Haven trail run. I do this run every year. It’s fun and very peaceful out on the trail.
