Hello to our Run Tucson running and walking friends.

In today's newsletter, we continue our "runner profile" feature and introduce Mary Mellady, who helps us produce our races. Mary is a registered dietician by training, and she has been a swimmer, a hiker, and a certified running coach.

We've got more of these in the queue, but if you know a person who should be profiled, let us know and we'll see what we can do!

--Randy and Tia Accetta, plus the crew at Run Tucson

randy@runtucson.net | tia@runtucson.net | info@runtucson.net
Runner Profile: Mary Mellady
Director, Connected Health & Wellness, Dietitian at Tucson Medical Center
When and why did you start running?
I first started running about 30 years ago (now you know why I didn’t put my age ;-o) but it didn’t stick, still enjoyed teaching group aerobic classes. Then I started again about 10 years later after my son was born. I felt terrible having him in a daycare while I worked out…so I started running in the mornings before he woke up. Once I started I realized how good it was for my mental health!

What is one of your favorite Tucson-area running locations? How about around the world -- anyplace super-special to you?
I really love running along the Loop between Dodge and Craycroft. It is not as busy as other sections of the Loop and it’s like a small community where you get to see the same people each day, plus….there are DOGS!
Other than Tucson, I love to run along a canal that was close to where my mom lived…great memories. And I would have to say that running in Scotland in the winter is pretty cool (literally) for a Az girl!

What is one of your favorite workouts and why?
Sorry, I don’t really have a traditional running workout….but my favorite workout is hiking/running Blackett's (Blackett's Ridge Trail, Sabino Canyon). It is challenging and if I’m really on it, I can knock it out in under 2 hours. 

What is your least favorite workout and why?
Weights. Mostly because I worked in a gym for so long that I don’t enjoy being indoors. But thanks to COVID we have accumulated enough home equipment that I really can’t use that excuse anymore…Hmmm

What groups, if any, do you run with? 
I only run with my dog.

What is your favorite race distance? Do you have any advice on how to train for that type of race?
I really like half-marathon distances. Long enough to feel like you have done something more than just a day run but not so long that you have to spend a lot of time training.
 
Being an older runner, following a training plan that is running only 3 days a week really works well for me.

This is hard for me to admit as a dietitian, but we just don’t need as many calories as we think we do while training for marathons.

Advice for trail running?
Don’t trip! Oh wait, I trip all the time…so I would probably not be the right person to give advice!

Self-Promotion: is there something cool we should know about you?
I actually am a swimmer turned runner because it is more convenient

Two truths and a lie about you:
My favorite place currently is the Grand Canyon
I love sour gummy bears
I used to be a kindergarten teacher
2022 Run Tucson Event Schedule
Earth Day 5k Run/Walk at the Biosphere 2

Saturday Morning, April 23
Join us at the inaugural TMC Earth Day 5k

Walk or run the hidden backroads of the world-famous Biosphere 2, nestled at the base of the majestic Catalina Mountains, north of Tucson. The rolling 3.1 mile course offers gorgeous desert and mountain views, with start and finish on the Biosphere 2 Lawn. 

Don't miss this chance to visit the earth's entire ecosystem under one roof while celebrating Earth Day.

First 400 registrants receive these cool swag items:
  • souvenir race shirt -- technical shirt in both "women's cut" and "unisex" styling
  • commemorative coaster race medal

Other items:
  • official finisher's time with chip timing
  • free entry to the world-famous Biosphere 2
  • discounted entry to spectators, plus free entry for children
  • post-race snacks and goodies
  • age-group and overall awards announced soon

TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Night Run + Festival of Miles

Saturday Night, June 4, 2022
Join us at the 16th Annual TMC Night Run and Walk!

We're psyched to get back to a nighttime event, with the 16th Annual TMC Meet Me Downtown, staged at Armory Park and the Children's Museum in the heart of Downtown Tucson.

We hope we can have a beer garden, food truck roundup, jumping castles, FitKidz race, live music, and more!

This will be the first-race of the three-race Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown, raising funds for the BEYOND-Tucson Foundation. Additional Beneficiaries include the Children's Museum, Educational Enrichment Foundation, Greater Tucson Leadership, and Cox Charities.

2022 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown
Register for the GabeZ Triple C and receive a special "Run Tucson" souvenir shirt, unique Gabe Z souvenir medal, and entry into three popular events:
  • June 4 TMC Meet Me Downtown 5k Run/Walk
  • September 18 TMC Tucson 10k, 5k Run/Walk
  • October 23 TMC Biosphere 15k and 5k Run/Walk, at the Biosphere 2

We continue to be grateful for the support of Ross Zimmerman, Emily Nottingham, and the entire Zimmerman family, allowing us to celebrate Gabe through these events.

Thanks to TMC, $10 of every Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown registration goes to BEYOND-Tucson, one of Tucson's leading public health advocates.

As a thank you for reading this email, use the coupon code "newsletter" and receive $5 off your Triple Crown registration, through February 20th.

Make Plans for the Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon

Saturday morning, November 5, 2022
4th Annual Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon Run and 5k Run/Walk

Run or walk a half-marathon or 5k in the beautiful and rugged Kaibab National Forest, just south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. 

Souvenir race medal, colorful long sleeve shirt, race goodies, and more to commemorate your iconic journey through the trails near the South Rim.

Visitor discounts for hotels, food, and activities.

Thanks to TMC for everything it does for Southern Arizona - visit TMCNow for health care from your home
The TMC Now app gives you 24/7 access to physicians that are licensed to practice in Arizona through the convenience of phone, video, or mobile app visits. It's an affordable option for quality medical care.
SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK LABOR DAY 8-MILER

Monday morning, September 5, 2022
51st Saguaro National Park Labor Day Run

One of the only courses in the nation allowed on actual National Park land, the beautiful course rolls up and down the 8-mile paved road amid the lush Cactus Forest at the base of the Rincon Mountains.

We're hoping to add the 5k back into the mix!

Souvenir shirt to all registrants, plus entry into the Saguaro National Park. We at Run Tucson are proud to be the race directors for this Southern Arizona Roadrunners event.

TMC Tucson 10k and companion 5k

Sunday morning, September 18, 2022
Tucson's only fall 10k is back!

We'll be back for the 5th annual event, on the same beautiful course among the rolling hills of the Painted Desert in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains.

All participants will receive a race shirt and souvenir medal.

This is the 2nd leg of the 2021 Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown.

TMC Biosphere 15k and 5k at the Biosphere 2

Sunday morning, October 23, 2022
NOW a 15k at the Biosphere 2, in Oracle, nestled against the western foothills of the mighty Catalina Mountains

Staged at the world-famous Biosphere 2, with a new distance of a 15k (9.3 miles) and a 5k, along with the Cox Family Mile.

Free Biosphere 2 entry for registrants!

The 3rd leg of the GabeZ Triple Crown will have goodies for all race registrants: souvenir coaster medal, cool race shirt, post-race fun, and more!

Beneficiaries include the Biosphere 2, BEYOND, and Team Hoyt.

Join the Southern Arizona Roadrunners
We are grateful for our 25+ year friendship with SAR, one of the best running clubs in the nation.
Who Sends These? Run Tucson (www.RunTucson.net) is a local event production company for running/walking events in Southern Arizona. 

To promote our mission of making Tucson better through running, Run Tucson advocates for health & fitness, enhancing community engagement, and promoting the local economy. 

In addition, we make significant contributions to worthy charities, providing over $300,000 to local organizations over the years.

Our partners include the non-profit Southern Arizona Roadrunners, plus Tucson Medical Center and a host of local sponsors.

Why Am I on This List? You've participated in one of the events we've produced, either one of our charity running events in Arizona, or as part of Meet Me at Maynard's, Meet Me Wednesday's, Meet Me Downtown PHX.

How Do I Get Off This List? You can hit the "unsubscribe" button below or you can email us at randy@runtucson.net.
For information about our events, the RRCA, and The Workout Group, contact Randy Accetta
(520) 991-0733
For information about in-person, online, or group coaching, contact contact Tia Accetta.
(520)891-4369