Meet Coach Noah! Running for More than Fitness

As an RRCA certified running coach, I have had the pleasure of working with a diverse group of runners, each with their unique motivations for hitting the pavement. But in addition to being a coach, I’m just like them - a runner with a passion for the sport and a desire to push myself to new limits.

After growing up in Carrollton, Illinois and running cross country and track in high school, I attended Blackburn College where I studied Graphic Arts and Leadership while competing in D3 cross country. One of my proudest running accomplishments came during my freshman year of college. I had always been a decent runner, but never considered myself particularly fast. However, I decided to train for a half marathon and set a goal to finish in under 2 hours.

The training was grueling, but I stuck with it, pushing myself through long runs and speed workouts with my Blackburn College teammates. On race day, I was nervous but excited to see what I could do. I started off strong and managed to maintain a consistent pace throughout the race. As I crossed the finish line and looked at my watch, I couldn't believe what I saw - 1 hour and 50 minutes. I had not only met my goal but exceeded it by a significant margin. 

I reignited my love for running as a way to stay in shape and relieve stress. Since I graduated college, I’ve worked as a graphic designer. I spend most of my day sitting at a desk, which can take a toll on both my physical and mental health. Running provides an escape from the demands of work and a chance to clear my mind.

As a graphic designer, I've found that there are many similarities between the creative process and running. Both require discipline, focus, and a willingness to push through the discomfort and the mental blocks. Whether I'm working on a new design project or training for a race, the process of setting goals, breaking them down into smaller steps, and consistently showing up to do the work is essential. And just as there are moments of inspiration and breakthroughs in design, there are moments in running when everything clicks and I feel like I'm on top of the world. Both processes have taught me to trust in my abilities, to take risks, and to embrace the journey, even when it's not easy.

After living in Chicago for a couple years, I moved back to St. Louis in 2020. That was when I started to increase my mileage and eventually compete in races again. I realized that running offered so much more than just a way to stay fit. It was a way to challenge myself, set goals, and achieve things I never thought possible.

That experience taught me the power of setting goals and putting in the hard work to achieve them. It's a lesson I try to instill in my coaching clients today. Whether they're training for their first 5K or trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon, I encourage them to set specific, measurable goals, and then create a plan to help runners reach them.

Running has also taught me the value of perseverance and mental toughness. There have been plenty of times when I've felt like giving up during a race or a tough training run. But I've learned to push through the discomfort and trust in my training. When I see my clients struggling, I remind them that running is just as much mental as it is physical. With the right mindset, they can overcome any challenge.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my experience with running has been the sense of community it provides. When I first started running again after college, I did it mostly on my own. But as I became more involved in the local running scene, I discovered a whole network of supportive, encouraging runners who shared my passion for the sport.

Today, I work for Spewak Training and run with their non-profit sister organization Spewak Racing. Through these organizations, I've been able to connect with runners from all walks of life and help them achieve their goals. Whether it's pacing a runner to a new PR or cheering on a teammate at the finish line, there's nothing quite like the camaraderie and support of the running community.

Running has been a transformative experience for me, both as an athlete and as a coach. It has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and community. And I hope to continue sharing that experience with others for years to come!