Testimonials from the Spewak Training Community
Heartfelt stories from runners like you.
Roe Leavitt
“A Great Coach is hard to Find…Difficult to Part with and Impossible to Forget”
Mark is an amazing coach and an inspiration to all the athletes that he trains. He helped make my running dream come true. I can’t thank him enough for the time that he spent coaching me. After a few months of training, I could see my improvement. I was getting faster, started getting PRs in my races and reached my dream of qualifying for Boston. As you know qualifying for the Boston Marathon is an extremely difficult task and it is a huge accomplishment that I will cherish for the rest of my life. During my injury Mark still had my back. He give me words of encouragement that I will be back stronger and ever and I make everyone inspired again. He said this is another chapter of my running life. Mark I will be back soon and I can’t wait to start your training again. Your determination and dedication to your athlete are above and beyond. If you want a BQ hire Mark. Spewak Training doesn’t leave you in the dust, they’re very supportive. Thank you Mark and Spewak Training for always having my back!
Tim Oh
I made the switch over to Coach Julia and the Spewak racing team after the Chicago marathon in October 2023. I decided to make the switch because I wanted to find a coach who actually valued my time and was interested in helping me become the best runner that I could be. I tell her this every week, but I am so thankful I made the switch and have had the best experience with Julia so far. It started off with her being my coach, but I can honestly call her my friend now. She gets just as excited as me if I have a good workout, week of running, or even a race, and she gives me a lot of confidence in my abilities to show up & perform. Plus, I get to learn so many tips & tricks from her based on her experiences in the sport. With training for the Mesa Marathon in February 2024, she’s made training fun with having smaller races leading up to race day. That’s not something I ever had in a previous marathon prep or even thought about. It helps with not burning out and it gets you fired up being in a race environment. At the end of the day, this was exactly what I was looking for that I didn’t get with previous coaches. This feels like a coach/runner relationship that’s personal where I’m not afraid to tell her how I’m feeling and I can ask her any questions that may be on my mind. I can't wait to see what we accomplish going forward and I tell her this a lot, but we’re a team. She plays a huge part in my success, so she deserves as much credit as me!
Jennifer Pietrusinski
When I asked my daughters how they would describe Mark they both said “entertaining.” When that is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the coach that makes you run Art Hill repeats, I’m not sure Mark could be doing a better job coaching them. Mark not only works with my girls to shape them into better runners, he spends a great deal of time making sure they are developing into healthy athletes. Mark demonstrates a passion for running and has an intrinsic ability to develop that in my girls in the way that he coaches. I have never had to coax them out of bed on the weekend mornings to work with Mark. When you’re talking about two teenagers that alone says a lot. Coaching anyone can be difficult, but I have watched Mark easily transition between my girls knowing exactly how to train each one perfectly. He makes connections so that training has meaning and tangible results. Mark is not only an amazing running coach, but he is a role model that my girls look up to and enjoy knowing. As a parent, I could want for nothing more.
Amanda Bradford
I signed up for Spewak Training after seeing the great training, interactions and results that my bestie experienced as a member. I had never worked with a coach before and felt like I’d taken myself as far as I could with the knowledge I had. Since working with Coach Noah, I have cut 3 minutes off of my marathon time, feel recovered, and feel confident that his workouts set me up for success. I run less miles overall, but those miles are specific to my training goals. Noah is respectful of my running experience and always responsive to my questions and input. I have learned to trust the process!
Matthew Schaefer
Mark Spewak's enthusiasm, affirmation of my goals, attitude, and intentionality all drew me to work with him as a coach in the fall of 2021. A few months earlier, my high school teammate Geoffrey Hill introduced me to Mark at the Macklind Mile, my first race in 23 years. I had just run a 5:01, but wanted to run deep under 5:00. I had other goals as well and knew two years of self coaching weren't getting me there. Mark immediately provided the accountability I needed. His plans pushed me to the consistency required and he built upon my base through focused speedwork, long runs, and periodization. Under his coaching, I was able to drop 17 seconds off my mile time to run a 4:44 at the 2022 Macklind Mile. I was thrilled with this and other breakthroughs as a Masters runner.
Through successes and disappointments, Mark has provided encouragement while telling me the truth. He has supported me through illness, injury, and personal loss. He has connected me with a chiropractor, physical therapist, and team nutritionist to help me my best. This spring, Mark led me to shift my racing focus to the Indy Monumental Half Marathon in October 2023. I have really thrived in training the past few months and credit Mark's ingenuity, passion, and care. I am so excited about the future of our partnership and the races to come. Mark has been an excellent coach and friend. I am grateful for the impact he has made upon my life.
Elaine
After my back surgery in 2016, I truly thought I was never going to run again. To be honest, I was too scared to even try, or really try any physical activity again. After 3 years of a completely sedentary lifestyle, I decided enough was enough and I began to exercise again. Still too afraid to run, I started strength training with at-home workouts. After two years of only strength training, I decided to run again. To my joy and surprise, I was able to run without any pain!! I started running once a week with two girlfriends and found my joy again. In October 2021 my friends put their names in the lottery for the 2022 Chicago Marathon. To our surprise, Coby’s name was drawn. In the greatest of all peer pressures, I decided to sign up to run the Chicago Marathon with a charity. I knew if I was going to tackle this great feat, I needed to do it smart. I reached out to a friend of mine that was running with Spewak Racing and asked her about it. She knew my history and instantly connected me with Mark Spewak. He and I chatted about my past, my surgery, my fears, and my hopes. That week I joined Spewak Racing and started officially training with Mark and Spewak Training. Mark created a tailored training plan that was perfect for me. He took the time to listen to me and I truly felt heard. His knowledge, positivity, and constant encouragement were absolutely the driving force that kept me on point while training for the marathon. Running again, let alone, pain free is something I never thought I ever do again. It is absolutely because of training smart with Mark, that I am able to say that today! The community of amazing, nonjudgmental people I have met through Spewak Racing is something I am very grateful for.
Frances Applegate
I started training with Mark around the winter of my 7th grade year. At this time I remember feeling quite lost and really didn’t know what I wanted to do with running. Mark completely changed this for me. I found my love for running again and knew that going far with running is something I want to do. Having Mark as a coach brings such a positive light into running and makes even the most dreaded runs feel not so bad. He has not only coached me physically but more importantly he has coached me mentally. I feel that Marks mental coaching for me is what kept me in this sport. Mark also introduced me to some of my best friends. It is such a privilege to get to work together with the girls that I work with. He made a group that works so well together and that holds everyone accountable in working hard but also having fun while doing it.
Mark recently introduced me to Diane who I give so much credit to for my season this year. She taught me so many valuable things when it comes to fueling properly for a good race. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work with her and learn how important fuel and hydration is in order to be successful in the sport of running.
Tom Fischer
I came to the sport of running later in life by way of training for a triathlon on a dare. What used to be seen as a punishment or chore when I was younger suddenly became an outlet for fitness, stress relief and creative thinking.
It took some time, but I found I liked the challenge of racing marathons and training for endurance, all while trying to get faster. Once I started posting Boston-qualifying times, I had this arbitrary goal of breaking the 3-hour mark in a marathon. After repeated misses, I realized I needed a guide on this journey, and that guide could only be Spewak Training.
I had met Mark through the Big River Training Team group runs, so I saw first-hand his level of excitement and enthusiasm for running and for life. I knew we would be a good fit as athlete-coach.
Through some adversity along the way, Mark’s level of constant encouragement and professional accountability kept me on course. When a brutal weather day of heat and humidity ruined my goal race this season, Mark immediately offered an unorthodox solution: “Honestly, I think you could run the Indy marathon in a month and PR.” It was a bold plan but because we have such a great working relationship, I knew he was right. He developed for me a whole-new approach for just four weeks of marathon recovery, ramping mileage back up and re-entering a taper in time for a new goal race.
Coming down the finishing chute race day and seeing Mark right there cheering me on was such a great feeling — I was about to crush a new 4-minute PR and attain my goal of breaking the 3-hour barrier. He was there for me along the way, sometimes pushing from behind, sometimes running alongside, and now he’s watching me as a cheerleader and my biggest fan.
You get something more than just a training regimen when you work with Mark — you develop a rapport and a renewed sense of zeal as to why you run. And, if you’re careful, you found a friend for life.
Carter
I started working with Jill during the middle of 2023 and I knew very quickly that I had made one of the best investments I could have made. Jill is not only a coach, but also a friend and mentor. A wonderful benefit of working with Jill is that I have set personal bests throughout all racing distances while remaining happy and healthy. More importantly, however, is the joy and fun that Jill has helped me unlock with my running. She has helped to turn my running into a passion that I am so excited to continue to improve. I could not be more fortunate to work with Jill and tackle new, challenging, and exciting projects in the future!
Krista Staley
Mark started coaching me for my first marathon back in 2016 right after I graduated college. While we had an amazing run that first go around, I ultimately ended up taking a 5 year hiatus from the racing scene to start my family. 5 years and 3 kids later, Mark and I have teamed back up together, as if no time has passed. Mark has always met me exactly where I’m at, while always challenging and encouraging me to chase down my goals and dreams and to see what’s possible. The trust we share in this coach-athlete relationship is like something I’ve never experienced before. I know he wants the best for me, and I know he will do whatever it takes for me to get there. I couldn’t ask for a better, more dedicated coach than Mark. Mark truly is a one of a kind, incredible coach.
Christina Eddins
Running has been an important part of my life for a long time. I always started a race without goals or expectations but deep down I wanted to run well. Family and friends told me I could run a marathon. I would half-heartedly agree, and continued to be inspired after improving in each subsequent race. I decided that I was going to ask Mark to coach me. Shortly after, I became injured- not knowing whether I would be able to run again. After recovering, I called Mark and asked if he would coach me not only to run a marathon, but to run it well. Mark tailors each training plan to each individuals abilities and schedules outside of training. I found success with support from my friend and coach along with the Spewak racing team. This resulted in a successful first marathon in which I nearly ran a BQ!
The Boston Marathon became my next goal. We worked specifically to achieve this milestone. I ran another marathon and was seconds from a BQ. We continued to put in the work to improve my marathon fitness while also achieving several PRs in a variety of races during this journey. The daily check ins with coach helped to keep me on track and allowed for the training plan to be adjusted as needed. Mark recommended that I work with the team nutritionist, Diane, as fueling is an integral part of race success. She developed an individualized plan for my goals, body type, and lifestyle. By working with Diane, I was able to use a fueling strategy that worked for training and the marathon. The combination of Mark’s coaching and Diane’s nutrition plan not only lead to a qualifying time, but also shaved several minutes off my personal best.
I am so grateful for Coach Mark, Diane, and the Spewak racing team. The support that I have received is invaluable. I am proud to be a member of an organization that values health promotion, positivity, and supporting the St. Louis community through charity. I have been so inspired by their running abilities, kindness, honesty, and positivity. This team, community, and long-lasting friendships have helped me grow as a runner and as human. Thank you Mark and Diane for your expertise and for always believing in me!
Christine
I started working with Diane shortly after getting into the London Marathon. I had been running consistently, but my weight was climbing and my fitness was slipping as the stresses of working in the medical field and raising three kids during the Covid pandemic crept up on me. A brief discussion with Diane about the challenges of feeding a household of picky eaters on a wildly unpredictable schedule led to a plan that has helped me achieve my running goals. Six months later, I have lost 30 lbs and built muscle, all while feeling strong and keeping up with my training. I just ran the London Marathon, achieving more than a 90 minute PR. I can’t imagine being here today without Diane’s help and direction.
Blair
Over the last 12 weeks, Spewak’s coaching helped me stay accountable for my miles, be mindful of my body by encouraging rest when I felt injury onset, adapt my workouts to accommodate my busy work schedule, prepare my fueling & hydration, and most importantly, prepare myself mentally for the race.
Kathy Sprehe
Mark is an incredible coach and person—his commitment to the sport of running and each of his athletes is remarkable. In the first 4 months of training, Mark’s excellent plan and continual encouragement led me to a 14 minute PR in my half-marathon. I’m still in awe of how far I’ve come and it was Mark that made me believe it was possible. You are lucky if you get to know Mark as a person, and even luckier to have him as a coach. Spewak Training is truly the best!
Michael Durkin
Coach Jill always provides very detailed plans that accommodate my weekly schedule. She has given me great encouragement and feedback on my training. I have added biking and strength training to my routine based on her guidance, and I plan on incorporating these new activities into my exercise routine for the rest of my life! It has really changed how I exercise.
Lori
Prior to 2022, I never thought I would work with a coach to become a better runner. Mark had worked with our daughter when she was in high school, and I was so impressed with his attitude and encouragement that I emailed him asking if he coached ‘older’ runners. I’m so thankful I took that step! He took the time to find out where I was in my running journey, what my perceived obstacles were, and assured me that it wasn’t ridiculous to take up this ‘hobby’ at my age. Mark’s team is helping me further my skills in a sport my entire family loves, and I am forever grateful to them for their knowledge, dedication and support.
Chris
Mark made me a much more confident runner. I was primarily doing triathlons prior to meeting Mark, and now having seen quite a bit of progress with my running, I have a renewed interest in competing at various distances. Prior to Mark, I followed training programs from various sources, and nothing has come close to the insight Mark has provided, and frankly, the results he’s helped me achieve. Can’t ask for much more in a coach.
Jacqueline
I started working with Team Spewak in the summer of 2021. Mark helped me train for and complete my first marathon in challenging conditions! His encouragement and belief in what I could do definitely kept me motivated as a novice runner. I have had the good fortune of working with Jaime since Juneof 2022 and it has been a great experience! Jaime is responsive, encouraging and so understanding- she has helped me pivot through injuries, illnesses and just crazy life circumstances. With her help, I had a 32 minute marathon PR in October, and completed a really difficult marathon in March. I'm certain I could not have finished if it wasn't for the training put in under her guidance. Dianne was also wonderful for overall diet as well as better race and distance fueling! I never thought I'd be a runner, let alone a marathoner, but Team Spewak has been amazing all around.
Alana
Like many former athletes, I did not like running and begrudgingly signed up for a virtual half marathon when my gym closed in 2020. When I realized I liked running and wanted to improve, I started working with Spewak Training. Over the next year and a half, we trained for a variety of races: a trail half, virtual 5k, half and full marathons, and even cross country! I look forward to my weekly email, excited to see the week’s “focus” and workouts. We have worked through injuries, illness, and work/life stressors to keep progressing—when I couldn’t run, Mark helped me focus on what I could do in order to regain my fitness and confidence. I am learning to train smarter, not harder, and I’m excited to continue working with Mark and Spewak Training!
David Brody
What an amazing journey. From couch to 5k in 3 months. Training 6 days a week outside in the cold, rain, ice and eventually nice weather. I want to give a huge shout out to Mark Spewak for taking on the challenge he had no idea what he was getting into. Mark has been a mentor, coach, motivator, therapist and most of all a friend. I could not have completed my goals without his guidance. I also want to thank PNC Bank, GO! St. Louis, Saucony, Big River Running, Mona Langenberg, Frank Hopper, Sarah Bowman, Angela Pearson and Kolleen Walsh and many others for supporting me. Everyone listed above contributed to my success throughout this journey.
Tammy
Anyone can figure out this running thing. Download an app, buy a book online, follow a training plan off the internet. I did that thing exactly! I downloaded a couch to 5K app 10 years ago and taught myself how to be a runner. Then I trained for a half marathon by picking a training program off the internet. Then I trained for a full marathon by using my treadmill’s built in training program AND proceeded to train for a full marathon ALL on a treadmill. I finished them all, but they were ugly. Then I joined a local running group and trained for 16 seasons with them. I made so many friends. Running changed my life. Running is my best friend. It’s my therapy. Running takes away the 20 hour day at the hospital and smooths out all the edges.
But this isn’t about running. It’s about choosing Spewak and why you should/would. My problem is not motivation. I have no problem getting up at 3 am before work or running in wind, snow, sleet, etc. But I was not seeing much progress. I was frustrated that I was working as hard as my friends and I was not progressing. I was frustrated that I kept getting injured season after season. I was listening to everyone’s opinion and nothing was working. I saw Spewak’s team all the time around town. They were intimidating. Sleek, fast, shiny. I’m not those things. I’m in the master’s category. But I am competitive. Why not me? Why not jump into the fire where every single thing about this team makes me uncomfortable? So, I called Mark from the website. He hooked me up with Coach Jaime. It’s been a match made in heaven. I do the work but the mental is my weak link. I lack confidence. Races scare me. Other runners intimidate me. EVERYONE is faster, EVERYONE runs comfortably, NO ONE struggles. That was my mantra. Let me tell you, nothing is further from the truth. If you want to improve, if you want to have a cheerleader in your corner, if you want to meet like minded individuals, check out Spewak training. Your coach will look at your data. They will tell you where your weaknesses are. They will tweak your schedule. Before you know it, you are improving. Mark isn’t my coach, but he always listens. He shows up. He cheers for everyone. It’s ok to be uncomfortable. You will NOT regret this choice. Try it for one season. CHALLENGE yourself.