NM XC Top 30 Senior Girls: Melia Macias

Eldorado's Melia Macias has been an integral member of the Eagles since switching from Soccer. Photo by Leir Martuccio.

With the Jamboree in the rear view mirror, we now are counting down the days until the state reconvenes in Rio Rancho for the Big Dance. Until then, we will pass the time getting to know this season's Senior Class.

Questionnaires were handed out at the Jamboree, or emailed to those who were not in attendance, and this is what we get. The Top 30 Seniors were determined from the 5K Rankings before the Jamboree, then adjusted after the Jamboree. If a kid was Top 30 before the race, they received a questionnare, if they raced themselves into the 30, then they were emailed a questionnarie after. With that, we continue our series with the second to respond, Eldorado's Melia Macias.

NM Milesplit Top 30 Senior Profile - #12 Melia Macias

What are your Goals for the 2014 XC Season? How are the progressing toward them?

My goal for the 2014 XC season was to be better than I was last year, to be a new runner. The only way I can progress towards that, is to feed myself positive motivation.

What does a typical week of training look like for you? Do you Cross Train?

A typical week of training consists of at least two speed workouts a week, long recovery runs, and easy breakfast runs every other day. I do try and do a little biking and light weights once or twice a week as well. I believe it does help.

Describe your favorite workout and tell why it’s your favorite.

My favorite workout would have to be mile repeats. They are my favorite but also the ones I get most nervous for. I get nervous for the pain, and they are very hard. It is silly how hard they are, but after them I feel strong and in fact often more energized haha!

How long have you been running and how did you get started?

I have been competitively running for 2 years now. I used to go for little runs with my parents to help with soccer. After soccer season I tried track and field at Eldorado just for fun. Coach Chockri was coaching the Eldorado's boys distance team and he convinced me come out last year and try cross country.

What is your favorite and toughest race so far?

My favorite race is the Academy course, the toughest course is the Rio Rancho course, but I like challenges smiley

Describe your favorite XC memory.

One of My favorite XC memories would have to be a run my fellow runners and I had in the bosque last year. It had just rained, and we found an extremely muddy area. My best friend Jessie and I like having fun, so we started a mud fight and it was so awesome. On the drive back in our friend's car we were all covered in mud and were so smelly, haha it was awesome.

Out of all your accomplishments, which one(s) stand out?

I think one of my biggest accomplishments would be being able to participate and finish Los Alamos's half marathon Jemez Trail run. I have done it twice, and it is such an amazing race. The trails and area is beautiful, there are VWS (Volkswagen campers/ Westfalias) all around, and rad ultra runners all over. Definitely proud of being apart of that community and coming in 2nd place out of Females for the half marathon!

What is your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject in school is literature.

When you’re not running, what do you like to do?

Haha, it is funny because i feel like running is the only thing I do. I like to ready my Bible and hike besides running. However whenever I read my Bible I always feel motivated therefore I normally run afterwards, or when I am hiking I think well if I run I can get to the top of that mountain faster, so I find myself normally running again.

How have your Coaches influenced you?

My coach is my biggest fan. And I am not just saying that. He is the one, besides myself, who knows how much I love running, and understands. My coach has influenced me to work hard when it is time, but to have so much fun along the way, because that is one of the joys of running. He has helped me to stay motivated, positive, and just relax and enjoy it.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plans after graduation is to attend UNM or NM State, and study sports medicine. I would eventually like to help runners in third world countries with preventing injuries and helping them with recovery.

Fast 6

  1. Your favorite pre-race meal: My favorite pre race meal would have to be a big bowl of pesto pasta with onions, peppers, and avocados
  2. What shoes do you train/race in: I train/race in brooks! Everyday I have my red pure grits on ready to add more mileage to them J
  3. Favorite athlete (running or non-running): Scott Jurek, and AJ Beach
  4. Favorite song: My Girl - The Temptations
  5. Favorite book: Running on Empty
  6. Favorite quote: “Be still, and know that I am God. " Psalm 46:10

Thank you for your time Melia and good luck to you and your teammates.