Melissa Sundermann & Christine Stead & the A2Zukey Marathon Relay

In S2Ep5 of the PRP, Adam symposiums with two prolific seasoned runners, local community enthusiasts, and positive energy powerhouses Melissa Sundermann & Christine Stead who have been preparing for the A2Zukey Marathon Relay on Saturday June 11th, 2022. Melissa, a board certified physician in both internal medicine & lifestyle medicine and Christine, the CEO of Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO), jump right into the vulnerability waters and discuss the importance of community when it comes to running and being present to encourage others. The two discuss their personal backgrounds in the sport and provide wonderful context into the multitude of ways people can get involved in running. The two also highlight the paramount work that organizations like Bandit Races, Ann Arbor Running Company and Ann Arbor Track Club conduct to provide accessible, inclusive and safe opportunities for the community to connect and challenge one another.

The vulnerability train strides forward as Melissa and Christine discuss the value of their tight knit running group, or as they refer to it, their tribe. For the tribe, running is a true sense and feeling of freedom; physically, mentally, but most importantly, emotionally. There is something special about how authentic one can become while running, and the two admit that honestly their tribe is more of a life group that runs, rather than a running group that chats. The conversation then pivots to discussing the significance and physiological benefits of nature and spending time outside. Although this tribe resides in Michigan, you bet your bottom dollar that they hit the trails even in those bone chilling winter months. 

The PRP listenership is then regaled with the heartbreaking but inspiring story of Karen McKeachie, who tragically passed away in a biking accident in 2016. Karen, who was a world-class triathlete, athletic pioneer, community leader, and a force of nature is the source of inspiration for what is now the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative. As passionate board members serving to empower this campaign, Melissa and Christine intimately discuss why it has been the privilege of their lifetimes to be involved in this unique opportunity to honor Karen's legacy by helping start a project that focuses on providing safe, scenic and free access to nature and trails in SE Michigan.

What are the six pillars of lifestyle medicine and why should you strongly consider getting familiar and cozy with all of them?! What is the significance of the term, running for world peace? What are phytoncides, and why should you care about them? What on earth is ECMO? How many different forms can mentorship embody?! 

This, and SO MUCH MORE in this enlightening, refreshing and encouraging episode of the PRP.

Recorded Sunday June 5th @ 12:00PM EST