Welcome to Testimonial Tuesday's

I am excited to start a new monthly "Testimonial Tuesdays" post. Each month I will be highlighting one of our Mile To Marathon or MNRED runners on their accomplishments.

This month I am pleased to introduce you to Melissa Gacek. While those of us in the Midwest are probably familiar with her name as she is a fixture on the local Midwest running scene, having won many local and national races, what stands out to me is what a amazing role model she is to those that follow her...or should follow her.

Melissa is a outstanding wife, mother of 2 beautiful young girls, an amazing artist, sings in her church choir and runs her own graphic design business...wow, I get tired writing this, and did I mention that she is a 2 time Olympic Trials Marathoner!  And yet she is always upbeat and ready for whatever workouts I throw at her...all with a smile on her face.

Over the years I have met so many people that have told me they don't have time to accomplish "xyz", spend five minutes with Melissa and I promise you you'll have a completely different perspective into what you do.

Working with Melissa has been a truly special time, as her coach, I'm very pleased to be able to call Melissa my friend.

"Working with coach Ron Byland (Mile to Marathon) has strategically increased my ability to run targeted speed, hill and endurance work loads. As I train this year towards achieving my 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, Ron is my trusted advisor, partner, coach, sounding board. We share ideas and input and ultimately he puts together a program that challenges me but I walk away feeling challenged to reach new levels. I've won or placed in top 5% of all of the races I ran in 2014."
Melissa Gacek
2 time OT Qualifier, Marathon, Winner of Lakefront Marathon 2014, Winner of Tampa Marathon,
MN Runner of the Year 2013

See you on the roads
Coach Ron

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Hill Workout Saturday!