About this episode
"I'm very proud that I have managed to, in less than a year, do four half marathons. It's not something I ever could have dreamed of doing. And I'm just proud I have really stuck it out. Because it's hard. It's not easy to try to work yourself back from a poor health standard, or to bring yourself out of that mental hole that people can fall into. I'm very proud that I have stood up and said, 'I need help, and I need to make a change.' That's a huge step for anybody to take. The fact that I've taken that step and I keep moving forward… That means a lot to me." Welcome to the final episode of the newest series on the Ali on the Run Show: The Everyday Runner. For the past four weeks, we've been hearing from runners who are just like you and me. Not professional athletes — these runners have jobs, families, and responsibilities beyond this sport we all love so much. Today, we wrap things up with Melissa Cummings, a runner — or "walker with purpose," as she likes to say — from Manchester, NH. On this episode, Melissa shares the story of wanting to take back control of her life, and how she found running, racing, and a welcoming running club along the way. She talks about that title, "runner," and shares her thoughts on whether or not she — as a four-time half-marathoner — has embraced it yet. She talks about what it was like joining the Millennium Running Club , and what it was like being named 2020's Club Member of the Year. And she talks about her experience with depression, and how running has helped. SPONSOR: Picky Bars — Visit pickybars.com/ontherun , where code ONTHERUN gets you 20% off. (Join the Picky Club and get an extra 20% off. ) What you'll get on this episode: What Melissa's childhood was like as the youngest of five children (6:45) How Melissa found running (11:00) How one race became a year of races (18:45) On joining a running club (23:30) Melissa's quest to "take back her life" (33:30) On becoming a half-marathoner! (35:45) On being named Millennium Running's Club Member of the Year (45:15) What got Melissa to sign up for a marathon (50:40) On owning the title, "runner" (54:00) Follow Melissa: Instagram @mlynette01 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Blog Strava Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe , and leave a rating and review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts . And, as always, spread the run love by sharing this episode with your friends, family members, running buddies, or favorite internet strangers!