Karen Wendler, a physician assistant with an impressive 34-year career with the UW Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, has not only dedicated her life to caring for patients but also to her passion for running. As she gets closer to her goal of running a marathon in all 50 states, recently checking Rhode Island off the list, Wendler reflects on the adventures she’s had along the way.
Karen Wendler, MPAS, celebrates one of the 40 marathons she’s completed since 1997.
Her running journey began in high school in Iowa, where she participated in track and cross-country. These early experiences laid the foundation for her lifelong love of running, but she didn’t set her sights on long distances until after the birth of her first child. Challenging herself to stay active as a new mom, Wendler ran her first marathon in Madison in 1997.
After expanding her family with three additional children, including twins, Wendler stepped away from marathons until 2004, when she realized training for a specific goal helped her stay centered.
“It’s difficult balancing running with raising children and working full time, but I know how important it is to take time for yourself so you can thrive in all areas of your life,” said Wendler.
The 50-State Marathon Quest
Wendler’s goal to run 26.2 miles in all 50 states grew organically. After completing 10 marathons in different states, she just decided to keep going. Running marathons became a way for her to travel, see new places, and experience different courses. Each marathon brought new adventures and memories, fueling her determination to do it again.
While she often runs alone, Wendler has a supportive network of running friends and groups. She enjoys picking marathon locations and having six to eight friends join her, with many of them participating in half marathons or 10k distances. Some of her favorite locations include Boston, Massachusetts; Grand Rapids, Michigan; San Francisco, California; and the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
“Every marathon is an opportunity to experience a new place, made even better by the friends who join me,” Wendler shared.
That passion for running extends to her professional life, where she connects with her patients at the UW Health Verona Clinic through shared interests in exercise and health. She advocates for the physical and mental benefits of exercise, encouraging young people to make it a lifelong habit. Her dedication to health and fitness inspires both her patients and those around her.
“It’s so important to make physical activity a part of your daily life, and the younger you start, the easier it is to maintain,” added Wendler. “Though it’s never too late to start at any age.”
Her typical training schedule involves running four to five days a week, with six miles being a standard distance. When actively training for a marathon, she incorporates long runs and cross-training into her routine, aiming for 30 to 40 miles a week to stay healthy and avoid injury. Her disciplined approach to training has been crucial in maintaining her fitness and achieving her marathon goals.
Nearing the Finish Line
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant setbacks to Wendler’s marathon plans, but she regained momentum as courses re-opened and travel challenges eased. With 10 more states to go, she’s on pace to reach the 50th state in two to three years.
Wendler’s final marathon will be in Hawaii, where she plans to celebrate with her husband and children and enjoy a big vacation afterward. This grand finale will mark the culmination of her incredible journey and perhaps the beginning of something new.
Her advice for aspiring runners and anyone trying to get more active is simple: make time for exercise, schedule it like an appointment, and focus on the long-term benefits for both physical and mental health.
Published: April 2025