Lauren Brozyna had an active sports life as a volleyball and soccer player at Nazareth Academy.
That ended while she started college at the University of Iowa.

Determined to get back in physical shape, Brozyna started running a little more than a year ago.

On Oct. 11, she stepped out in the streets of the Windy City to run her first Chicago Marathon. Brozyna set for herself a time of 4 hours and 45 minutes. She ran the race with two minutes to spare.

“I’ve never been a runner so I just kind of got into it,” she said.

Brozyna splits her time with her studies at College of DuPage with working as a rehabilitation aid at Athletico Therapy in Westchester. She helps patients with their exercise programs, shares in the office work and helps with scheduling. She is pursuing a career in sports injuries.

Notable 
Since starting work at Athletico, it solidified the fact she wants to pursue physical therapy as a career.

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“I never thought I could run a marathon, ever,” Brozyna said. “It just got me to believe that if you set your mind to something you can accomplish anything you want to.”

Philosophy
“Everything happens for a reason — make the most out of it.”

Favorites
FOOD Chocolate
HOBBY Watching Iowa Hawkeye football
SPORTS Played volleyball and soccer in high school, now focused on running