Melody Fairchild

Raised in Boulder, Co, Melody became the fastest XC high school girl in the U.S. when she won the http://footlockercc.com national cross country championship, setting a course record that still stands. She earned a bronze medal at the World Cross Country Championships in 1991. On the track, Melody was the first American girl to break 10 minutes in the two-mile. In her home state of Colorado, Melody was an 8- time state champion and set records in the late 80's/early 90's which stood for 24 years. This standard, for personal and physical reasons, proved difficult to maintain. Melody faced challenges common to many young female athletes in college. With resilience, she overcame them and went on to win an NCAA individual title and help the Ducks earn conference and regional titles before her departure from the University of Oregon. The wisdom she gained from enduring through difficult times, in addition to many lessons about training and keeping the "big picture" in mind, is what she shares with her readers, campers and young athletes. Melody has endured in the sport, enjoying several master’s titles, placing 8th in the World Mtn. Running Championships and helping the US Team earn Gold, in 2012, all since turning 38 years old. Her running experience speaks for itself. Yet the great care and open heart she brings to runners is why her work as a coach and now, author, is so valuable.