Melissa Malani PhD, has had an incredibly impressive running journey, progressing from a 5:12 marathoner to a 3:27 marathoner and 2X Boston Marathon finisher! It's been a circuitous route, filled with huge challenges that nearly ended where it started.

In college, while in a toxic, controlling relationship, her ex-husband pushed her to run and closely monitored what and how much she was eating. That kind of trauma leaves scars. It could've broken her will and permanently damaged her relationship with food and running, but thankfully it only served to make her stronger and more resilient.

After finishing her dissertation—feeling like she was permanently glued to a chair—Melissa felt the need to jump on the treadmill at 9:30 at night. Winded and struggling to breathe (she's asthmatic), she pushed through and began to reframe her relationship with running.

Melissa on running today:

"It truly brings out not only the best in me, but constantly makes me want to be better and do better in all aspects of life; it makes me want to do more, serve more, be more—I just can't imagine not being that way and having that drive."

We discuss: healing from a toxic relationship, healthy relationships with food & running, how these things and having a child with special needs shaped her drive, energy, spirit, and service for others, pushing through the tough and dark spots to get to the light, race experiences, coaching, mentors, fueling, mantras, goal-setting, community service, giving back, and more.

Melissa's story is so INSPIRING and I'm so excited to follow along on her big goals to get faster and have an even greater impact in her community as a speech-language pathologist.

I hope you all enjoy this convo as much as we did!

If you enjoy the episode, it would mean the world to me if you would rate the podcast or write a review and share feedback wherever you get your podcast groove on.

Connect With Melissa:

Instagram: @isamarathoner

Connect With Ron:

Personal Instagram: @ronrunsnyc

Podcast Instagram: @runchats_with_ronrunsnyc

Facebook: https://fb.me/runchats

Website: https://ronrunsnyc.com

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

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© 2021 Ron Romano