Hi, I’m Coach Melanie, and I used to think runners were crazy. I didn’t understand why my daughter, Lexi (Coach, too), wanted to run daily. After several years of making excuses for not running, I finally tried it and joined her.

Shockingly, running wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. New clothes, great company, more snacks, and bragging rights. What’s not to love? Plus, the running community has phenomenal role models for our children. It’s a win-win.

I’ve had the pleasure of running races with the WeRock crew for nearly five years and have now run three marathons and multiple half-marathons with the students. One was alongside my oldest and youngest children and the rest with my daughter. What an honor and forever memories.

My favorite race was the Surf City half marathon with my youngest son, Chuck. While it rained for 8 miles, we did it together and finished strong with a crowd handing us snacks and medals. In our family, running is more than a sport; it’s a way to connect, practice perseverance and learn that sweating and working hard can’t hurt you. It makes you better.

For the past ten years, I have worked full-time with athletes with developmental disabilities. This experience continually challenges me to view activities, even running, from different perspectives.

I’m excited to coach with WeROCK at Newhart and look forward to an amazing year.