Carla Melton

Carla Melton’s got her hands full. A mother of three, she runs marathons and her own insurance business. And since the 2006 Twin Cities Marathon, she’s taken on more.

Getting ready for the race, Carla felt her hydration belt was awkward and too heavy around her waist. So she used her head and came up with the GasCap. She now markets these lightweight, mesh ball caps or visors that holds goos and gels on your head.

WomenRunningTogether finally caught up with Carla to chat about her running and the GasCap.
The RunDown
Carla Melton, Age 50, Long Distance Runner.
Married, with three children Noelle, John, and Matthew.
Lives in Longmont, Colorado.
Manages and owns her insurance agency, Milestone Insurance Agency,
since 1997.
Created and runs the company GasCap since 2007.

On Running
“I’ve been running for 11 years. I’m addicted,” she laughs. “I realized I couldn’t go a day or two without it.” Even with her busy schedule she has to make time for her running. “It’s great for my mental health; it feels good, keeps me in shape, and makes me feel on top of the world.”

She pauses for a moment. ”I’m missing a toenail right now,” she smiles. “That’s when you know you’re a runner.”

If there was any question. Carla Melton’s a runner, 5 days a week. “My total weekly mileage is anywhere from 25 to 50 miles depending on where I’m at with my training.”

WRT: What are you training for?
Carla: I’m just maintaining a base right now. Hoping to run a fall marathon but I haven’t decided which one yet. I applied for the New York Marathon lottery but didn’t get in.

When the time’s right, she’ll add to her base. “For my speed work,” she explains, “I include 400’s, 800’s, hill workouts.” Then she adds 5k and 10k time trials.

She also does strength workouts but confesses not on a regular basis. “I include sit-ups and recently added yoga to my training. I’d like to do more yoga when I’ve got the time.” It’s hard to imagine when she’ll do it, but she’ll find a way.

Post a comment on this story.

Marathon Running

WRT: Any tips for women on running marathons?
Carla Melton: Have fun with it. Train with your friends. It’s nice to travel around the country together. Be light on your feet and wear a GasCap to lighten that load!

WRT: What marathon has meant the most to you?
Carla: Definitely Boston. I believe it’s every marathoner’s goal! It was for me and I was so proud to fulfill my dream.

WRT: The GasCap holds gels and goos. What's your routine for using these in your training and racing?
Carla Melton: For my training runs, I usually take just a couple of gels with me, even if it’s only a short run. My favorite gel is Goo Tri berry. In a half marathon race I’ll wear my visor and carry two gels. When I’m racing a full marathon I’ll wear my hat and load it up with four to five gels. It’s nice to carry your own gels so you can always have the brand and flavor you like.

WRT: Besides gels what else do you like to eat?
Carla Melton: I try to eat healthy; but I do allow myself to indulge every once in awhile like pizza!

WRT: How’d you choose the name GasCap?
Carla: I thought it’s catchy and a cute play on words. It carries your fuel and it’s a cap.

WRT: Your website says the GasCap contains…”trace amounts of blood, sweat, & tears (mostly tears).” What's it been like starting up this business?
Carla Melton: It’s been much more than I anticipated. I’ve certainly had a lot of roadblocks but it’s also been very rewarding and well worth it. People’s positive comments and feedback make my day!

WRT: You sold your new Corvette to fund your business. That’s gotta be hard.
Carla: No, it was just a car. I was glad I had the Vette to help fund GasCap. Without it GasCap may not have existed.

WRT: So what are you driving now?
Carla: A Toyota Sequoia.

Photos courtesy of Carla Melton

Check out Carla’s website and lighten your load with the GasCap.

Post a comment on this story.

Top of Page

Post Your Comment

Do you have a comment on this story? Share it!

New! Comments