Patrick Reagan has twenty years of running experience and had been coaching endurance athletes for ten years. But in 2021 he found himself in a funk that he couldn’t figure out. In this episode, Patrick explains that his increased fatigue and changing emotions were a result of low ferritin and iron levels. He reveals what changes he made and how he is coming back to his real self.
Patrick runs professionally for Hoka One One and GU Energy Labs. Here are his recent accomplishments:
- 2017 finished 12th at Comrades Marathon in South Africa
- 2017 first 100-mile @ Javelina Hundred, won and set course record in 13:01.14 AND defended his title in 2018 and 2019
- 2019 USATF 100-mile champ and CR at Brazos Bend 100
- 2019 1st WS100 (8th place)
- 2021 19th WS100
Be sure to check out his new coaching website.
Lives in Savannah, CA with wife Adrienne, 2 dogs and 2 cats
This episode really hit home for me. I have an autoimmune disease which cause malabsorption of nutrients. I have suffered with deficiency anemia for the past 15 years or so. On average my ferritin level ranges between 2-5.
With severe anemia I always put forth mind over matter. I am an avid trail and road runner as well as mountain biker. The last two years have been the most noticeable in terms of decreased energy and severe fatigue. I started walking many hills on my runs and walking very steep technical sections on my rides.
Finally after I mentioned to my doctor I now get chest pain walking up and down the stairs as well as the loss of my period she finally sent me for an iron transfusion.
I am one month post transfusion, thought
my ferritin is currently only in the 30s , I finally feel alive. I am able to go out and run 30-40 miles/week with no fatigue. Though running and cycling have played a roll in some of the stressors on my physical body, it has kept me alive. Running allows my spirit to be free, and nothing else in the world matters except the moment I’m in, with my feet bouncing off the earth. Running allows me to feel a slice of contentment each day.
I listen to this podcast on the majority of runs and want to thank you both as well as all of your guests for the amazing knowledge and laughter.