Annette Melecio Explains How Triathlons Were Instrumental In Saving Her Life

Annette Melecio, an Ironman Triathlete, shares her journey of finding triathlons and how it saved her life.  Annette is  my very close friend and one of my favorite triathlon people. Annette has been on active military duty for over fifteen years and is currently serving as, a Military Police Officer in the army. She has four years of service left before she retires.   Annette  has always been a runner.  She always liked to run and wanted a challenge so she progressed to running half marathons.  She even made her unit run a half marathons while on deployment.  Following a really bad deployment where many people were lost, she was not in good headspace. She suffered from survivor's guilt and went through a rough patch mentally. Anette even contemplating taking her life.  It was then that she discovered triathlons. She liked the structure, and loved the group of people. Annette felt it was similar to the  military with a lot of camaraderie. Everyone motivated and pushed each other and encouraged each other. It was the first time that she ever felt welcomed and accepted in the civilian world.  Annette loves triathlons and is so dedicated. She has qualified for  the Legacy Program for the Ironman World Championship at Kona by competing in 12 Full Ironman Championships, and one extra one just for fun.  She has also competed in one half-Ironman 70.3 race,   two 55k ultra-marathons and a 50k ultra-marathon with hopes of competing in a 100k ultra-marathon.   Episode Highlights: Annette started running in high school. Annette joined the army and continues to run Annette started her endurance sports career to help cope with her depression. Annette  memorable races Endurance sports and mental health. The importance of finding the right coach How Annette committed to  Kona Legacy Program. Annette tells us how she does it all, being a mother, career, triathlons Dealing with injury. Annette life lessons and words of wisdom Guest Bio Annette Melecio is active duty Army as a Military Police Officer. She has been on active duty for over 15 years and has 4 years left to retire. She has always been a runner and being in the Army running and rucking has always been something she is used to. She has completed 13 full Ironman triathlons, 1 Ironman 70.3 triathlon, two 55k ultra marathons, and one 50k ultra marathon. She completed IronMan #12 in September for a chance to apply for a legacy spot for Kona Ironman World championship. Her goal is to complete a 50 Miler maybe next year and a 100 Miler once she has competed in Kona IronMan World Championship. Connect with Annette ·      Connect with Annette on Facebook. ·      Connect with Annette on Instagram. Did you enjoy today’s episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. If you have questions, comments, or possible show topics, email runningischeaperthantherapyolb@gmail.com To subscribe and review use one links of the links below  Apple Spotify Google  Get a copy of the book Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy: A Journey Back to Wholeness. It is available in  hardback, paperback, and newly released audio form. Connect with Dr. Ouida Brown Instagram @ouilifeouilove Facebook @ouilifeouilove33 Twitter @ouilifeouilove Youtube @ouilifeouilove Sign up for my newsletter http://bit.ly/OuilifeOuiloveNewsletter