Get To Know Me: Melinda Murdock

As GoTigersGo.com continues to feature the cross country squads, today's "Get To Know Me" turns the spotlight on sophomore Melinda Murdock. Last season, Murdock ran in five of the team's six cross country meets. She also competed in the 800m and 4x400m relay in the 2014-15 indoor and outdoor seasons. As a freshman, Murdock was named to the Tiger 3.0 Club both semesters.

Sport-Related

How did you get into distance running? My high school coach introduced me to it my sophomore year to help me keep in shape until the spring track season.
What has been your most embarrassing moment in a meet/event? Probably my most embarrassing moment in cross country was during one meet when I thought I was approaching the finish line so I sprinted as fast as I could only to be told I still had another mile to go.
How many times have people told you distance running is outrageous? How do you respond to them? Just about every time. I respond by telling them it's not just about the physical strain, but most of all the mental fortitude it takes to believe you can push through another mile and go further. That is why I have so much respect and admiration for the sport.
If you weren't a distance runner, what track and field event would you like to compete in? I run track and field too, so definitely the 800 meter and 400 meter hurdles.
What is the best advice you can give to young distance runners? DO NOT give up if you've just started running and your goals seem too high. Know that they're not and that it's going to get hard, really hard, before it gets easier. Continue to believe in yourself and don't be afraid to test your limits every day. If you do that, your goals will be within your grasp before long.

Pop Culture

Read the book or watch the movie? Why? Watch the movie because I read too slow.
Which form of social media do you prefer the most? Why? None really. But, if I had to pick, it would be Instagram because I love taking photos.
What song can you not help to sing along to? Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars

Miscellaneous

When not at practice, what can someone find you doing? Eating or walking super fast to class
What did you do this past summer? I babysit my 5-year-old sister and 6-year-old brother. Basically, I spent time with my family since I don't see them much during the school year.
Do you have an interesting nickname? Any story behind the nickname? Mimi. Just what my family has called me since I was little.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? Give it to people who really need it.
Do you have a hidden talent? If so, explain. I'm pretty good at any type of art. I love sketching and using pastels.
If you were a superhero, what super power would you have? The same power as Beast Boy from (Cartoon Network's) Teen Titans. The power to change into any animal I want.
If you could compete in another sport, which sport would it be? Why? Soccer, because I never had the chance to try it. And, I love running and kicking.

Quick-Hitters

Favorite video game as a child … Crash Bandicoot

My favorite meal my mom/grandmother cooks for me is … My grandmother's Louisiana gumbo

Headphones or earbuds … Headphones

Other sports played as a child were … Softball, basketball and dance (if that counts)

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