Not only do we support Chicago athletes, we are Chicago athletes. This year, we couldn’t be more thrilled to cheer on five of our team members who are running the Chicago Marathon.
All of these runners are extremely diverse, not only in their training habits but also in their positions here at Aligned Modern Health. One thing is for certain, all our Aligned Modern Health runners have a passion for keeping each other – and our patients – strong and injury-free.
Here’s an inside look at all of their personal training styles:
Meet our Aligned Modern Health Runners
Michelle Staudt: Lincoln Square Clinic Manager
Why are you doing the marathon?
To keep challenging myself.
Have you done a marathon before?
Yep, a whole bunch of them!
How has AMH helped you throughout your training?
In truly every way! From general upkeep to addressing more serious aches and pains immediately, the entire team at Lincoln Square has rallied to keep me performing at my best, including setting my fastest marathon time ever in June after trying for twelve years!
What is your go to food before the race?
Bucatini with roasted tomato sauce and turkey meatballs – I make it all myself and eat the three days prior ????
Any good luck charms or special routines?
My mantra when doubt or pain sets in: “you trained for this.” Also, I always paint my nails the night before and enjoy a glass of good red wine (after drinking lots of water)!
What will your recovery be like after the race?
Beer and fried chicken! But really, light running or brisk walking 48 hours later, massage, and being patient with both my mental and physical state.
Any advice for other runners?
Enjoy every mile! Smile – even when everything hurts and you want to stop, it’s hard to let the pain get to you if you are smiling.
Did you have any challenges during your training?
If so, how did you overcome them?” The biggest challenge in my training is finding the time to train. Marathon training is obviously time-consuming, but once you enter the mindset that every day is important as the other, you realize that you DO have time to get in that run you were trying to put off. Strap on your shoes, get out the door, and it will be done before you know it!
Ryan Walters: Southport Rehab Specialist
Why are you doing the marathon?
I wanted to feel apart of an awesome Chicago tradition after I moved to the Lincoln Park area. During the Shamrock shuffle, I loved running next to the Willis Tower, feeling like the whole city belonged to me.
Have you done a marathon before?
No, this is my first full. I have accomplished three half-marathons.
How has AMH helped you throughout your training?
My co-workers have shown a tremendous amount of care for my training regimen. They bought me some awesome running gear for my birthday, and had me do a ton of acupuncture to combat my plantar fasciitis. My fellow AMH runners are amazing and I’m glad to be apart of such a great team. Ryan Caturan helped us first-time marathoners with his wise words of advice.
What is your go to food before the race?
My diet has been the same since running Cross-County in high school, so I know it’s a solid winner. It includes two pieces of toast with honey and chunky peanut butter. Per usual, if I wake up late it gets turned into an awesome sandwich.
Any good luck charms or special routines?
I would say the breakfast I eat is the most routine about my runs. Also, the first few steps are usually some sort of skipping to get my energy up and ready to go.
What will your recovery be like after the race?
A LOT of water, Gatorade, bananas, and just keep moving around. My “treat-yo-self” thing after the race will be Birds Nest buffalo style wings!!
Any advice for other runners?
Learn to know your body and become in-tune with it before any kind of long distance training.
Did you have any challenges during your training? If so, how did you overcome them?
The major improvement in my running journey was to increase my core engagement during the first few miles. My lower back was overworking because of the curve in my lumbar spine, in turn created a rib flair. I focused on the same cues I give patients with rib flair and my lower back discomfort went away.
Eddie Moline: South Loop Rehab Specialist
Why are you doing the marathon?
After working the marathon with AMH last year I was inspired from all the different stories of runners I worked with.
Have you done a marathon before?
This is my first one.
How has AMH helped you throughout your training?
Early on in training I talked over different exercises with Dr.Korzen to stay strong for race day. I have also gotten multiple Acupuncture and Massage treatments to help recover after long runs.
What is your go to food before the race?
Keep it light with a peanut butter sandwich and a banana.
What will your recovery be like after the race?
I’m a fan of active recovery so I will try to get some laps done in the pool and get some massage work the day after.
Any advice for other runners?
Dedicate enough time for recovery. The more you neglect it the worse off you will be.
Did you have any challenges during your training? If so, how did you overcome them?
After an 18 mile run I had a bad pain in my foot that I thought was going to limit me running the race. I overcame it by getting worked on by Dr.Korzen and Dr.Tangel at south loop and having my girlfriend Alyssa (who is conveniently a massage therapist) work on my foot almost every day. They all gave me the confidence to keep training and get through the set back.
Izabella: Deerfield, Park Ridge, and Evanston Massage Therapist
What motivates you?
I am very happy to be apart of the AMH team! It has been a challenge for me: after a lazy winter I couldn’t run 3 miles without panting afterwards. CES training has amazing people who not only trained, but also supported/helped me build the strength to get ready for the marathon. Training for the marathon is not only great motivation to stay active, but also opened my eyes to all of the amazing sponsors who support the marathon as well such as American Cancer Society.
What helps?
I think Ryan Caturan’s laugh, and smiley face at 6 am Sunday morning is really helpful and motivating ????
Ryan Caturan: Director of Community Partnerships
Ryan lives and breathes everything running and endurance related! He is an active coach for Chicago Endurance Sports. To get some inside tips on Ryan’s ideal running form, check out his blog!
