Melissa Tanaka

What is your favorite quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training/racing/life?
Everybody wants to be a diamond but ain’t nobody wanna get cut!

What was your favorite sport in middle school?
I was big into soccer in the beginning but middle school was when I first discovered track and I quickly fell in love with running and I realized my favorite part of soccer was running up and down the field!

Can you share your first sports bra experience?
I don’t totally remember my very first sports bra experience, but I definitely remember one of my first ones was neon green and teal tie dye and I usually saved it for special workouts and games because I was always so excited to put it on!

If you could give one piece of advice to a 12 year old girl, what would it be?
My advice would be to focus on finding what truly makes you happy and to put your time and energy into those activities, hobbies, music, or anything! It’s important not to get too caught up in what other people find interesting or what others think you should find interesting. Have fun trying out new things and have some compassion for yourself if not everything works out perfectly. Life is a wild ride so be kind to yourself and others and always remind your friends and family how much you appreciate them.

What is your superpower?  
I honestly think I’m super good at relaxing. If I have time to waste I most definitely will be lounging around, probably in the sun, and definitely not rushing anywhere.

Tell us about your favorite place you have ever traveled to:
Japan! I went with my family a while back and the food, the architecture, the culture, the people, all of it was so SO lovely. We got in tons of beautiful sights and experiences and got to visit some of my family that lives in Japan!

What alternative career do you fantasize about? 
I’ve always wanted to be an astronaut. Space is so super fascinating and getting to see our planet earth from such a different perspective would be an absolutely surreal experience.

Sweet or savory?
Savoryyyyy. Don’t get me wrong, I love plenty of desserts! But I don’t know why, I think the savory things just speak to me a bit more.

Travel necessities?
Headphones, chapstick, and a water bottle.

Some favorite jams at the moment
I have so many but specifically for a good pre race pump up my current favorites are Fast (Motion) by Saweetie and The Big Big Beat by Azealia Banks.