“If you don’t use it, you lose it.” This is especially true when it comes to your body’s movement and strength.
MiMi Melvin is one of our newest MEGA Influencers and is a major player in our North Hills run club. She’s joined us on several other posts and is a big fan of Saucony.
We caught up with Mimi to find out what role movement plays in her life. Scroll to the end to see which running shoe she likes to compete in.
How important is it to stay moving? Why do you prioritize movement?
I believe it is important to keep moving because of the old adage, if you don’t use it you lose it. That is true with our muscles. Once we stop using them they slowly diminish. If we stop stretching we become stiff. If we stop lifting weights our bone density continues to break down thus making us susceptible to injuries from falls.
I prioritize working out because it helps keep me sane and gives me the energy I need to keep up with my 10- and 13-year-old sons. I want to model a healthy life for them so that they know that it is okay for women to lift weights, run, and be active overall.
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How do you maintain movement motivation during the holidays?
My personal mantra is “Small steps lead to BIG victories!”
I focus on what’s in front of me and chip away at my goal until I achieve it. When it’s cold outside, I retreat to the gym and my home workouts. I have a collection of workout DVDs that I use to keep me motivated when I can’t make it to the gym. I love HIIT workouts and have several in my arsenal.
I just need to walk by a mirror to stay motivated. Once I see the pooch, I know I’ve been slacking. When I first started running I didn’t like the cold weather or rain. I now embrace the change in seasons and conditions and look at it as a way to build mental toughness preparedness for unforeseen changes in the weather on race day.
How important is it to give during the holidays? Why do you do it? In what ways do you give back?
I give for a very simple reason. As God’s children, we are called to help those who are weak, fatherless, widowed, and orphaned.
While those are not the only categories, I believe that it is important that we do not forget those who are struggling to make ends meet. When I was a child, my parents enrolled in college, while working full time and raising 4 children. We never seemed to have the newest or brand name items. But our parents provided for us and kept us clean.
Some of our clothing came from the Goodwill and from our church. Those memories of how others cared enough to give to us in our time of need motivate me to remember my neighbors who may also be in similar situations. My family and I regularly donate to the Raleigh Rescue Mission, GCF and I donate my gently used business and casual attire to Dress For Success.
What do you love about Saucony?
I have been running in Saucony since the Guide 7 or 8 when I ran my FIRST half marathon: Rock N Roll Raleigh! The shoe provided me the support I needed during training and I felt comfortable during my race. I have stuck with Saucony for every race since, every 5K, 10K, relay, and marathon!
I have tried other models. I trained in a Ride and I recently made the switch to the Endorphin Speed. WOW! Just WOW! I PR’d in the USA model a few weeks ago in Greensboro at the Cannonball Half/Marathon sponsored by Omega. I really believe the comfort, snap, and stability the shoe provided added to my confidence. I have nicknamed myself the unofficial SauconySoleSister. π
What is your favorite Saucony shoe? Does it vary if you are training vs. competing?
Fit, comfort, and performance are the top priorities when I purchase a running shoe. But I must admit that I like good-looking shoes. I mean who doesn’t want to be a little flashy when they cross that finish line? I often tell people that I dress up for my race because when I look good, I feel good and I put forth my best effort.
Since I’ve been running Saucony has always made eye-catching footwear that has served me well during training and on race day. Recently, the company incorporated really bold designs and bright colors and woven those qualities into a workhorse of a shoe. It’s a win-win.
When it comes to training and race day, I run in the same shoe because I don’t want to blow a good thing. I figure it’s good enough to train in, it’s good enough to cross the finish line. And I make sure my outfit matches. π
