Patricia Liu on balancing running and working in the medical field

What was your introduction to running?

I didn’t start running until college! My roommates in college were always runners and before I knew it, I was friends with all runners. I used to volunteer with their running group at the Madison Ironman every year and one year I remember thinking “someday I’m going to run a 10K!” and everyone was so encouraging. That’s how it all started!

You recently moved back Portland! Tell us about what brings you back.

Yes! My husband and I just moved from Salt Lake City back to Portland. We’re so excited to be back. Work (and friends!) are the main reasons for our move. I had finished all my medical training a few years ago but now I’m going back to do an additional year of training in addiction medicine at OHSU.

Share with us something interesting about your work.

At my previous job, I was on the thrombosis team (we managed blood clots). Iron deficiency is really common in runners, especially in female runners. Some fun facts about iron are that iron supplements can be better absorbed (and have less side effects) if you take it every other day. Also, taking your iron supplements with vitamin C can boost absorption!

What do you listen to while running, if anything?

I really like listening to podcasts! My favorites are Radiolab, Ologies and most recently have been listening to My Dad Wrote a Porno (thanks for the recommendation, Lauren!)

What are your greatest strengths and challenges when it comes to running?

Challenges are definitely that I’m not a morning person so the summer heat waves have been rough. My strengths as a runner are that I always have snacks (and do prioritize nutrition now)

Any running advice you would give to your younger self?

So many- where to even start. I would tell her to run her easy runs slower, to try some strength training (you’ll love it!) and definitely to focus a bit more on nutrition.

Anything else you'd like to share about yourself?

I have two amazing pets: A border collie mix and a black cat and I’m a beginner ceramicist (mainly pottery wheel)