melissa racing in Freeport

Melissa Roush, 38

LPN

I've been running since 2001. My first race was the OSF Heritage 2 Mile run.

I've always enjoyed going out on my own and running. A friend of mine (Jodie Jones) asked me run in a race. It took a little convincing because I didn't think I could even make it 2 miles. At that point, the furthest I've run was 1 1/2 miles. After I did that race, I was hooked and have been running in some of the races ever since.

If I could no longer run, I would...hike,swim.or bike

My favorite run used to be the Rock-n-Roll run. Now I would have to say it's the Kerry Classic (I love the scenery) or the 911 run where I had a new pr.

 

I usually run by myself. Phil Best will run with me occasionally in some of the races. He encourages me to keep running and on my last race he helped me to push myself when I didn't think I had enough kick at the end of the race.

I love to play softball and volleyball when possible. I also like to spend time in the wilderness taking a hike up north at a friends cabin.

My favorite thing to do after a hard workout is relax,put my feet up and read a book.Unless I have other plans that day like help my husband with projects that need to be done around the house.

When I'm not running I like to read a book, go to the movies, and spend time with family and friends.

I am inspered by all runners. I admire anyone who can do a marathon, triatholon,or anyone who is fast. I enjoy getting tips from runners on how to make running easier or just helpful hints in general on running. I like to listen to runners and their experiences and stories it motivates me and inspires me to be a better runner.

My first obstacle was to actually run a race. I didn't think I was good enough or fast enough. Now I know there are all types of runners and each of those runners have their own goals,challenges,or obstacles they are trying to achieve. My next challenge was to run a 10k (which I achieved in 2005).

I'm not sure what my next challenge will be.You never know I might be brave enough to do run a half marathon.

The local runners I most admire are Connie Marsh and the Yarger Family.

At the end of the race is where I have a kick. I just tell myself a few more feet and let my legs take over. When the people at the end of the race are cheering for you to give it your all at the very end is encouraging. Also, when Kat,Phil,or Larry run with me the last few feet they encourage me to kick it up a notch at the end.

2008 was the best running year I've had so far. I had two races where I had a new P.R. That was the 911 run and the Meld 8k. After running the Meld and knowing I had a new P.R. I felt so great that I signed up for three more races that I didn't plan on doing. It was a great endorphin rush. Now I know what a runners high is. My greatest accomplishment would be that I have run several 10k's, I never thought I could do that. My next goal is... maybe run a half marathon.

I still have alot to learn. I enjoy looking at the scenery. I've seen hawk, fish jumping out of the water, and even heard the local coyotes on the running path. My advice would have to be is to have fun with it and enjoy the world around you because you don't know what tomorrow will bring or what is around the corner. Live life to the fullest because life itself is too short.

I plan to run until my knees and hips give, or until the doctor tells me not to. If my knees and hips do go out, I hope I can just get new ones and keep running for another 50 years.

I would like to say thank-you and that it is very encouraging to me when any of you runners out there call out my bib number out loud and say good job or keep up the good work. I also enjoy the helpful information and tips on running that people have shared with me throughout the years. I've met alot of new people through running and made some new friends. I'll treasure the memories and advice always. I look forward to seeing everyone at the next race to make even more memories.

Melissa in Krape Park