Melissa pours her heart, soul and humor into all aspects of her life. She has a very demanding position at a Fortune 500 Company in NYC, trains for long-distance triathlons, is a loving daughter and sister, has many friends, AND a very active social life.
Like many of us, the pandemic brought many changes to Melissa's life. Her commute from Brooklyn to NYC went to a commute from her bedroom to her dining room table There were no more visits to her parents or her sister Faith (who happens to be a nurse in NYC) and no more after work dinner and drinks with friends and co-workers. There were also no more personal training sessions at Badass Academy, early morning masters swims, or Saturday rides with friends. While she rarely left her apartment during lockdown, that didn’t stop her positivity and genuine enthusiasm for life. The highlight of most of her days was stepping out onto the balcony of her apartment each evening at 7pm for the Healthcare Heroes’ Clap.
As things started opening in NYC, Melissa braved going out for short runs, but had to change her usual route due to crowding Through it all, she kept her humor and positive attitude. While Melissa continued to train for IRONMAN Lake Placid, she had constant worry over her sister working at the hospital, as well as her parents, and not being able to see or help them. She worried about being "selfish" by training for an IRONMAN during a pandemic. Before IMLP was cancelled, considering this race is Melissa's dream goal, she made the decision to defer to 2021 so her heart could be 100% into it. Nevertheless, Melissa still trains, keeping her focus on a lighter training load, staying fit, and working on her weaknesses, so that when 2021 IMLP training plan is given to her, she’s not back at square one.
We caught up with Melissa’s coach, Jackie Miller, and when asked about Melissa, she broke out in a huge smile. Jackie looks forward to their phone conversations which, in addition to catching up on training talk and life in general, usually includes some humorous story or incident from Melissa. One in particular story, was when the downstairs neighbor came upstairs ranting and yelling at Melissa, complaining of “a loud droning noise” coming out of Melissa's apartment at crazy hours of the day. One Saturday, while training for IMLP, the droning noise lasted all morning to the point where her neighbor asked if she was holding group exercise classes in her apartment. Melissa explained she was riding her bike because she was training for an Ironman, but her neighbor continued to yell, noting that she went to the market and 5 other stores to get away from the noise, came home and the "droning was STILL GOING ON!) She informed Melissa that she needed to re-evaluate her life! Not letting a disgruntled neighbor stand in her way of training, Melissa went out and bought very expensive matting (we’re talking over $1k!!) to go under her trainer, so she could continue working towards reaching her dream goal of an IMLP FINISH.
THE QUARANTINE FIVE:
- “OFF-SEASON” FOCUS: My Mental Game. My coach, Jackie Miller, really helped me realize that I BELONG at the race and I BELONG at the start line and I BELONG at the finish line because I PUT IN THE WORK (and I have fun doing it and encouraging others around me!). Other focus: Nutrition + Strength work.
- PERSPECTIVE: The 2021 Season brings on the opportunity to restart and appreciate the adrenaline of a race and work in off-season to have my best season.
- 2021 GOAL: To cross the iconic finish line at IRONMAN Lake Placid and appreciate the hard work friendships and the journey!
- ON WORKING WITH QT2 SYSTEMS LLC: I love QT2 SYSTEMS! They are a top-notch, full-service coaching group that creates friendships and community no matter your ability level! During #quarantinelife, I loved happy hour and team engagement. Coach, Jackie Miller, is awesome and has helped
reset refocus and encourage to stay focused and motivated during this time.
- LIFE LESSON FROM SPORT: “Each one. Teach one.” Blessed to encourage young girls and be a role model to work hard and go after your goals. Celebrate small successes of others!!!!!
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Melissa Wobbe is one of those athletes that brightens the room she enters and leaves everyone with a smile on her face. She’s a fantastic athlete and she will race IMLP and FINISH make this come true in 2021!!!
SOCIAL: @melikate24
#WeGotThis