For Kyle Tellez, Senior Inventory Control Coordinator at Aurora Pleasant Prairie Ambulatory Surgery Center, the starting line of the Chicago Marathon symbolizes resilience, purpose and the strength that comes from second chances. As he trains with Team Advocate to raise funds for Advocate Condell Medical Center's Heart and Vascular Center, Kyle is driven by his personal journey and his passion for giving back.
A personal promise
Kyle's road to the marathon wasn't easy. Like many people, he faced personal challenges in his twenties, losing himself in unhealthy habits that left him feeling lost. With the birth of his daughter, Eloise, Kyle was determined to be the father she could be proud of, vowing to change his life for both their sakes and improve his mental and physical health.
"Years ago, I was reckless – an alcoholic with no direction in life," says Kyle. "My health wasn't a priority. But when Eloise was born, I knew I couldn't let her down, and nothing mattered more to me than getting healthy."
Having loved cross-country in high school, Kyle turned to running as a way to regain control and live a healthier lifestyle. He started small, tackling one mile at a time, gradually building up to a 5K. His hard work paid off when he placed first in his age group at the Grayslake Turkey Trot 5K and then again in another race the following month.
"The joy from accomplishing something so great ignited my passion for long-distance running," says Kyle. "I've learned that every significant achievement starts with a single step – or in my case, a single mile."
Kyle pressed on, eventually tackling a 10-mile race, a half-marathon, and ultimately finishing his first full marathon in Milwaukee, WI, last year.
Fueling professional excellence
Kyle's commitment to running has also had a positive impact on his work at Advocate Health. Now in his fifth year, he attributes much of his success to the energy and focus from his running routine. In his previous role with Advocate's Cath Lab and Interventional Radiology, he deepened his understanding of heart surgery, which inspired his run for Condell's Heart and Vascular Center in this year's marathon.
"Whenever I feel tired while training, I think of the patients and families I meet each day," says Kyle. "I channel the same hard work and discipline in my running that I apply to my job, and I hope to make a real difference along the way. I'm proud to support Condell's Heart and Vascular Center."
The race ahead
As the Chicago Marathon approaches, Kyle feels confident. After completing last year's Milwaukee Marathon in an impressive 3 hours and 29 minutes, he knows how important thorough training is for easing pre-race nerves.
"Consistent training and a strong support system help reduce my race day anxiety," Kyle says. "With my daughter, mom, brother and sister cheering me on, along with the support from my Advocate Health teammates, I'll remember the families I'm running for. When the race starts and my adrenaline kicks in, I know I'll cross that finish line."
Consider supporting Team Advocate runners like Kyle.