Angela Patnode

I was NO athlete as a child. I thought I was doomed to a life of un-coolness. Inspired by talented runners in my family, I coached myself into running in college. Running was approachable – it didn’t matter how slow I was or how often I had to walk. I gradually walked less and ran more, until I could run three miles – then six. Biking soon followed, and now I am loving my life as an endurance athlete. I have completed thirteen marathons, countless 5k/10k runs and triathlons, and completed Ironman Wisconsin in 2008 and 2012.

If I had never learned that the term ‘athlete’ doesn’t necessarily mean someone who wears a team jersey and handles a ball, I might still not call myself an athlete today. I aspire to help others make the same transition. I believe everyone has at least one athletic pursuit that speaks to them, be it walking, running, dance, martial arts, yoga, or just keeping up with the kids and grandkids. I design challenging, appropriate workouts, and I have a combination of patience and perseverance that makes me both approachable and effective.

I hold a BS in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University and an MS in the same field from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. When I'm not personal training, I do computer modeling for solar hot water and other ‘green’ or innovative energy systems. I also teach corporate group fitness classes and lead workouts for marathon and triathlon training groups. I definitely understand busy schedules! I have current CPR/AED certification.