Meet Patty:
Once upon a time there was a girl who hated to run. That would be me. I joined the military about 16 years ago and had to run two miles in Basic Training. I practiced running prior to the six weeks of he$$, but could only make it a half mile or so at a time. However, during the six weeks, I was able to complete two miles in 26ish minutes, and by the end of training, I ran it in 17 or so minutes. After that time, I mainly only ran the required 1.5 miles per year to pass my physical training test so I could stay in the military.
Fast forward to the end of 2008… I went on an all-expense paid trip to Iraq, where they would occasionally have races around the base. I entered a couple of the 5K’s, one 10K and eventually a Half-Marathon to pass the time and try to make life enjoyable while I was there.
The 10K was held at the Baghdad International Airport. There were 15 of us and I came in last. However, somehow I tied for third place with my boss. Here’s a proud photo of me displaying the award:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuzpjCq8hK2prOUYut4oMO1i_d7NIjqCLu8tm97fFkssmJOWoPkxroNP3juTq8qHC_nTzfclfmI3ntn4j7CzA2H2tSWTE8PN0Z6Lg-wz56NoVFONquTL8wjSRXneYCnWyLaZ_rzBT2HQ/s320/patty.jpg)
While in Iraq, I lost 30 pounds (on purpose), mainly through eating healthy, not eating pizza, and not drinking alcohol. I probably ran a couple times a week, about 3 miles at a time on the treadmill. That was my Half-Marathon training. I was pretty nervous when I decided to enter this race. I remember drinking some water and eating a breakfast bar the morning of the race. I had no idea how to prepare. I ran slowly the first 11 miles, walked for 1 mile or so, then decided I needed to jog slowly or I wouldn’t make it. My legs were hurting pretty bad. I think my time was around 2 hours 45 minutes. The fast walker almost passed me, but I would not allow it.
When I returned home, I wanted to maintain my weight loss. I joined a gym, ran on the treadmill and worked out on the elliptical. I sought out races to enter to remain focused on having a healthy lifestyle. I ran the Jingle Bell 5K at the end of 2010, the Firecracker 5000 in 2011, and Steamboat Days (4 miles) in 2011.
A couple friends of mine at one of the races told me about the Peoria Sole Sisters and recommended that I look them up on Facebook since I was so interested in running. Before joining the Sole Sisters, I tried running a 3-mile route in my neighborhood. I would attempt running the entire route; however, I usually stopped and walked a couple times, even though I knew I was physically able to run the entire distance. I’ve been running with the Sole Sisters since August 2011 and have met so many wonderful ladies and formed many positive relationships. I love them!
A few Sole Sisters and I entered the Spartan Sprint in October 2011. It’s not all running, but it is 3.8 miles, with many obstacles to conquer along the way. It was more difficult than I anticipated, but it was a great experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
or November 2011, I decided to register for a marathon. I felt this goal would keep me focused on running for a longer period of time. If everything goes okay, I will be running at the GO St. Louis Marathon on April 15, 2012. I’ve been training since the week before Christmas, however, I have pain in my right knee and will need to treat it and decrease my mileage.![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUAzv9HuSv0lYij12BLf1MUe7DXqqWycrw1p6SX-ajNpF9T2u62b5SZ6vC3z_BQay-1ANbxLW1pkTI_mlUHmipRZUwMMqDvXv9vU6LngXvN4bIvv4JUDGbwytzqPq7FAS2Ueeh0-OI1I/s320/makamaka.jpg)
The Screaming Pumpkin 2011 (below). Just me. (I think the hat makes my butt look big. Also, those are not thigh-highs. It’s a slip that is made into shorts, with white tights.)
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The Spartan Sprint 2011 (below). Me and two of the recruiters from the Peoria Air National Guard.
Go Guard!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW1ET6Vw-CErJAUOSjLWZUb9vr3Vos8FmqTE3PyqZYGKBqulN-vgw4BJ_YA36vIUeGtPJ_IywEGoPY0ReMyRyQYfCekr-Nl0Mb0ynMV30j73d1lDRYXWU_DLyZNheo7zvk1bFWmFZr2U/s320/pattyspartan.jpg)
And last, but definitely not least…My wonderful husband who supports me in all my activities. Afghanistan is basically his second home…
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXAJVrAbTL3qOJgPStGVMTAvdepN-7z3SqCKKRHFt4xKCiZNo4dK7s7HuBZpV7kOL6paOCFJs2Ix9PJ6vAj7gM_lFWbBFGA3FE09uKq0bJzR17LSiZYbI1yz1D5g55rVyZNVKlPki-9w/s320/pattyhubby.jpg)
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Awesome job, Patty! :)
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Patty!! Love it and love you!!!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading your story, Patty, thanks for sharing~
ReplyDeleteA big thanks to you and your husband for your service!
ReplyDelete