Controlled Burn Fitness's Friends

Controlled Burn Fitness's Groups

Started Nov. 8, 2008

Started Oct. 22, 2008

Replied Aug. 10, 2008

About Me:: Owner/Instructor of Controlled Burn Fitness in Glendale, CA.
I got into running as a way to prove a point to some of my Personal Traning clients. I had suffered a sever knee injury in 1999 and luckily had some great physical threrapy and the determination to seek out better ways to support and protect my joints. I was always telling them "if I can run a 5k then there is no reason why you can't make a better time..." and "...as long as one is considerate to their breath and body, anyone can get through a race...no matter how fast you get to the end, just enjoy the journey and be proud that you found the trail..."
I have now completed the NIKE Human Race this August 31st and completed the NIKE Women's 1/2 Marathon in SF on Oct 19th.
These last two races really prove the point of my training style/philosophy for injured athletes: As long as you have a balanced body (strong and flexible), great posture, skeletal alignment, great cardio and the ability to understand breath-control and it's impact on performance/endurance, our body's can acomplish so much-and with no pain/injury.

Personal Records (PR's):: Finishing with a 9:24 pace on my 2nd 5k and not even hiting the road or a treadmill in the 3 months between them. T
he first was the Chinatown Firecracker 5k (uggg, those hills) which I did with a 10:55 pace with only 30 minutes on a treadmill the week before.

Favorite Place to Train:: On a trail, in a kayak, in a dance studio, in a rstorative yoga class.

Completed Races:: Chinatown Firecracker 5k
Hollywood Dreamz St. Patricks Day 5k
Santa Monica Classic 5k
Brentwood 5k
NIKE The Human Race * This was so much fun and my longest distance yet! 10:26 pace
The NIKE Women's 1/2 Marathon in San Fran!
Time: 2:34:53
Pace: 11:49
(Whew, those hills were amazing...I suggest getting more than 3 hours of sleep prior to running!)

Running Goals:: The Human Race. (Did It!!!)
Nike Women's 1/2 Marathon (Did It!!!)
Nike Women's Marathon

Post run indulgance:: Tommys Chili Cheese Fries and a Cheeseburger after the Nike The Human Race. I am always up for a glass of Red Wine and a Burger after anything super-physical.

Other sports I like to do:: KAYAK, Hike, Backpack...anything that requires breath and movement.

What I'm reading:: Edible Los Angeles...a great new magazine for people who are passionate about local, seasonal food. www.ediblela.com

At 11:39am on March 28, 2009, Avis Cross said…: hey, my friend told me about this site to get free ringtones... just spreading the word check it out here

At 6:32pm on October 28, 2008, Betty said…: Hey there Melissa - Glad you enjoyed it! And 11:49 that's great - I heard they've changed the course from the original one. I have a friend at work that did it & loved it as well. I'm considering it for next year. Right now we're talking about doing some races in Pasadena & Venice in Nov & December...I'll likely do the Torrance Turkey Trot. I'm having lunch w. my co-worker/runner tomorrow so I'll find out exactly which races we plan to do & keep you posted.

And I love kayaking, too...how often do you go & where do you go out of? I usually go out of Long Beach when I can...Will you be doing BR's this next season? Typically I do every other season - but I'm staying on this time around =)

Gotta run...Betty

At 3:49pm on August 14, 2008, Steve Mackel said…: I had to go to your web site to recognize you.

At 3:44pm on August 14, 2008, Steve Mackel said…: You are a women after our hearts, yoga and running.

Since you're close come to my free Thursday night Trail run and Yoga for Runners workout. It starts at 6:30 PM for the run and then 7:15 for the yoga. I just bring a towel or yoga mat. It is a great group of fun people of all abilities.

We're glad you joined and your pictures are amazing. Also I am speaking to the Pacers this Saturday on race day nutrition and hydration, in case you are interested.

Train Focused, Steve Mackel MarathonTraining.TV Head Coach

At 7:32pm on August 10, 2008, Betty said…: You're going to love the Nike Women's Marathon. I did the very first. Nike sure knows how to do it right. The expos are great - lots of girly stuff...massages, pedicures, facials WITH the usual running/workout gear. At mile 10 we came upon massage tables - and almost passed them up because we weren't sure if we were really seeing what we were seeing. But alas we stopped for a quick 10 min body loosener/stretch - fantastic! (We obviously weren't overly focused on our time) And no other race can outdo the guys in tuxedos at the finish line with the little Tiffany bag and the best ever silver Tiffany finishers necklace. Only the Nike Rerun medals are my 2nd favorite. The route has changed from then (not nearly as hilly/steep) but Nike does go all out. They have incredible entertainment on the way, too. It's my all time favorite race! You've chosen a fantastic race to start your love of running! Welcome...hope to see you Thursdays for Steve's workout in Pasadena.

At 3:50pm on August 10, 2008, Fearless Artist said…: Nice to meet you today, Melissa! I have never tried yoga before, so that was a challenge for me! I think running a half marathon is easier than some of those poses...LOL.

At 10:00am on August 10, 2008, Bernice said…: Red, red wine... stay close to me... :)

Welcome to Socal Running! Good luck on your Nike 10K this 31st and your SF race in October. When you get the chance, join us for yoga on Thursdays at the Rose Bowl with Coach Steve.

At 7:12pm on August 6, 2008, Noretta said…: I just finished my first backpacking a week ago in Indochina and it was so much fun! I am now thinking of where to go next. Like running, it can be addicting too. =)