Running the Distance: Dr. Dan Mendoza on Marathons, Medicine, and Finding Focus
When Dr. Dan Mendoza first laced up his running shoes near Central Park during medical school in 1996, he didn’t realize he was starting a journey that would take him across 19 marathon finish lines in cities from Los Angeles to Duluth. Dan, now the Site Medical Director at Erie West Town, began to run to find space for himself—and over time, it evolved into a passion that fuels both body and mind.
A Family Tradition of Movement
Dan grew up in a family where running was simply part of life. “My Uncle Robby ran 26 marathons—he’s someone I admire, but I want to run as many as I can,” he says with a smile. “Even my dad’s brothers and sisters ran the LA Marathon. I don't have a number in terms of when I'd stop, but I would plan to stop when they stop feeling fun!”
Despite the family ties to running, it wasn’t until residency in 2000 that Dan began running seriously. What drew him in was simple: “It gave me time alone with my thoughts. Sometimes I’d run with music or a podcast, but a lot of it was just about thinking through personal or work issues.”
Balancing Medicine and Miles
Balancing marathon training with the demands of being a healthcare provider isn’t easy. “It gets tight, especially when you’re ramping up for a race,” Dan admits. “Summer vacations, family time—life gets in the way. But I try to plan for a fall race.”
Running is a family affair in the Mendoza household. Dan’s son competed in track and cross-country in high school, and his wife and daughter also enjoy staying active. They live near Portage Park, which offers a perfect neighborhood loop. “It’s great for a few miles after work,” he says.
Lessons from the Road
For Dan, marathon training and medicine go hand in hand. “There’s a lot of overlap—discipline, resilience, pacing yourself. You have to stick to a plan, whether it’s a training schedule or a care plan for a patient.” Running also helps him stay grounded during stressful times. “Especially during 2020, I ran more consistently. It gave me space to think about tough decisions, both personal and professional. It’s a form of therapy, really.”
Memorable Moments on the Course
Dan has completed 19 marathons so far, with LA in 2003 and New York in 2005 among the highlights. But it’s the Chicago Marathon in October 2001 that stands out the most. “It was just a month after 9/11. The whole city felt connected. People were so friendly and supportive. It reminded me why marathons are such powerful events.”
There have been challenging moments too. At one Chicago Marathon, Dan performed CPR on a runner who collapsed mid-race. “There were no stores open, no AED in sight. Luckily, two ICU nurses were nearby to help. It was intense, but also a reminder of the community and quick thinking that marathons bring out.”
Words of Wisdom
To fellow healthcare workers considering their first race, Dan’s advice is clear: “Do it. Start small. Run a 5K. Then try a 10K. Work your way up and see what your body can do. Running teaches you a lot—not just about endurance, but about how to show up for yourself.”
Dan has run with Erie’s Running Club in the past and while he’s modest about promoting his own achievements, he sees the value in practicing what you preach. “I try to live the advice I give patients: eat mindfully, be active, find what works for you. Oh—and check your bag a million times before a race,” he adds, laughing. “Clean socks, pants, sunglasses, snacks. And definitely chafing lotion!”
View other photos of Dr. Mendoza finishing the 2021 Chicago Marathon and his pile of medals hanging on a doorknob in his house!
