Get to know Katie Evans!

 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 Katie Evans! Katie joined the Spewak Training team in 2017. She has achieved a lot on the running front and has been an even bigger supporter of the team and the runners on it. She's a marathon beast and an inspiration to so many around her. Katie's smile brightens when she is prescribed a track workout or long run. We are looking forward to seeing her crush many races in the coming months! Let's dive into more on Katie! Coach: How did you get into the sport of running? Katie: I started running about 7 years ago when a friend of mine, who ran half marathons, suggested it when I was looking for additional cardio to my weight lifting routine. I started by running 5K’s with my friend and on my own. But, when my friend passed away suddenly at the end of her half marathons from a double brain aneurysm, I decided to try running longer distances. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to do what my friend was doing when she passed, complete a race in every state but with full marathons.  Coach: What's favorite thing about running? Katie: I enjoy so many things about running- social connections, the challenge of each distance, the competitiveness of racing, even alone time, running with my dog, and how individualistic the sport is. However, I would have to say that currently I really enjoy the social aspect of running. I have really come to enjoy my long runs with friends and meeting friends early in the morning before work to run.  Coach: Do you prefer training for shorter or longer races? Katie: I enjoy both! I started with short distances and even ran sprints in high school! I love track workouts! But I also really enjoy long runs and marathons! Coach: Why did working with a running coach appeal to you? Katie: I initially wanted to qualify for the Boston marathon. But over the years my goals have changed and I have too. I now want to make running a long lasting part of my life. I want to enjoy everything I do in running and I don’t want to feel like I have to run but I get to run. I now choose races that are important to me and achieve my goal of running a marathon in every state. I try to have balance with running, work, and life. Having a coach has helped me to have a person to keep me in check at times but also to help guide me on the best running path for my goals. A coach sees the bigger picture when we sometimes can’t or don’t. They also are quite knowledgeable on how to get there. I put my complete trust in my coach and it hasn’t let me down yet! Coach: Are you currently training for any races? Katie: I am currently training for the Mississippi Gulf Coast marathon in December. I also am running the St. Louis Track Club half in November. My next marathon is in April. Coach: What's the best piece of advice you can give to anyone starting to run? Katie:  Take it one day at a time and never give up on yourself. Sometimes just getting out there is the hardest part but if you never quit on yourself and keep pushing for your goals you will see progress. I often have a hard time running in the summer and just tell myself to get out the door and do something because it’s better than nothing. Effort trumps excuses.  Coach: Do you have any favorite quotes or mantras? Katie: During a marathon or hard race I repeat to myself, “never quit, just keep running." It has gotten me through many tough marathons and times while running. I even have it tattooed on my back! *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.*