Why did you start running?
Initially, I started running to get back into shape after my son was born as well as to help alleviate stress

What age did you start running?
I’ve dabbled in running since I was around 14, but started seriously running at age 44. My brother started posting pics of the 5K’s he was doing and it looked like fun.  So I found a local 5K that blended my new found love of running with my long-running (pun definitely intended) love of wine.  This was back in 2016.  Once I crossed the finish line, I was hooked on racing!  I still have that first medal up on my wall!

How old are you now?
I will be 50 in just a few months and I’m healthier now than I was in my 20’s!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
It’s my journey.  My pace, my body, my heart, my soul.  I can’t run like someone else and no one can run like me.  Learning to love where I’m at in my running journey and accepting that my running outcome (pace, stamina, whatever) as the special gift that it truly is

What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Be kind and patient with yourself.  Push yourself for sure but remember that your journey is yours and you need to let it unfold in its own time

What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I’d have started running with other people much sooner.  I was always so intimidated to run with a group or even with just one other person.  I always felt so slow and embarrassed about my pace, my form, etc.  I figured folks would be annoyed and want to run ahead.  Boy was I wrong!  Most folks in the running community are great!  Running with others is about being together doing something we both enjoy.  It’s fun to push each other as well as just relax and let the run unfold as it will

What is your longest race distance and why?
So far I’ve run a handful of 1/2 marathons.  Initially, just to prove to myself I could do it (yep.. still have that medal up on my wall as well!).  I ran that race by myself.  I’d only been running about a year.  I went to the race alone, I ran alone, I crossed the finish line alone and I drove home alone.  And I felt GREAT.  It was so far out of my comfort zone to do something like this.. it broke a lot of mental barriers for me.

Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I have 2… The first is to complete a full marathon.  I’m 0 for 2 at attempts thanks to injuries.  My next go at it is (Covid permitting) the Maui Marathon in April.  It’s special to me b/c it’s in our 50th state, it’s the 50th annual Maui Marathon and it’s literally just a couple days before I turn 50. The second is to complete Disney’s Dopey Challenge… Jan 2022 (again, Covid permitting)

What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
Hmmmm…  For the shear beauty of it… the Mt Nebo 1/2 marathon just outside of Provo, Utah But overall.. so far is the Xterra Black Canyon run  in March.  It’s a beautiful run and my son always runs it with me..

What is your favorite color?
Dark Green

What is your favorite post race food and drink?
Anything as long as I’m with good friends

Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE Run Team.
To me, running is so much more than just a physical activity.  It’s the fuel my soul needs for me to feel complete, to feel grounded. Over the years, I have met some amazing people and made some lifelong friends.  Most of them at the “back of the pack”.  I have learned that anyone who runs IS a runner.  A mile’s a mile whether it takes 5 minutes or 15 minutes.  I have a lot of respect for the work it takes to be at the front of the pack.  I have even more respect for the work it takes, both physically, mentally and emotionally to be in the back.  It’s taken me a long time to accept my body for what it can do as well as what it can’t do.  Not only do I love who I am, I love my body, I love my flaws and I love the journey I am on.  And I love that we can come together in this TRU Tribe community as friends, as sisters with full acceptance of who we are, where we are and as we are.  Thank you, Lisa, for building this community of amazing women!

Dr. Melinda Striyle also owns 43rd Ave Animal Hospital!

website: 43rd Ave Animal Hospital
facebook: 43rd Ave Animal Hospital
instagram: 43rd Ave Animal Hospital