Why Run
Why do Boulder Mountain Warriors run?
Because we love to.
Passion initiates every step we take! Our goal is for running to be a lifelong passion for all who spend time as a Boulder Mountain Warrior. Coach Melody knows that in order for this to be possible, leaving a positive imprint on her Warriors is essential. In youth running, “pain” cannot not equal “gain.” At BMWS, we run to sniff out JOY and maintain our focus on a positive attitude and giving our best effort.
Attitude and Effort
Our running results do not define who we are. The attitude and effort we put forth to train and race, DO - and that starts with a positive mindset. Attitude: of gratitude, positivity and determination. Effort: the best we’ve got, on the day. Do we feel cheerful and grateful every day? Are we at our “best” every day? No. Being an athlete and a person who strives for excellence (not perfection), means showing up and doing what we can, with what we’ve got, each day. Doing that is what forms the spirit of a “Boulder Mountain Warrior.”
The Choice to Become More
One might think that “Warrior” means “winner” or one who "destroys" or "dominates." However, a Boulder Mountain Warrior is one who can listen to that small, deep voice within which will always choose, even if scary…the choice to Become More: more courageous, more confident, stronger in body and mind. These are the reasons why we run.
Embracing the Challenge to Build Character and Endurance
Running provides an equal playing field to all who toe the line, to transform themselves through a beautifully simple yet profoundly life-changing process: show up consistently, work with yourself where you are, and change happens: endurance increases. And with endurance, the ability to run faster, for longer periods of time.
We run to learn how to do hard things. When we do, we build endurance mentally and physically, developing that grit muscle that builds character. Building character by embracing challenges one step, one season at a time, develops confidence in kids. What emerges is a courageous optimism which emboldens kids to become dreamers and doers.
Developing Self-Confidence
At BMW we nurture the whole athlete by embracing the ups and downs physically, mentally and emotionally. This roller coaster is the inevitable experience of an aspiring athlete, not an “issue” to fix. Leaning into the wisdom of that small, deep voice within, which will always choose, even if scary…the choice to Become More: more courageous, more confident, stronger in body and mind…is the most meaningful part of the BMW athlete journey.
Belonging to a Team
We run to witness our own growth, with our coaches and teammates as witnesses to that Becoming. As each individual Warrior improves in their own time, they sense their belonging to a group of similarly inspired team mates: improvement is possible for EVERYONE, regardless of your experience level or goals. As this self-confidence grows, the energy to contribute positively to the team emerges. Whether chasing a personal record or just finding their stride, everyone is encouraged to grow through our programs, and is supported by coaches and teammates who truly care.
Coach Melody's Running
As a Youth
The seeds for BMWs started right here in Boulder when Coach Melody was a youth runner herself. She knows well how important it is to appreciate the little gains, to stay positive, and talk back to the inner doubts. Melody’s meteoric rise to the top of the world youth running scene in just three short high school years is notable: from 1988-1991, she won eight Colorado state titles, setting records in the 1600m, 3200m and XC. She won the National XC Championship two years in a row, and in 1991, earned the bronze medal in the World XC Championships.
Of special note, Melody still holds the Brooks-Fleet Feet National High School XC Championship Course Record of 16:39 for 5000m in San Diego’s Balboa Park – thirty-six years since she set it in 1990. And in 1991 she was the first high school girl in U.S. history to break 10:00 for two miles.
Also as a teenager, she won the BOLDERBoulder citizens race three times. But winning right out of the gate as a Boulder High School first-year student wasn’t easy. The expectations from within and from the running world, began immediately. She lived with the pressure to continually meet or exceed these expectations throughout high school, and then continue her winning ways into college and beyond. While competing in college, Melody faced challenges common to young female athletes. With resilience, she overcame them, and uses her experience to help young BMWs today.
With Great Care and an Open Heart
These days, Coach Melody is an inspiring leader and top master’s runner. What she is most proud of is her 10-year-old son Dakota, and learning (every day) how to be a better mother to him. With BMWs, she is proud of the great care and open heart she brings to each BMW team member. This is a key reason her young athletes reach milestones, succeeding in high school, college and beyond. Coach Melody knows the proper, healthy balance needed for successful youth running. Kids’ long-term physical and mental health are her priorities. She and her coaches teach what it takes to be successful—not just in performance, but in life.
Career highlights Include:
- First HS girl in U.S. History to break 10 min. for 2 miles (9:55:00)
- Two-time Footlocker XC Champion (’90,’91), current course record holder (16:39, 5k)
- Bronze Medalist, Jr. World XC Championships, Antwerp, Belgium 1991
- 8-time Colorado state champion, ‘89-‘91; held state records in 3200 and 1600 for twenty- four years
- NCCA All American Track and XC, UO Ducks, ’92-‘96
- NCAA Champion, 3000m indoors, UO Ducks, ‘96
- Two-time Olympic Trials qualifier, 10k (’96) and Marathon (2000)
- U.S World Track and Field Championships Team Member, 1997, 5k
- Member, Gold Medal U.S. Mountain Running Team, 2012; 8th place overall, Ponte De Legno, Italy
Professional highlights Include:
- Head Coach and Founder, Boulder Mountain Warriors Kid's Running Club (since 2013).
- Graduate, Cortical Field Re-Education certification Program, 2010
- Steens Mountain Running Camp Assistant Camp Director and Inspirational Speaker, 2000-current
- Graduate, University of Oregon, B.A., English, ‘96
- USATF Team Staff Positions: Jr. Girls World XC Championship Team Coach, Kampala, Uganda, 2017
- Sr. Women’s World XC Championship Team Coach, Aarhus, Denmark, 2019
- U18 World Youth Mountain Running Championship Co-Coach:
- 2023 (Annecy, France)
- 2024 (Aguilar de Campoo, Spain)
- 2025 (Donovaly, Slovakia)
- Assistant Track coach, Willamette University, ‘04
- Assistant XC Coach, Wellesley College, ‘03
- Head Girls XC Coach, Simsbury HS, Ct., ‘00