Today we’d like to introduce you to Logan Patete
Hi Logan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been running for most of my life. However, when I was a high school athlete, my coach told me I would never make it to the University of Texas. I used those words as fuel and created a strategy for myself to reach my goal. I was a junior in high school when COVID hit, so getting recruited was very challenging for me. I had not run as well as I wanted. I was a 4:34 high school miler, a time that does not get much attention from universities. However, I had one opportunity to run at USC Upstate, a small university on the other side of the country. I put all my eggs in that basket and bet on myself by going there. I enjoyed my time there but I wanted to be somewhere more competitive. While I was there, I became the Big South XC Freshman of the Year and trained harder than ever to finish the year with a 3rd place finish at the U20 national championships and earn an alternate spot for Team USA. After that, Texas called. After a 20 minute phone call, I started signing papers to transfer. It was so unexpected. I had my apartment lease already signed for another year at Upstate but when Texas calls, you answer. Now I am graduating with a degree in applied movement science from the University of Texas while also being able to pursue athletics at the highest level. In addition to this, I started coaching high school athletes online. Using my degree and athletic experience, I want to be the coach I wish I had.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I believe a big proponent of success is your belief system. As a young athlete, that meant support from others who believe in you. While I had a club coach as a youth that really believed in me, my high school coach did not, and even stated that I would not make it to the University of Texas. I had to learn a lot of things about running on my own. My biggest struggle was internal as I placed my identity and value in my sport.
I run a very unique track event called the steeplechase. It’s like long-distance hurdles with a pool of water you jump into every lap. It’s not a common event in high school track, so I had to travel all over the country to compete in it. This was my ticket to college, but my high school coach did not approve, and took me off of the varsity team for the mile my senior year. That did not stop me from travelling to the high school national championships on my own volition and dime. My mother had a very expensive and taxing surgery around that time, so we couldn’t afford the trip. I spent all my free time working as a delivery driver and tutor to afford the trip to Eugene where I competed by myself.
I had many instances where I wanted to quit the sport. Early on at USC Upstate, I had not ran as fast as I wanted. This led to some trouble finding a school in the transfer portal. After many “no’s” from coaches, the coach at Clemson told me they had a roster spot for me. 10 minutes before our phone call, they retracted their statement and said they didn’t want me. A few months later, after I ran a lot faster, they told me I could tryout for the team as a regular student. I felt like I wasn’t valued and would never be good enough as an athlete.
I initially fought imposter syndrome when I first arrived at Texas. I was constantly getting dropped in workouts and performing poorly in competitions. I was dead last at the Big 12 championships my first year. My mood and value was directly linked to my performance. I felt insignificant and inadequate.
Thankfully, these symptoms faded when I started to take better care of myself and focus on being the best person I can be. When I started focusing on things greater than myself, such as helping young athletes be the best versions of themselves, I started to be more present and thus more successful as an athlete.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a competitive collegiate athlete as well as a coach. What sets me apart is my 15 years of experience with competitive running, making it to the division 1 level, and still setting my sights higher with a goal of the Olympic team in 2028. I also have the academic background of an applied movement science degree. I believe life and sport are intertwined. Just like I give everything to my sport, I give everything to my coaching.
My goal is to empower athletes to reach their full potential through elite coaching and individualized training. I want to be the coach I never had, emphasizing resilience, expert training, and confidence to help athletes achieve what they want to achieve. I want to spread the knowledge I never had about running to the younger generation.
I also make content on Instagram. It’s mainly running-related content with the intention of sharing my knowledge about running to others in an engaging way and being the resource I wish I had. I have had the opportunity to utilize NIL opportunities with brands such as Hollister, Urban Outfitters, Heydude, Armani, and many others.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
When I was 13, I earned my first AAU All-American medal by a gruesome battle with another kid to the finish line. When I exited the track, my dad came running across the stadium and picked me up in a huge hug. I never felt more accomplished.
Pricing:
- $100 a month for training plans
- $50-100 for Instagram reels/posts
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loganpatete/?hl=en
