Get to know Johnny Tiet

 Each month we are highlighting different members of the Spewak Training Family. Our team is made up of amazing individuals who train year round while juggling families, jobs, life commitments, and other stresses. I am constantly impressed with the self discipline of our runners and their genuine appreciation for simply working hard. This month we sat down with  Johnny Tiet! Johnny joined Spewak Training during the summer of 2018. Johnny's an extremely hard working guy who has aspirations of improving his times in all distances. Despite a busy travel schedule, he has a really healthy balance between running and his personal life. Johnny is a stand up guy who is really well liked and has been a huge part of our team's success. Enjoy his story! MS: How did you get into running?  JT: I got into running by chance.  I signed up with friends for my first 5k in 2007 and did pretty well for just casually running. After that race I was hooked.  Over the next few years I would enter multiple races and my first half marathon in 2011. That half marathon fueled me to get faster because I wanted a sub 2 and ran a 2:01.   MS: What’s your favorite part about the sport?  JT: I love the fact I can do this anywhere I am at!  I just need a path and my running gear.  The people are also my favorite.  So many friendly people that support and encourage you. Plenty of kudos to go around! MS: You are part of a few different running groups in St. Louis, tell us how they have impacted your running and life. JT: The running groups have been a huge part of my life.   The people I have met are now my closest friends and basically family. We run, travel, and experience life all together.   Besides who else understands the growing pains of running? Also, if it wasn’t for my running buddy Mike H. I wouldn’t have met my girlfriend! MS: You travel a lot for work, where have been some of your favorite places to train? JT: By far my most favorite places have been Denver, Portland, Minneapolis, and my hometown Richmond, VA.  All of these locations have long paved paths.   MS: Any advice for others who struggle to train while maintaining a busy work schedule on the road? JT: It’s all about balance and not being afraid to say no.  Knowing your schedule ahead of time helps you figure out the best time for you to get a run in.   Whether it’s early in the morning or right after work you have the time to get it done! Remember if it’s important you’ll find a way, if it’s not you’ll find an excuse.    MS: How long have you been running with Spewak Training?  JT: I have been running with Spewak training for just over a year now.    MS: Why did working with a running coach appeal to you? JT: I am a coach for financial advisers.   I know the benefits of having someone teach you methods that you may not be implementing.  I am also great friends with a few of the other Spewak athletes and seeing their improvements made it a no brainer to speak with coach.   MS: Do you have any funny stories to share from the sport?  MS: Last Halloween, I ran the GO! St. Louis Half Marathon and had a person pace me the entire race.   After crossing the finish line I turned around to congratulate her. While it was a monster PR for me, she ran her PR as well.  I asked why she paced me and she said “ I knew you would do well because you were talking runners and spectators the entire course!”  Sorry Coach I like to talk! MS: What’s the best piece of advice you could give to anyone getting into running?  JT: Can’t just give one piece of advice.  First, get out of your comfort zone. While a workout may look impossible, you will always feel great once it’s done.  Second, you will have two types of running days: good and bad. Don’t worry about the bad days, you are still improving.   MS: Do you have any favorite quotes or mantras?  JT: I recently had the pleasure of seeing a motivational speaker named Jesse Itzler. He had a mantra that I repeat when my mind is telling my body to quit.  “I did not come this far, to only come this far.”     *Spewak Training coaches are accepting new clients. Please feel free to reach out to us contact@spewaktraining.com to learn more about our training services.*