05/30/2026
Meet Merrissa 👋
Merrissa is fairly new to running but has already embraced the sport with incredible enthusiasm and heart. Her favorite athletic accomplishment so far is crossing the finish line of her very first half marathon this year at the Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon, a moment she still looks back on with pure joy and pride.
She’s still testing out shoes but has quickly made the Nike Vomero her favorite. Her husband Mark is a DJ, and he creates special running mixes just for her, and when she’s not listening to those she dives into fantasy audiobooks. She loves running in 50 degree weather with a slight breeze and says the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail is her go-to spot, where she starts from different points along it three to four times a week.
Merrissa is already signed up for her first full marathon, the Every Woman’s Marathon in February 2027, and she’s both nervous and incredibly excited. She swears by toe tape after learning the hard way, and she firmly believes a cute running outfit always helps you run faster. After a race, her perfect reward is chicken wings and a beer.
Her biggest support comes from her husband. He wakes up early for every race even though he’s not a morning person, studies the course maps so he can meet her at different points, and gives her the confidence boost she needs on days when doubt creeps in. She completed the 29.3 Challenge this year and plans to run two or three more half marathons in 2026 along with the Troy Turkey Trot again.
Merrissa is a great example of how starting something new with the right support and mindset can open the door to exciting new adventures.
