Running Through Challenge: My Journey Continues

Since mid-September, I’ve been working through a new challenge on my journey toward the Every Woman’s Marathon. I was recently diagnosed with facet spondylosis at L5-S1, with mild anterior subluxation at L5 and additional involvement at L4 and S1.

Alongside this diagnosis came a series of physical therapy exercises — hip flexor stretches, quadupeds multifidus lifts, alternating arm and leg bird-dogs with an elastic band, supine hip external rotations with TrA activation, glute med stretches, hip posterior capsule stretches, and seated sciatic nerve glides. Each movement is helping me strengthen, realign, and heal.

I’ve been experiencing moderate sciatic nerve pain radiating from my right hip, with tingling sensations that sometimes travel down my leg toward my ankle or toes. Turning can be difficult, and sitting often makes it worse — yet, interestingly, running and walking bring relief.

So, I’ve kept moving. I’ve continued training, one step at a time, guided by faith, determination, and the belief that motion itself can be healing. This journey has reminded me that endurance is not just physical — it’s also a practice of patience, courage, and gratitude.

Here’s to movement, healing, and hope — and to every woman finding her own fearless path forward.


Journey On. Keep On Questing. 💜✨

“Strength isn’t just built in running — it’s built in showing up, mile after mile.”

Today marked my last long run before the Every Woman’s Marathon — 10 miles on my new NordicTrack treadmill. I kept a steady rhythm: 10 minutes running and 5 minutes of power walking to finish strong.

It felt good — steady, strong, and hopeful. After weeks of training, early mornings, and determination through challenges, it’s now time to taper and let the body recover before the big day.

Race day is November 16th, and I’m aiming to finish within the 7-hour, 45-minute cutoff. We’ll see how it all unfolds, but I’m feeling grateful just to be here — to move, to persevere, and to look forward with excitement and faith.

The journey continues — one step, one mile, one heartbeat at a time.
Journey On. Keep On Questing. 💜✨

Steps Toward Strength: My Journey to the Every Woman’s Marathon

Each day brings its own rhythm — some steady, some challenging, but all part of the journey. As I continue preparing for the Every Woman’s Marathon, I’ve been paying close attention not only to my miles but to my overall health and well-being.

This season has reminded me that progress isn’t always measured by speed or distance. Sometimes, it’s found in listening to our bodies, in resting when needed, and in celebrating the small victories that build strength and resilience.

I’m grateful for the support, encouragement, and inspiration that surrounds me — from my 261 Fearless sisters to all the women who lace up and move forward, no matter what.

Every step is a gift. Every mile, a story of courage.
Journey On. Keep On Questing. 💜✨

Coach Pat Winiecki

patquests.com

261 Fearless Club Director and President of Club Los Angeles

261 Fearless Certified Coach

https://www.261fearless.org/261-club-los-angeles-ca

Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach Level II 

Road Runners Club of America Certified Youth Coach

Road Runners Club of America Certified Race Director

Honored by My Sisters in Service

November 1, 2025

Today, I attended the monthly meeting of the Western Shores Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. During the meeting, I was deeply honored to be awarded the title of Honorary Chapter Regents with the approval of a change in our bylaws.

This recognition means so much to me — a reflection of shared service, friendship, and dedication within our DAR family. I am truly grateful to be part of such a remarkable group of women who honor history and uphold the values of faith, education, and patriotism.

Feeling proud, thankful, and inspired to continue the work we do together.

Journey On. Keep On Questing. 💙✨

Pat Winiecki

District XIII Assistant Director / America 250! Chair

CSSDAR

Western Shores Chapter

Hon. Chapter Regent

Chaplain

NSDAR

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

— Anatole France

October 26, 2025 — A Day of Remembrance

In Loving Memory of Mia

Our beautiful and loving cat, Mia, graced our lives for 19 and a half wonderful years. She passed away on October 26, 2025 — the very same day I lost my mother in 2007. I’ve always felt that their spirits were connected. Mia was born around March 25, 2006 — near, or perhaps even on, my mother’s birthday. It feels as though one love entered my life just as another departed.

Mia was strong and full of life. Even in her final days, her will to live was extraordinary. She carried herself with such grace and quiet dignity, and she left this world just as she lived in it — surrounded by love, here in our home.

We miss her deeply. We will always love her, and we are endlessly grateful for the joy, comfort, and companionship she gave us for nearly two decades.

I love you, Mia. I love you forever.

Journey on, sweet Mia.

Thank you for the love you shared.

DAR District XIII Fall Meeting — October 26, 2025

On October 26, 2025, I attended the District XIII Fall Meeting of the Daughters of the American Revolution. I currently serve as the Assistant Director of District XIII. The meeting was both an informative and uplifting experience — truly an inspiring day among dedicated women who share a deep love of history, service, and country.

Our District Director, Diana Arnold, delivered an outstanding presentation titled “My Mother Wears Combat Boots.” She shared her own journey of service in the U.S. Army, where she rose to the rank of Major with the 349th Combat Support Hospital and the 2nd Medical Brigade, QRF, serving from 2005 to 2019. Her talk was powerful, personal, and deeply moving — a vivid reminder of courage, dedication, and leadership.

As part of the program, I had the honor of presenting updates for the America 250! initiative. I shared highlights from my recent experiences at the Miramar celebration of the 250th birthdays of both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marines, as well as my opportunity to broadcast live from the Battleship Iowa as AG603 in honor of the Navy’s 250th anniversary.

During the meeting, the nominating committee for the 2026–2028 District Board was formed. I was later asked if I would be willing to serve as Director of District XIII — and I accepted. I feel that there are many Daughters more qualified than mer, but I am willing to learn and to try.

It was a meaningful day filled with inspiration, pride, and gratitude — a reminder of how service, in all its forms, connects us across generations.

Journey On! Keep On Questing!

Week 14 of 15 – Every Woman’s Marathon Training

This week marked week 14 of my 15-week training plan — with week 16 bringing the big event: the Every Woman’s Marathon. It was also week 10 of running half marathons, and I can now proudly say I’ve completed 10 half marathons in 10 consecutive weeks.

This run felt different — stronger, smoother, and more confident. It turned out to be my fastest half marathon yet, and I extended it to 14 miles. The “lean” that sometimes creeps in didn’t happen this time. I think what made the difference was better fueling and a new rhythm: walking for 15 minutes, then running for 15 minutes.

All of it was done on my new NordicTrack treadmill, which has been a great training companion.

At 74 and a half, I truly feel like one of the strongest women who will be out there — but I also know this marathon will be a real test. It’s a challenging race, especially at my age, but I’m going to give it everything I have.

We’ll see what happens.

Journey on! Keep on questing!

Cool and cloudy — but nothing could take the smiles off our faces! 🌥️💜

Our 261 Fearless Club Los Angeles met yesterday for our Saturday meet run at 9 a.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 East Holly Street, Pasadena, CA 91103.

We walked through the beautiful streets of Pasadena, made it to the Rose Bowl Tournament House, and enjoyed the charm of the downtown mansions along the way.

Every week brings new energy, new smiles, and the same fearless spirit. Looking forward to seeing you all again next week! 💪✨

— 261 Fearless Certified Coach Pat  261 Fearless Club Los Angeles PatQuests.com @261fearlessclublosangeles @261fearless @pasadenaseniorcenter @pasadena_chamberofcommerce

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JOURNEY ON! KEEP ON QUESTING!

Los Angeles Civil War Roundtable

Attended the Zoom meeting for the Los Angeles Civil War Roundtable on October 21, 2025

It was an extremely interesting and informative presentation, offering deep insights into this fascinating chapter of Civil War history. I’m very glad I was able to attend.

The evening’s presentation was given by Jane Singer and Jay Solomon, entitled “The Hunt for Confederate Secretary of State Judah P. Benjamin in London.” The talk was based on their article, “The Hunt for Judah P. Benjamin, the Spy Chief of the Confederacy,” published in Tablet Magazine in June 2023.

“The Los Angeles Civil War Round Table is an organization dedicated to the study and preservation of U.S. Civil War heritage. Founded in 1977, the organization is a very welcoming group that holds meetings open and free to the public. You need not be a Civil War expert, just someone who is interested in our Nation’s history.”
https://www.lacwrt.org

Patricia C. Winiecki

Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861–1865

Hannah Anderson Ropes

Tent No. 86

CA/NV

JOURNEY ON! KEEP ON QUESTING!

Wow, what a beautiful turnout for the Paramount Roadrunners Senior Walking Club! 🌞

A perfect day filled with smiling faces, wonderful weather, and great company.

We’re so happy to welcome four new members — Augustine, Maria, Sylvia, and Socorro — to our walking family. Thank you for joining us on this journey ahead! We’re looking forward to many more miles and mornings together. 👟💛

Join us at Paramount Park every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.
📍 14400 Paramount Blvd, Paramount, CA 90723

Wishing everyone a joyful day ahead!
RRCA Certified Coaches Ken and Pat

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JOURNEY ON! KEEP ON QUESTING!