Is there anything this woman can’t do? In addition to being a killer instructor and real estate guru, Melinda is tackling the Boston Marathon for the third year in a row while raising money for Tedy’s Team. Read on to find out what inspired her to start running and raising, and be sure to snag a saddle in her charity ride this Saturday! 

1) What inspired you to start running the Boston Marathon?

My mom had a MASSIVE Stroke three years ago this June and she was in the hospital for over 7 months. She had to learn to TALK, and eat and most of all WALK again.So one day when she was VERY discouraged and really felt like she couldnt go on… I had this BRIGHT idea to make a BET with her to MOTIVATE her. I told her… IF she could get out of that hospital and could learn to walk…. I’d learn to RUN and Id train for the Boston Marathon. That was Nov 2010 and in April 2011 I ran my first Boston Marathon with HER at the finish line. LITERALLY! Tedy Bruschi made sure see was standing AT the finish line when I crossed! It was AMAZING!!!!

2) How many have you ran so far?

This year will be my THIRD! Mom always said… things come in THREES!!!!

3) How did you get involved in Tedy’s Team?

When mom was in the hospital, I would try and  be there EVERY day BUT I would come back and teach classes for my sanity. I was my teaching a class at Exhale on a FRIDAY night and the students REALLY werent working to their potential and I just KNEW it. So in one of the most challenging parts of the class, I tuned the music off and told them to just stop…. I then told them MY story… I said… “You are lucky to be here… You are lucky to have the bodies that you have… My mom has been in a hospital bed for over 5 months and CANT walk anymore, or talk, or eat! You are fortunate and dont take it for granted”. I finished the class and then walked STRAIGHT out of the room. I was SO embarrassed that I came unglued like that in front of my students but it all just hit me that day! I had myself a good cry in the office then went back to the studio to clean it up and shut the stereo down and THAT’S where it happened. A student of mine came back in the room and I was completely embarrassed. I told her I was sorry I lost my cool but sometimes it all just hits you. She said…. ” I KNOW, My Mom had a stroke too” And THAT was the beginning of the end. She said she started RUNNINg and it helped her. I said I wasnt a runner …. She then informed me about Tedy Bruschi and the charity she runs for and she said she could put a good word in for me…. and she DID! That girl has become FAMILY to me now and I will NEVER forget what she did for me and my family for that matter. Tedys Team has changed my life. They are my therapy and my FAMILY!!!!

4) What has been the most rewarding part of raising money for charity?

I am NOT a strong runner and it is VERY challenging for me. The reward for me comes in raising money which is where I excel. Its like CHRISTMAS every time I get a donation. Knowing I am raising awareness. making people realize that stroke can happen to anyone of us and knowing how generous people can be to support ME and my MOM is SO rewarding! I have raised over $54,000 in two years and I am planning to raise over $33,000 THIS year alone! But i need EVERONES help. people dont realize… ANY LITTLE bit hELPS! The $10 donations ADD UP!!!! my Gram always would say to me… Watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of them selves and so thats how I do it… One penny at a time, spreading awareness.

5) Finally, what can we expect from Saturday’s ride?!

I am SO excited about Saturdays ride! Whenever you can get a variety of instructors to DONATE their time and ROCK it for a good cause it just HAS to be  FUN! So plan on 30 minute segments from the EVERYREADY BUNNY Christina Lodde, The PUNISHING Hill Climber Rachele Pojednic, and yours truly followed by a half an hour of Yoga to stretch it all out by the stunning and well respected Sarah Sturgis. All that coupled with good people raising money for a cause and treats to end it all… Its going to be a BLAST!!!!!!

Reserve your bike now and help support an amazing woman and a great cause! If you can’t make the ride but would like to donate, please visit Melinda’s personal page.