About Spewak Training
As your running coaches, we don't just improve your speed – we reveal your potential. This commitment is the core of our approach to training.
Our Coaching Values
Progress Over Perfection
None of us are just runners; we’re moms, dads, students, caretakers, busy professionals and everything in between. That’s why our coaches value progress over perfection and work to weave your training into the broader context of your life.
Steady Reliability
We know how much it means to commit to your personal running goals. That’s why we are dedicated to reliability, meaning we show up for you when and how we promise to, rain or shine - because your goals are our goals, too. We’re in this together.
Flexibility & Humility
Running training is never linear. We know to be flexible, adjusting your training plan to ebb and flow with your running journey. This ensures your goals are reachable and sustainable! Honoring your limits will make you a better runner – and us better coaches.
Meet the Spewak Training Coaches
Our coaching staff has been in your shoes (literally). Want to get to know us? Read our bios below!
MARK SPEWAK
Running Coach
15 years of competitive running experience, 9 years of coaching. 2018 Go! St. Louis Athlete of the Year, 2018 Terrain Magazine Coach of the Year, Overall Winner at Cowbell Half 2017. Division 1 runner for Rider University under Bob Hamer & 3rd runner on 2010 Ladue High School Cross Country State Championship Team.
JILL FINKLANG
Running Coach
Master’s runner and nationally certified RRCA Running Coach with 22 years of running and racing experience. Over 25 half-marathons, 34 marathons, multiple Boston Qualifiers, two 50K’s and one 50-miler. People person with a big heart.
COACH CROWE
Running Coach
Head Cross Country Coach, Clayton High School. Prev. Head Cross Country Coach, University City (15 yrs). Prev. Assistant Track Coach, University City High School (13 yrs) – 2x HS State Championship. Prev. Assistant Track Coach at Fontbonne University (1 yr).
JAIME MAHER
Running Coach
USATF Level 1 Certified Running Coach with an enthusiasm for running trails and competing in ultramarathons. Former collegiate soccer player. Big on balancing work, life, and fitness.
DIANE ROBISON
Dietitian
St. Louis University graduate. MS in Nutrition and Dietetics, emphasis in Physical Performance. Former XC and T&F athlete at the University of Arkansas. Team Dietitian for MLS KC Sporting.
NOAH DAUM
Running Coach
Nationally Certified Running Coach through Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). Avid racer from miles to marathons. Currently most enthusiastic about training for 5Ks and half marathons.
DAN STAPLES
Running Coach
Lifelong runner, teacher, coach, athlete, husband and father. Professional balancer of running and life. Boston qualifier, marathoner and dedicated coach ready to work with runners of all skill levels.
JULIA GRIFFEY
Running Coach
Arizona-based elite runner and coach. Former college soccer player, four-time All American in Cross Country, Indoor 5k, Outdoor 5k, and Outdoor 10k, marathon winner and 10th-place runner at the 2020 Marathon Olympic Trials.
DANNY STULTS
Running Coach
Lifelong distance runner and collegiate level coach with over a decade of coaching experience. Holistic trainer who combines flexibility and accountability to help you build consistent, sustainable training habits and reach your goals.
KAITLYN DONAHUE
Running Coach
Dental hygienist, mother, wife and now, a RRCA Nationally Certified Running Coach whose passion for running led her to run 15 half marathons (and counting). Kaitlyn helps her runners balance their running goals with the demands of everyday life.
KRISTA STALEY
Strength Trainer
Lifelong athlete, runner and Certified Personal Trainer helping runners incorporate strength training into their exercise routine. With a background in Kinesiology, Krista teaches the “why” behind exercises, how to avoid injury and how to move with confidence.
Justin Halley
Running Coach
College athlete-turned-coach for Maryville and Fontbonne University, with a Masters in Sports Science & Rehabilitation. Justin strives to create an environment where athletes feel motivated, supported, and excited to give their all—and have fun doing it.
SONNY TA
Director of Logistics
Dedicated runner and event guru who runs all of Spewak Training’s virtual and in-person running events. Fun fact: Sonny was Mark’s first coaching client before Spewak Training even existed (nearly 10 years ago!).
Coaching FAQs
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The majority of our coaching is done virtually, over phone, email and video chat! We offer varying levels of support depending on your specific training needs and availability. Learn more about our training and coaching plan options here.
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We prefer to match our runners with the available coach whose expertise and training style best aligns with their goals. When you schedule your initial consultation, we’ll get to know you better and advise on the training or coaching plan that will be best for you.
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Success stories are our favorite, and we’re lucky to have captured many of them on our Testimonials page. Take a scroll and see for yourself!
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Of course! For example, many of our runners opt for in-depth coaching before a race, then downgrade to a more hands-off coaching plan when they’re not prepping for a race. We will help you choose the training plan that’s best for you, and you can change your plan at any time with one month’s notice.
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If you choose a Monthly Coaching Plan that involves either weekly email check-ins, weekly calls, or both, we expect you to be responsive (in the case of email) and present (in the case of calls). If you need to reschedule a call, we ask that you be proactive about notifying your coach ahead of time. Missing a call or two is no big deal - life happens! However, if you repeatedly struggle or cease to respond to our outreach by phone or email, we will graciously suggest that you choose a different training plan.
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Awesome! We’re always looking for new coaches. Please send an email to Mark Spewak at mark@spewaktraining.com explaining your interest and qualifications.
Run with Spewak
See how we structure our training plans to support your goals year-round.