Mel is one of the most positive, cheery spartans we’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting and we loved toeing the age group start line with her and seeing her out on course. Never shying away from a challenge, Mel took on the 2019 World Championships at Lake Tahoe despite the frigid temperatures and she’s a continual source of inspiration for us and for those who, under normal conditions, train with her in the Penang Warriors.
Name: Melissa Barron
Age: 32
IG Handle: @melb824
What is your day job?
Property manager/PA
What is your fitness background?
I’ve always been in to sports from a young age competing in athletics and cross country at state level for school and competing in the school teams for basketball, soccer, cricket. I stopped for a while after school, then my partner got me back into running in my 20’s doing 10KM and half marathons runs which eventually lead to obstacle racing.
First OCR Race?
Urban Jungle Challenge & Spartan Beast at Johor in 2018
How did you first get in to OCR?
I first got into OCR from training with warrior fitness in Penang and joining their Urban Jungle Challenge a 10KM obstacle race. I remember how tough it was but really enjoyed it and from there I signed up for my first spartan race And loved it, the addiction with obstacle racing began. :p
What keeps you coming back?
The challenge! I try to get out there and do my best to conquer every obstacle. There’s a massive sense of accomplishment to complete an obstacle and of course finish the race.
What's your favourite cheat day snack?
Cake
What change have you made during COVID that you're going to keep?
I wanted to find a way to keep motivated and keep training during Covid-19 lockdowns and decided to sign up and start training with @silverback_spartan at @teamgrit.ocr I am really loving the personalised training schedule to help towards my future fitness goals and will definitely be continuing.
Have you set yourself any personal goals or challenges to replace racing currently?
I would really love to go to Spartan World Championships again if they’re still going ahead this year, that’s my goal at the moment. And also just trying to get back into the best possible shape.
How are you staying focused on training with all current events postponed?
I try to keep to my training routine like before self isolation happened and keep training in the evenings. I try to focus on the goals I wanted to achieve this year because who knows what will happen when covid is over. We still may get some races fingers crossed.
What is your top tip for sticking to a schedule?
When I’m feeling unmotivated, I get changed into my workout gear and put on some good music, I aim to do at least 10-20minutes of my workout. 9 times out of 10 I’ll do the full workout and feel great afterwards.
Favourite item of kit and why?
That’s a tough one I’d have to say either my water bag (need it in the humid Asian heat) or my trail shoes.
Favourite nutrition product and why?
Syntha-6 protein tastes great blended as a smoothie with fruit or yogurt and keeps me full and helps with recovery.
Favourite fitness book / app and why?
The Garmin connect app gives me a lot of info from my watch after a workout. I also use the Tabata Timer app a lot I can customize my workout timings and have it beep on every set and rest.
Do you have any words / advice for people struggling to stay motivated?
When you feel like quitting or not working out try to remember what your training for or why you started training.
