Melissa Griffie: A Balanced Approach to Triathlon and Life.
How a full-time mother of three, business consultant and volunteer coach finds time to be at the top of her game.
Michael Bronco
Two summers ago, I had the pleasure of helping budding Triathlon star, Melissa Griffie, hone her open water swimming skills when she and her family were visiting Charleston, S.C. We first met at Bronco's Gym in Madison in 2007, when Melissa joined to improve her strength, but I never really worked with her personally.
Ironically, it took my moving to Charleston and Melissa's by- chance visit to bring us together as coach and athlete.
What followed was a fantastic two year journey to the top of her game. Initially drawn to triathlon to get back into shape, Melissa found herself getting bored after about four years. "I needed to challenge myself If I was to continue," Melissa states, "so I decided to see how fast I could get."
And just how fast was that?
How about finishing third in her age group at Westchester, one of the Northeast's biggest races of the year, and qualifying for Nationals. I caught up with Melissa by phone recently and asked her a few questions about racing, being fast, raising kids, losing weight, and most importantly, finding balance.
Michael: Before we get into where you are now with triathlon, let's go back for a moment and talk about how you got started and what challenges you faced initially.
Melissa: It was tough because I had a job, three kids, a husband, and I was out of shape. As any working mother knows, just taking care of kids can make you sore all over. Ironically, adding triathlon to my life actually helped me to feel more energetic. I also started sleeping and eating better.
Michael: Tell me about your job. How many hours do you work and how difficult is it to work around?
Melissa: I work 25 hours a week as a consultant to Kraft Foods and it's a really fluid position. I don't always know what my schedule will be, so I have to schedule workouts when I know I won't be needed at work. That means really early in the morning.
Michael: It's one thing to finish a race, it's quite another to do so well, while at the same time juggling work, kids, volunteering and whatever else life throws at you. Is there anything in particular to which you attribute your success?
Melissa: Absolutely: my husband, Doug. He's a really busy guy himself (works in finance) but made himself available to make sure I had whatever I needed to do well.
Michael: Obviously, that means watching the kids, pitching in around the house, etc. so that you can get your workout in, yes?
Melissa: Yes, but I also make sure that I only workout when the rest of the family doesn't need me for anything. It's been a process over the years, but I've honed it down so that I only workout in the early a.m. when everyone is asleep. If I need a second workout I do it at work during lunch.
Michael: So, nothing after school or after dinner?
Melissa: Nope. The only time my kids have to wait for me is on the weekends when I might do a long ride, or something. But it's good for them to wait for me sometimes. I want to be a good role model to them and show them how important it is to take care of yourself. One of the main reasons I started triathlon in the first place was because I wanted to have energy for my family - and I want to be around to watch them grow up.
Michael: Sounds like scheduling is important to your lifestyle, but how do you find time to serve as a volunteer coach with your busy schedule? It seems that there must be a breaking point no matter how tight you schedule yourself.
Melissa: It's about priorities. I sit down with my husband every winter and we communicate our priorities for the upcoming year. That's when we decide together what to leave in and what to leave out. I do the same for him when it's hunting season!
Michael: You made quite a leap in 2010 when you came in third at Westchester. Anything you can tell us about what made that happen?
Melissa: Believe it or not, I got faster when I cut back on my training and focused more on quality. When I was in Charleston I remember telling you that I was getting some pressure from friends to do a half-ironman. You told me to forget about the long stuff and just concentrate on Olympic distance. You reminded me that I was good at them and that I wouldn't have to sacrifice family time, etc. It was like a lightbulb went on when you said that.
Michael: In the end, it's all about balance, isn't it? Same with diet. Can you tell us a little about yours? And maybe, if you don't mind, let us know how much weight you lost since you started?
Melissa: I don't mind at all, I lost 30 lbs. And you're absolutely right, it's about balance. My diet is really good, but it isn't crazy. I eat lots of veggies, salmon, whole grains and a little fruit. Whenever I eat pizza I have it with a salad. I don't drink alot to begin with, but if I go to a tailgate party or something, I'll be sure to have a selzer in between my two beers. I never drink just for the sake of drinking. It's always as part of a meal.
Michael: Well, it sounds to me like you really have found a healthy balance and a healthy life. Solid family, health, challenges, work, volunteering - oh, and a dog, right?
Melissa: Yes, an Australian Sheppard / Golden mix named, Kodi. We abolutely love him but he definitely adds to the juggling act. I do all the laundry and house stuff, pick up the kids from school, walk the dog, cook, do homework with the kids and work, so it really is about scheduling and focusing on quality.
Michael: I already know the answer, but I'll go ahead and ask anyway: what's your number one priority?
Melissa: My family. I just don't think I have to sacrifice the needs of my family or my racing.
Michael: So, this winter, when you sit down with Doug, what will you tell him your goal is for next season?
Melissa: I want to qualify for nationals in June at the Rev 3 Quassy in Connecticuit, and then set a personal best at Nationals. For me, that means breaking 2:30 in an Olympic distance.
Michael: How about beyond that? Do you see yourself doing anything different in the future?
Melissa: It's funny that you mention that becasue I was already looking into doing some Exterra type races. I miss my old mountain biking days a little. I also don't think that the competition would be too stiff in my age group.
Michael: What age group is that, by the way?
Melissa: 45-49
Michael: Best of luck to you, Melissa. I'll be keeping tabs on your progress. It's really nice to see someone who has mastered the art of living and not just racing.
Melissa: Thank you, and thanks for all your help. My biggest goal for next year is to continue to feel great!
Michael: You're a great role model, keep up the good work. We'll be rootin' for you.