Thumbs Up Thursday...Mellisa

This week's spotlight is on Mellisa.  I originally met Mellisa at the Cleveland 10 Miler and this past weekend I had the opportunity to run with her.  Without further delay I give you the interview portion of Thumbs Up Thursday!!

Jodi:  How long have you been running?
Mellisa:  Wow, I have to use math – I think it all started 2003.


Jodi:  Why did you start running?
Mellisa:  Peer pressure, just kidding. It all started with walking and I felt the need to kick it up a notch.

Jodi:  How many years have you been racing?
Mellisa:  My first half marathon was Bonnie Park Spring kick off in 2006. I had done a few other local races but that was by far my longest distance that year.

Jodi:  What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Mellisa:  By far the half distance, I feel I still need to meet goal of 2:06 or less. The distance is just far enough to keep you challenged and far enough to keep trying to beat your own PR. .

Jodi:  What is your favorite race memory?
Mellisa:  It had to be the Full Cleveland Marathon last year. I went into the race strong and prepared thanks to my training buddies/friends Deb and Kim. They kept me accountable and consistent. Not only did I go into the race strong I finished strong physically and emotionally.

Jodi:  What is your least favorite race memory?
Mellisa:  Ha-Ha - My first Full marathon in Columbus – I took the distance for granted – in short, it was a long miserable run/race. Oddly enough after finishing, I actually said I would do another one.

Jodi:  What is your proudest running moment to date?
Mellisa:  There are many but anytime that I can finish my races w/my training buddies/friends I’m always proud.

Jodi:  What one item do you absolutely have to have with you on a training run?
Mellisa:  Hehe, my fuel belt and my garmin. If I’m missing either one I feel naked, although I did run my first 5K a few weeks ago without my fuel belt and I was fine but I wouldn’t want to do without them on my long training runs.

Jodi:  What is your favorite fuel during a race?
Mellisa:  GU – chocolate or vanilla.

Jodi:  What is your favorite post race snack?
Mellisa:  Peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat with a banana.

Jodi:  Who do you admire most and why?
Mellisa:  Besides my boys – my friend Sharon – I love who she is, I love how I feel when I’m with her. She accepts me and understands “me” on my terms and vice versa. She is by far my go to girl. I’m smiling as I type this.

Jodi:  Do you have a favorite quote?
Mellisa:  Me, Miss Quote Queen of course.
“We either make ourselves happy or miserable. The amount of work is the same.”
“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”

Jodi:  Finish this statement, when I run I feel __________.
Mellisa:  Well that depends on the run, but mostly strong, confident and stress free.

Jodi:  What is your current goal?
Mellisa:  Training for the Chicago Marathon that will take place on October 9, 2011.

Jodi:  Please feel free to add anything else you feel will help others lace up their shoes and get out there and run!
Mellisa:  Whatever your goals or your motivation for lacing up, do it for “you.” Anything less and you will be selling yourself short. The journey should be all about you, the ‘perk” is all the wonderful people you meet along the way and there will be many.

The best motivation always comes from within.
- Michael Johnson

Thanks again for the opportunity to give you a Thumbs Up Mellisa.  Best of luck at the 2011 Chicago Marathon!  Looking forward to running some of Cleveland with you on Sunday!!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and Mellisa YOU inpsire ME!!

The Final Long Run

Today marked the final long run of the 18 week Cleveland Marathon training cycle!  The plan was for Jenn and I to meet at 7 AM for our 8 mile run.  I updated my status on Facebook to reflect the final long run!  Minutes later Deb commented on my status saying that she and Mellisa were also heading out to run so I asked her when and where.  It turned out that we would be running at the same location but I knew Jenn and I were supposed to meet at 7 AM.  Things always have a way of working out and I got a text message from Jenn asking if we could meet at 7:30 because she overslept.  I told her 7:30 would work great and commented on my facebook status that Jenn and I would be there at 7:30 so we all decided to meet there and run together!  I love the sport of running!  It's amazing how many wonderful people you meet!  To think a few weeks ago we didn't even know Mellisa and Deb and today we were doing part of our final long run with them.  It was a lot of fun to run and talk to them about our upcoming races next weekend.  Mellisa and Deb will be running the 1/2 marathon at Cleveland and are training to run the Chicago Marathon in October!  When we got to the four mile mark we stopped and took a few pictures and said we hoped to see each other next Sunday!

Mellisa, Jenn, and Deb at the four mile mark

Mellisa, Deb, and I at the four mile mark

four ladies at the four mile mark

Jenn and I headed back to finish up our run.  As we approached the end of our run Jenn started sprinting.  I had no idea she was going to do that.  It was too funny!  She wanted to see what she could do at the end of the run!  She was so proud of that sprint and I was too!  Jenn had mentioned how she loved getting medals at the end of a lot of our recent long runs.  We were able to do this by tacking on miles to races that we entered.  I told her at the beginning of the run that I didn't have a medal for her at the end of the run but I did have something else for her but she would have to finish the run to get it.  As we were stretching at our cars, I presented her with her very own signed copy of Kara Goucher's book!  I think it was close enough to a medal! :)  Right before we left, we took the traditional post run picture!!

8 miles and done

One week from today I will be seeking my revenge on 26.2 also known as my epic 2010 Cleveland Marathon DNF which you can read about here, complete with my awesome back bib from races2remember!  There will not be much running to speak of this week but that's okay because I want to be at the start line with Dave and Jenn and anybody else that would like to run with us with rested legs, a clear mind, and a full heart!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!