Runners come from all places and sometimes are the least likely candidates. Our first inspirational interview is just that. She also happens to be my high school classmate and someone I would have voted ‘Least likely to run a marathon’ back then.
How times have changed and I do love to be proven wrong and reminded of the fact that running builds confidence! That and I was not as wise as I am these days…because anymore I know better than to doubt anyone.
My friend and classmate, Patty Menke, has gone on to complete 10 half marathons, taken part in a relay, and finished her first marathon this past May…all across the country (Portland, Oregon to Miami, Florida).
It was great catching up with her since although we’ve done the typical Facebook interaction from time to time, we have not actually spoke in 20 years…what the what!!
5 Year Runniversary
This was a great time to chat with Patty as she is nearing her 5 year runniversary this coming January 2016!
The fact that she has gone from power walking to prepping for her second marathon (we’re talking to you Grandma’s Marathon!) is truly amazing. What had started out as a way to lose weight has since snowballed into a running addiction so to speak.
Obviously I am a huge proponent of community based fitness and running groups. Patty and I discussed this at great lengths in which she highlights the fact that she does not think she would still be doing this if she didn’t have the group (don’t believe me?…She says it right below this…seriously…
Patty& Her running buddies!
I don’t think I would still be doing this if I didn’t have the group.
That is a powerful statement and a testament to surrounding yourself with like minded individuals.
Like most people that are not from a running background, she was hesitant to get started because of preconceived notions of the stereotypical runner…which Patty thought she did not fit the mold.
Luckily she had a co-worker that was a runner (with the right mindset as well) that convinced her she had nothing to worry about and that us ‘runners’ did not care what you were doing…just that you were doing something!
I really enjoyed hearing that part of her story because it is true on so many levels…
Although I have been a runner for over 25 years…I have always enjoyed seeing people of all shapes, sizes, and ability levels outside running…enjoying nature…and being active.
That is really what this is all about it…LIVING!
Runcation and Motivation
The best part of Patty’s journey as a runner is the fact that she ties in the events she does with her enjoyment of travel. Even though she resides in Chicago, 2015 was the first year she actually ran a half marathon in the state of Illinois.
We all have different motivating factors and when you enjoy both running and travelling there is no reason not to plan a runcation…like taking part in the Hood to Coast Relay as an excuse to visit Portland, OR.
Or going to Amish country in Lancaster, PA to do what has become one of Patty’s favorite events she has traveled to…the Bird-In-Hand Half Marathon.
Between the course, the finisher’s medal, and the community that rallies around this event…she could not stop raving about the experience.
How do we know they have one of the best finisher’s medals (besides the fact Patty says so)?
I think I know where I’ll be next September!
This running journey has had it’s setbacks though…
Sure, Patty completed her first marathon earlier this year, but it happened to be her third attempt at the distance (I guess third time really is the charm!).
During training for the previous two marathons she experienced setbacks in the lead up to marathon day because of injury. This really highlights the fact that we all have ups and downs as endurance athletes.
What separates Patty from the rest is her will to succeed…
It would have been easy for her to give up on her goal of completing a marathon but she kept at it not once, but two more time after that first attempt. What she has gained from that experience is more powerful than a finisher’s medal. It is what that medal represents…
Running Builds Confidence
That phrase will enable you to overcome so many obstacles as it did for Patty!
The best part of this whole story is the fact that her confidence was built with the help of a community of runners around her. You are going to notice (if you have not already) that is a common theme on Flock Fit…and there is ample reason for it.
Even though the will to succeed is part of who you are, many times it takes a team around you to bring it out. Patty’s team can be found at Chicago Endurance Sports.
Endurance sports communities like the one in Chicago play a very important role in the overall enjoyment people get out of whatever endurance activity they take part in, whether it is running, cycling, or triathlon.
Most groups have a great structure to them built of veteran endurance athletes all the way down to the newbie runner and Chicago Endurance Sports is no different.
Patty did do her due diligence though…
Being new to running, introverted, and still lacking some confidence she actually reached out to one of the contacts at Chicago Endurance Sports to ask questions about their programs and if it was right for someone like her…not your stereotypical runner.
Fortunately for Patty they have been the perfect fit for her and her progression from small town introvert to big city runner.
With her newfound confidence and appreciation for the running community she is part of, Patty has even become a mentor for new runners at Chicago Endurance Sports via their No Boundaries training programs.
It is her way of giving back to the running community in the Chicago area that has become woven into her life.
So much of my life today is tied into the fabric of the running community.
Patty Menke Marathon Finisher
These interviews and stories are the perfect opportunity to not only motivate new runners but also pass along the knowledge each person has gained throughout their journey as an endurance athlete.
I asked Patty for one nugget to pass on to other runners but she was so motivated to help that she had two nuggets (in case you didn’t know…2 nuggets are better than 1)!
- Why are you thinking about it? Find that motivation and hold on to it!
- Nobody can want it for you…Find a program and just give it a shot!
Wouldn’t you agree those are two tasty nuggets?
I can not express how awesome it was to catch up with an old friend and high school classmate after all of these years. It really speaks volumes to the power of a running or endurance sports community. No matter what paths we take, we are still connected via this love for being active, enjoying life, and helping others!
So if you are in the Chicago area and have been thinking about joining a running group…look no further. Check out Chicago Endurance Sports…go find Patty…and thank her for connecting you to your life changing community.
Resources
- Chicago Endurance Sports Winter Warriors Half Marathon & 10k Training Program
- Hood to Coast Relay – Portland, OR
- Grandma’s Marathon – Duluth, MN
- Bird-In-Hand Half Marathon – Lancaster, PA
- Wisconsin Marathon – Kenosha, WI
- Born to Runby: Chris McDougall