Kimmi Patterson has been racing mountain bikes for over 10 years, but more recently started running. Having completed one 1/2 marathon and a Ragnar, she will compete in the up and coming Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon.

The 2019 Chattanooga Marathon falls right on my 50th birthday. The very same day. So I thought, what better way to commemorate my 50th birthday than to run my first full marathon?

I began officially training for the marathon in October 2018, following a 16-week beginner marathon training plan given to me by an experienced running friend. I have to admit, in the beginning, I wasn’t exactly sticking to the plan. It didn’t take long for me to realize, training for an event this big was going to require commitment. Up until then, I hadn’t run longer than a half marathon, and attempting to run twice that far was going to mean taking my training seriously.

Every day after work, I head to the gym for an hour or two of either running on the treadmill or participating in strength training classes. For Saturday long runs, I prefer to run outside, but I’ve run 10–14 miles on the treadmill because of the weather. Friday and Sunday are my rest days, as well as a time to take care of things I don’t have time to do during the week.

Basically, my life has revolved around the next long run. What to eat, drink, what kind of exercises to do, how it will affect my performance, and then how to recover properly to be ready for the next run. After trying a few things, I found sticking to gels or Clif Bloks worked better for me during the longer runs than snacks like sandwiches or pretzels. My stomach didn’t seem to like working on real food while running. I also invested in a handheld water bottle to keep from getting dehydrated on long runs. I found using Skratch Labs Sport Hydration works best for me to keep my electrolytes in check. If I’m on the treadmill, I keep a water bottle with Skratch on hand to sip on. I also found keeping pre-run meals light works best. Toast or oatmeal with peanut butter seems to be my best friend 🙂

Right after a long run or workout, I have a protein shake waiting (super simple—almond milk with chocolate protein powder from Publix) and another water bottle with Skratch to sip on during the drive home. After that, I’m ready for some protein and carbs (whatever’s available at home—my husband James says I’m like a swarm of locusts cleaning out the fridge or pantry!).

To help with recovery, I reached out to massage therapist Virginia Lee at ReVive. She not only helped with soothing sore muscles and trouble spots, but with chronic issues to help improve the running experience for me overall. Emotional support has come in the form of encouragement, advice and running buddies, and from friends inside and outside of the Velo Vixens.

She not only helped with soothing sore muscles and trouble spots, but with chronic issues to help improve the running experience for me overall. Emotional support has come in the form of encouragement, advice and running buddies, and from friends inside and outside of the Velo Vixens.

So, on Sunday, March 3, I will be 50 … and a marathoner. 🙂

Happy Birthday Kimmi, we can’t wait to see you cross that finish line!