She lost 10 years to addiction. Then she earned a Six Star Medal at 60 🏅🏃‍♀️

Running has a way of meeting us exactly where we are—even when we feel completely broken.

For over a decade through her 30s and early 40s, Patti was trapped in a heavy cycle of severe drug addiction. It took away ten years of her life, her health, and her sense of purpose. But one day, exhausted and ready for change, she decided she was done letting her past dictate her future.

Her comeback didn't start with a lofty marathon goal or elite training. It started in her mid-40s on a treadmill at Planet Fitness, walking at 4.0 mph for 45 minutes just to complete a 5K distance.

What began as a way to take back her health slowly transformed into an extraordinary global journey. Patti redirected the intense focus and energy that once fueled her addiction into endurance sports. She built her strength step by step, progressing from local road races to her first 26.2 in Baltimore, and eventually setting her sights on the biggest running stage in the world: the World Marathon Majors.

By the time she turned 60, Patti had crossed the finish lines in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City—earning her coveted Six Star Finisher Medal and proving that it is never too late to rewrite your story.

In this week’s episode of Your Story, Your Why, Patti opens up about the raw reality of starting over, navigating imposter syndrome, balancing performance goals as an aging athlete, and why holding onto the memory of her darkest days gives her the strength to keep moving forward.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Starting Small: How a simple 45-minute treadmill walk laid the foundation for running six of the world's most iconic marathons.

• Reframing Energy: Channeling the intensity of addiction into purpose, discipline, and long-distance running.

• The Six Star Journey: Navigating race lotteries, international travel, and running sub-4:00 marathons in her 50s.

• Running at 60: Overcoming injuries, adapting training for longevity, and keeping the passion alive.

Until next week, keep chasing those miles,

Letty Lundquist

Editor-in-Chief, Marathon Journal