Melody Peppard

Q: When did you begin running and why?
I started running during sixth grade gym class. Tuesdays, we had to run a half mile and Thursdays it was one mile. There was one girl who was faster than me and we would race. The best half mile was in the 2:40’s and the best mile was about 6 min. I am not sure I ever beat her, but I sure loved racing. Below is a picture taken in high school for the yearbook. Fittingly, I am second from the lead. Heather Evans is in the lead.

Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
I was looking for running groups because I wanted to meet more people who loved running the way I do. I stumbled across the DCRR long distance winter series (Snowball Series) in 2013 and started to meet new running friends and participate in DC Road Runner events.

Q: What are you training for right now?
I am training my son to run in his first 1/2 Marathon. It’s the Santa Hustle in Sevierville TN. I picked this one for him because there are cookie and candy stations to motivate him. (He doesn’t love running the way I do . . . yet).

Q: What is the toughest run or race you’ve ever participated in?
This year, I participated in Trail Fest (Day 1: 13 Miles Near Bryce UT; Day 2: 11 miles near Zion UT; Day 3: 17 Miles at the Grand Canyon). It was the most amazing and challenging 3 days of racing that I recall to date.

Q: What’s your favorite part about being a DCRR member?
Racing, the happy hours and dinners, and volunteering with my friends.

Q: What’s the most important lesson running has taught you?
Life is like a marathon. You need persistence, strategy, and the ability to adapt for both.

Q: What’s your favorite route in the area?
I love all routes outside! My favorites include the DC monuments, Old Rag, Mt. Vernon Trail, C&O with a Billy Goat detour, and Manassas National Park.

Q: What race day traditions do you have?
Race day traditions: Hope that I remember my race bib, maybe show up on time, double knot both shoes.

Q: What’s your proudest running moment?

1. Coaching about 20 people for Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. For many, it was their first half marathon. (I love watching people accomplishing their dreams, and I look forward to coaching again)
2. Directing my first race for DCRR. (I want to direct more!)
3. Listening to Meb Keflezighi recount winning Boston
4. Listening to Billy Mills recount winning gold in 1964
5. Qualifying for the Boston Marathon

Q: What’s your life like outside of running?
My life outside of running is super busy!

Thank you DCRR for another great year of running!