April R.O.M- Melissa Walden

Congrats to our April Ultimate Fit Runner of the Month, Melissa Walden!  Here is more on Melissa:   "I am 32 years old.  My husband Kent and our 3 kids (5,2,1) reside in Princeton where he grew up. I work in Marketing and Development for The Arc Southwest Indiana. I’m originally from Anderson, IN but moved after school."

What motivates you to run/walk?
I like to eat...A LOT! I really enjoy the peace of mind that I get from just hitting the road by myself with no goal in mind and find new ways home. Also, did I mention I like to eat. 🤣

How many races have you participated in? 
I’ve ran probably around a 100 or so races. I haven’t kept track but would average about ten a year. 

What age did you start running/walking for fun & competitively?
I competed in my first 5k a day after my 22 birthday. I puked a little in my mouth around mile 2. While I was running, I thought, I’m never doing this again. Clearly that didn’t stick. 

Favorite place to run/walk?
I enjoy running in the country, usually with a few of my girlfriends, or if I get lucky, my husband will run with me. 

Favorite local race?
Laufenfest in Haubstadt & the River City 10 Miler are my favorite local races.

Favorite race outside of the Tri-State?
My favorite race outside of the Tr-State is the Mark Walden Memorial Sickle Cell 5k in Memphis, TN. It’s in memory of my husbands cousin Mark. The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee always puts on a wonderful race with activities before and after, always plenty to eat and the friendliest volunteers! 

Farthest you have traveled to do a race?
San Antonio or Las Vegas for the Rock n’ Roll Marathons. 

Favorite race distance?
The half is definitely an ideal distance for me. It’s nice to be able to let your pace set in and just enjoy the road. 

Favorite race memory?
My favorite race memory is...the finish line at any race.

Funniest race memory?
​My funniest race memory for me had to be a few years ago during the Evansville Half, I was doing snap chat every mile to pass the time. Someone that saw my snap said do you realize Brad Ellsworth has been in every snap you’ve sent? I hadn’t recognized him before then, so my mission became to continue to have him in every snap and even talk to him to see how he was doing while snapping.🤣 So I got next to him and turned the camera on, he started waving and saying hi to the camera. He was a good sport about it but probably thought I was crazy. 
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Craziest thing you saw at or during a race? 
Someone peeing on the bridge during the River Run...then seeing race pictures of wet pants 🤣

Favorite pre & post-race meal/drink?
Pre - snacks / Post - snacks and beer

What is your favorite brand of running shoe?
Brooks Adrenaline ...however the I have five pairs of the Launch 5 Rock n’ Roll marathon series that are tie-dyed because they are so pretty. 🤦🏻‍♀️

How many miles do you run/walk a week?
I usually average about 25. 

What are your future goals for running/walking?
My goal for running this year is to run at least 1 mile every day and run at least 1000 for the year. 
Favorite time of day to run?
Anytime!

Favorite weather to run in?
I love running in the heat, unless it’s a race, then I like it to be about 55ish. 
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Music or no music?
Definitely music...usually something upbeat. I’ve been hooked on the Sugarhill Gang station on Pandora for the last few months. 
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