RUNNING FOR JOY, NOT JUST THE FINISH LINE
Melissa first started running in college, hoping to lose weight. But over the years, it was an on-and-off relationship, overshadowed by yo-yo dieting, life changes, and motherhood. “I used to run for a reason—to change something about myself,” she says. “Now, I run because I want to. Because I enjoy it.”
Her consistency at the gym was steady, but running took a backseat. That changed when Mireya asked her if she wanted to do the Long Beach Half Marathon in 2024. “I said, YEAH!” she recalls with her signature enthusiasm. Training began in earnest—but just weeks before race day, Melissa’s beloved father, Jose “Chuy,” passed away. Grieving and battling an injury, she almost backed out—but couldn’t. “I ran it in his memory. He always celebrated my running milestones—I could still hear him cheering me on.”
The experience was emotional, healing, and unforgettable. So when Mireya mentioned the Golden State Challenge for 2025, Melissa hesitated. Still grieving, unsure. But then she remembered who was asking.
Mireya’s Journey: From Softball to Medals and Miles
Unlike Melissa, Mireya didn’t grow up as a runner. “I was more of a softball player,” she laughs. Running began as a New Year’s resolution—do a race every month, collect medals. It started with 5Ks. Then one day, she ran 5 miles. “I couldn’t believe it—I ran 5 miles!” she says. Inspired by a cousin who finished the San Francisco Marathon without training (and lived to tell the tale), Mireya tackled her first half at the “Girls on the Go” race.
Before long, she was inviting friends to join—San Diego, Zion, you name it. Then came motherhood, and the races paused. But something was missing. “I missed the energy, the training, the you got this feeling at every expo and of course the medals.” So in 2024, she set her sights on Long Beach—and brought Melissa with her.
Team M&M: More Than Miles
Halfway through the Golden State Challenge—having completed the Surf City 5K and the Santa Barbara relay—Team M&M is making each race count. Still ahead are the Surf City 10-Mile and the Long Beach Half again—a chance at redemption, growth, and celebration.
“We push each other,” says Mireya. “I’m endurance, she’s speed. We learn from each other, balance each other.”
Their runs are more than workouts. They’re therapy, motivation, and sacred time carved out in busy lives as working moms. “Running clears your mind,” Melissa adds. “You process thoughts, escape responsibilities. Some days, you just go.”
Their message to others? You can do it.
Even if you’ve never run before. Even if life gets in the way. Even if you’ve stopped and started. You can do this. With the right support, the right mindset, and maybe a friend like Mireya or Melissa, anything is possible.
Because for Team M&M, it’s not just about the finish line. It’s about every step they take together on the way there.
