Melissa is a 1989 graduate of David Anderson High School in Lisbon, OH, where she ran the 100m and 200m dash. She was a state finalist her senior year, and was her high school record holder in the 100 and 200 meters until they were recently broken in 2019 and 2014 respectively. She was the first female track athlete inducted into her high school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.
After graduation, Melissa matriculated to Robert Morris College in Moon Township, PA, where her father, Jeff, graduated. Coach Bruce Frey decided that Melissa would also run cross country to prepare her for the track season. She ran four years of track and cross country for three seasons.
After graduation, Melissa started a new adventure, she became a triathlete. A veteran of several triathlons, including sprint, Olympic, half IM and Ironman distances. Melissa became an “Ironman” completing the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and marathon in 13:44:18 at Ironman Louisville, KY in October 2017.
In January of this year, Melissa entered her first ultra, an 8 hour timed event on an absolutely sloppy 1.7 mile loop and finished 2nd in the women’s division (12th overall) with 35.7 miles
Melissa is a NASM certified personal trainer and eats a strict plant based diet.
I could not consistently run 70 mile weeks and have the recent results I have had without her guidance. She has been a big influence on the supplemental aspects of my current running as a 50something trying to compete; diet, recovery, stretching, hydration and overall strength for injury prevention. Also, she tries to limit my alcohol (Guinness) consumption and get me to cross train. She is there for me to share my victories, help me learn from my defeats and puts up with me when no one should.
Melissa lives in Hilton Head Island, SC with her “has been” runner boyfriend who is trying to start a website.
N of 1 Running 
Well said Tony. Melissa is such an inspiration and I think we all become a better person with her in our lives.
LikeLike