Bill Burke

My Chicago Marathon & Coach Jaime Maher

Late in 2018 I decided that I wanted to run a 50k but was dealing with a few injuries and was exhausted from too many junk miles throughout the year. But I still wanted to run a 50k. So I needed to formulate a plan that went in a different direction than I was going.

I saw a Facebook post about Jaime Drabak Maher coaching ultra runners and reached out to her at Spewak Training. I had heard of Jaime’s reputation as a great soccer player from a friend and knew she was fast and competitive on the trails too. So we chatted about things.

We developed initial goals and discussed where I was at with mileage, my injuries and needs from a coach. Instantly we clicked and after months of training I completed my first 50k back in March of 2019. That’s where things started.

The very next day we discussed my goals for the Chicago Marathon and a few other events I had scheduled for the remainder of 2020. She crafted a plan for me that gave each run a purpose. We mixed in cross training on my bike and we communicated about injuries and progress. We also spent a lot of time discussing books we each had read and the mental aspects of running. It made my running fun and gave it a purpose and deeper meaning.

I appreciated three things the most about Coach Jaime: 1. Her willingness to adjust things to me and my work travel schedule, 2. our ability to communicate honestly about everything around running – this includes failures and successes and 3. She provided the accountability I needed.

I did not reach my goals at the Chicago Marathon. It’s hard to admit, but I didn’t. I did finish a World Major and my third marathon which is a big accomplishment, but I fell short of some things. Quickly after my run was over, Coach Jaime and I exchanged some messages that honestly discussed and documented my takeaways from the previous 118 days of training. I left Chicago with a beautiful medal and a finish from a World Major Marathon, a fabulous experience and 5 lessons learned to guide our path forward. It was transparent and clear. It will serve as a basis for my next big goal and the next marathon I chose to run in. For me personally, it took some frustrations I had from not reaching a big goal to a healthy place that gave it perspective, structure and meaning.

Coach Jaime has become a good friend and I’m anxious to see her tackle her own big dreams as they quickly approach this November. I’m grateful for what she gave me this training cycle and can’t wait to see her own successes as she balances family, running and her career!

In my ear I still hear the words of Coach Jaime “Bill, are you giving your all at this moment? If not step it up.”

Ben Leftridge

There are so many things I could say! You are a wonderful mentor and become an even better friend. You pushed me to my limits, and celebrated my personal victory more than anyone else!

Cecilia Pascual

Thank you Mark Spewak for being an incredible coach and helping us believe that we can and that if we are not running happy we are not doing it right!

Erin and Grant Lanham

Erin:  During the two years that I have trained with Spewak Training, Mark has coached me to PRs in the 5K, 10K, and half marathon.  I’ve had such success because he has ultimately changed the way I approach running.

Grant:  I started working with Mark because I knew several other athletes he coached who all became better runners. Training for my first full marathon, Mark showed me how the journey can be as rewarding as the race. His passion for his athletes’ success is what keeps me motivated and training with Mark, even after achieving and surpassing most of my running goals.

Erin and Grant:  He is a knowledgeable, positive, and incredibly communicative coach who has his athletes’ health and success at the forefront.  He brings top notch coaching to the committed runner of all levels and abilities. We love that he tailors the plans to an individual’s ability and goals; no cookie-cutter plans or excuses with Spewak Training!

We both train with Mark, and every week we compare our mileage and running days; they are never the same since we are at different running levels and have different goals.  We have both seen great improvement and reached our goals with Spewak Training! Thank you, Mark!

Mohammad Bahmani

Mark is a great friend and an amazing person with such a positive attitude.   He makes running fun while at the same time kicking your butt to make you a better runner as well as a better person.

Mark puts a lot of effort and work into giving you a weekly schedule.  He keeps in touch with you to see how you are doing every single day.

He will cherish your success as much as you do.  An example of this is that he texted me at 3 am prior to my Boston qualify run to wish me luck and to tell me that I was going to do great!  Just 5 minutes after I finished my race he called me but I could not answer his call at that time. Mark was the first person I called and I told him we succeeded together.  I know this meant as much to him as it did me!

Jill Will

With Mark's guidance and support, I have become a stronger, more consistent runner and have even PRed in the marathon!

Katie Evans

Mark Spewak and Spewak Training has completely changed my running. I’m a happier and healthier runner who has gotten a PR in every distance from the mile to the marathon! I could never thank him enough!

Stephanie Jones

There are all sorts of selfish reasons I love working with Mark and Spewak Training – several PRs, the accountability, the built-in cheerleader at races. But the biggest benefit to me is the expert and human care Mark has for each of his athletes as well as his passion for the sport of running. Whether in peak health or dealing with bad workouts and missed goals, Mark’s joy of the sport is contagious enough to make me want to put my shoes back on the next day – and he’s able to communicate a belief in my abilities and potential that make me want to work harder. I knew when I left St. Louis, I needed to keep Mark as a coach because I still have goals to conquer.

Kolleen Walsh

Spewak Training was the cornerstone to what has become my passion for running.  When I started training with Mark I was absolutely terrified yet excited to take on what would be the most intense physical challenge I had ever undertaken.  We started our training in early January 2017 for the GO half marathon I went on to complete in early April of 2017.Throughout my training Mark ensured I not only knew what to do but why I was doing it.  There was absolutely no history of running in my past so this running thing was all very foreign to me, even the basics.  In the early days you can imagine how defeated I felt when I was only able to run/walk 1 mile, knowing I had 12.5 more to complete in the next 3 months.  In every instance of self- doubt, which happened frequently, I was reassured I was exactly where I needed to be by my coach.

Mile by mile I gained strength and endurance and ultimately dominated the half marathon completing the race with an average of a 12 minute mile- The pride I felt was immeasurable and carried no price tag high enough for the confidence gained and that I have kept ever since.  In the year to follow I have completed another GO half marathon, 4 -5k’s, 1- 7k and 1-15 k. My continued love of running is something I will carry with me for years to come and owe in huge part to the support given from Spewak Training.

Running has effected every aspect of my life in the most positive way imaginable.  My career, personal life, physical and mental well- being have been improved upon since starting this wonderful passion of running.  Thank you Coach Mark and Spewak Training!

John Fischer

From Day 1 of training, Mark’s passion for the sport and his level of enthusiasm and commitment to helping me achieve my running goals has been simply remarkable!

I came to Mark in the spring of 2017 in a quest for a singular lifelong goal – qualifying for the Boston Marathon.  I was referred to Mark after blowing up with a quarter mile to go in a half marathon – a race I trained for on my own and for which I was not adequately prepared.  Over the last 12 months, Mark has taught me so much about running and made me aware of the stunning amount of value he’s brought to my running. I’m a detail oriented person who values clarity and Mark has been there every step of the way answering my questions and explaining the process.  Mark’s passion, support, and unrelenting service to his runners is what makes him a great coach! The best part about Mark is that he’s a better person than he is a running coach. Due in large part to his training and education, I will accomplish a lifelong dream of toeing the line at the Boston Marathon next spring.  The mere thought of it brings tears to my eyes and I owe so much of my success to Mark. He will forever be an integral part of one of my greatest life accomplishments!

Kathy Peters

I have been a self taught, coached, and motivated runner for the past 15 years. I never had a problem with commitment.  My times were my rivals.  I was a good runner; but not a great.  In local races, I often placed in the top of my age group ; but my best marathon time was not even close to a BQ.  If I ever wanted to improve, I needed help.

I first met Mark working at Big River Running Company.  I have never met a more energetic, enthusiastic, positive person that embodies all of the wonderful things the sport of running has to offer.  His energy is contagious and his optimism is over the top.

Mark had ventured out into coaching.  I told Mark my goals.  I had reached a set point in my training and running.  If I didn’t change something; I was never going to improve.  I needed to know for me if I could improve – and Mark provided me with the tools, confidence, and support to completely smash my 9 yr. marathon PR by 10 min and improve my most recent marathon time by over 20 minutes.

I suffered a minor back problem during the training process and Mark made sure we made the proper adjustments to train smart.  He really cared about checking in on me almost everyday to make sure I was ok and not discouraged by little setbacks.  The support, knowledge, and friendship I gained from Mark during my coaching experience with him was priceless. He was out there and continues to be with me on every run in spirit.

Jorge Garcia

Friends, thank you ALL so much for the kind words, good vibes, plus messages before and after my PR attempt at yesterday’s BQ.2 Marathon Races, 2017 Last Chance BQ.2 Marathon. I also want to thank my awesome Coach Mark Spewak at Spewak Training for inspiring and challenging me! When we first met, among many things, we discussed my short-term goals of qualifying for Boston…and possibly recording a PR (3:10).

During the training, I listened, followed his advice, and started training smarter. Each weeks’ training schedule build off the previous week, where I quickly started seeing faster times at the track, during my daily workouts, and even during the Sunday long runs! It was no surprise that Coach Mark was not only challenging me, but also boosting my confidence.

I also learned quite a few hydration, nutrition and stretching tips, plus a new way of tapering, leading up to race-day. Earlier this week, we had our “race strategy” meeting where he suggested mile splits throughout the entire race…and marathon finish goal of 3:05-3:07!

Mark’s reputation, words, actions and commitment to our Sport and ability to help others achieve their own goals is so inspiring that I trusted him and followed his instructions. I finish in 3:07:25 – exceeding my expectation, but not his!

Thank you Coach, thank you Boo & girls, thank you EVERYONE for all the support, far & away! #NothingEverDoneAlone #MoreMilesMoreSmiles

Brad Kelley

I can’t say enough good things about Mark Spewak and Spewak Training. Mark has lead me to three PRs in a row. No matter what level of runner that you are Mark is dedicated to making you better.

Sandy Pearson

Working with Mark was a fantastic experience. I am a stronger runner after Mark’s coaching and went into my last race with the confidence that I was going to be able to do my best. Mark has the expertise, experience and knowledge to effectively coach and encourage, and help reach your goals- and he’s not afraid to put on his “Coach voice” to bring you back to reality if you start to fall off the path. My husband and I worked with Mark remotely and with constant check ins we always felt connected- Mark was always there to answer any and all questions.

Carlos Briseño

Working with Mark the last 6 months has been extremely rewarding, he’s pushed me and inspired me to attain goals I did not think were possible in such a short time. Before joining Spewak training in June of 2016 I had completed several marathons and half marathons over 5 years of running. While I had improved my times over the years, I reached out to Mark to help me become a better runner. The results have been phenomenal. Time wise, with Mark’s guidance, this Fall I reached my goal of breaking 20 minutes in a 5K and shaved 10 minutes off my half marathon time down to a 1:33:53 PR at the St. Louis Track Club Half Marathon. However, the true reward of working with Mark comes from his incomparable passion and love for the sport. From day one, Mark is unselfishly committed to help you reach your goals and become a better runner. Through our almost daily interactions via e-mail or in person, he’s continued to instill the dedication and positive attitude required to succeed in this sport. With his mantra to train smarter and not harder, I have learned to appreciate every day of training, whether it’s a grueling workout, an easy run, or a day off. I really owe it to Mark’s dedication and support in helping me set some great PRs but also appreciate and enjoy the sport like never before.

Julie Lefere

I will never forget the day Jason encouraged me to sign up for a marathon with the goal of qualifying for Boston. I had just come off a disastrous marathon attempt and had little to no confidence in myself as a runner. I truly did not believe I had the ability to qualify for Boston but decided to start training with Jason anyways. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to get more serious about my running and see what happened along the way.

Jason has a great way of pushing his runners hard enough that they succeed without overdoing it and causing injuries. He knows what each of his runners are capable of and makes workouts demanding but accomplishable. Having a running coach held me accountable and my training plan challenged me. Shortly after starting my training with Jason I ran PRs in both the 5k and 10k. I became more confident as a runner and slowly began to believe I could accomplish my ultimate running goal: qualifying for Boston.

My first marathon under Jason’s coaching showed me just how great of a coach he truly is. I struggled both mentally and physically during this race and ended up dropping out halfway through. I expected Jason to be angry and disappointed in me but instead he was encouraging and understanding. Despite my failure, my coach’s continued belief in me led to me to sign up for the 2016 Illinois Marathon.

During my training for Illinois I was very determined and trained harder than I had before. Jason’s faith in me led me to believe I could BQ, even though this meant I would need to PR by over 20 minutes. On race day I felt stronger and more prepared both mentally and physically than I ever had before. During the race I did not allow moments of mental weakness derail me and I trusted my training. I will never forget the feeling that came over me as I turned into the stadium and saw the finish line ahead of me. My finish time of 3:34:04 was a PR by over 24 minutes and best of all, I QUALIFIED FOR BOSTON! Having my coach and close friends in the stands made the moment even more memorable. I achieved my dream and will be running in the 2017 Boston Marathon. This accomplishment would never have occurred without my amazing running coach. Training under Jason was one of the smartest decisions I have ever made and I look forward to many more training seasons.

Stephanie Hussman

I had first asked Jason Holroyd to help me with my running because I was returning to serious training after some health issues and I wanted to make sure that I was going to get back to training the correct way. I had never worked with a coach before (except for my CYC Youth Track days forever ago!). Up until recently I had been training on my own and found little progression from when I started running more seriously in 2011 during graduate school. I was injured often and unable to attain certain goals I had set for myself.

Jason helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses as a runner. By focusing on what I could do well and working on what we felt were some of my weaknesses, I was able to make strides towards my goals (no pun intended!). What I liked best about working with Jason was the confidence he had in me and he really made me believe that I could do something even if it seemed out of reach or too hard. Because of his encouragement, I have completely changed my outlook as a runner. I take pride in my running and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that it has given me.

Having a positive mental attitude and a coach that emulates that as well, I have seen my times improve in every distance from the mile (previous PR of 6:06 to 5:36) to the marathon (previous PR of 4:55 to 3:40)! I couldn’t imagine where I would be as a runner without the help and guidance of Coach Jason! I owe him so much!

Leah Sandler

Coach Crowe has been a figure head and inspiration for runners and non-runners alike for that last several decades. For 15 years he built and established a running program at University City High that was not only successful but was a community of friends from various backgrounds that got to know one another through many miles logged together. Crowe created this community with his leadership of example, his humor, and his genuine caring of the many student-runners passing through his program. He is a transformational coach, not simply in running but in the lives of many young people. This is evident in the number of graduates that when returning to St. Louis for holidays, etc. find Crowe to continue to run and spend time with him.

I am one of those such people. I did not attend U City High and as such Crowe was not my high school cross-country coach but I found running with him and the U-City team to be more enjoyable than my high school. I tried to always tag along running with him on weekends and summers. After going away to college and getting more serious about running, one of the things I looked forward to most about coming home was getting to run with Crowe. That holds true to today. About two years ago as I got more serious about training, Crowe told me if I liked he would train me. I was honored and immediately jumped at the opportunity. As a professional runner himself with many years of training and training others as well as a masters with an emphasis on coaching, Crowe is an incredibly talented coach, who knows his stuff and how to tailor training regimes to individuals. Every week he would send me workouts and I would report in with how they were going. He motivates through small words and gestures and knowing that he was invested in my training helped to push me through difficult workouts. I credit him to getting me to run a 1:38 half marathon and recently a 3:12 marathon. It’s a joy to run and it’s even more of a joy to run for Crowe, something I hope to do for years down the road.

John Spencer

I met Coach Crowe soon after moving to St. Louis in 2011. I had asked to join his coaching staff at U. City High as a volunteer hoping to gain some wisdom on coaching the sport of running. My only experience with running, at that point in my life, was as a runner. Having only been a runner at the high school and collegiate level, I did not know much about running post-collegiately; competitively or recreationally. I knew nothing about what it meant to be a coach. Coach Crowe paved the way for all of those things for me.

 Coach Crowe has been a great inspiration and influential person in my life as a runner and coach.  We now spend our days coaching against one another.  In many circumstances, there would be manipulation and conflict between two coaches in similar situations.  Not with Coach Crowe.  He has established himself as such a great leader and coach that his proteges go on to lead their own teams while still seeking his council.  Coaching against Crowe is a joy, not in attempt to defeat him, but because he is a good friend and his goals are always set for the betterment of the sport.  He wins with humility and he loses graciously.  He is someone that all coaches should look to for an example and is someone that is a privilege to be coached under.  No one has more experience, passion, and a desire to make the sport the best it can be.

Jean Stroud

A year ago, my running was nothing I smiled about! I had attempted to improve my running and even “like” the sport following apps on my phone while preparing for a handful of 5ks, half marathons and even a full marathon. The training was sporadic and I could easily talk myself out of the plan. When I completed the race, I found myself wanting to be faster, and even enjoy it.

I saw a former co-worker posting her success in marathons and various races, where she was placing in her age group. I was intrigued and reached out to her. She reported that Mark Spewak, was the coach behind her improvement. I reached out to Mark, not really thinking he would be interested in taking this very remedial runner on.

He said, Yes to the “turtle!” He provided structure, drills, and weekly plans. He also holds me accountable. His enthusiasm and love for the sport is infectious. Mark not only teaches me about running, he teaches me about life. He’s humble, admits his short-comings, what he has learned from failures and turns this all into being a very successful young man! I can honestly say that by knowing Mark, I am not only a better runner, and that I actually smile while running…I am a better person because of Mark and his great attitude in the Human Race! Having Mark as my coach, I run with others, I have PR’d, and even came in first in my age group. Mark is Wonderful! I am grateful for him. And yes, the world looks better when I am running, from behind a smile!

Tim Basler

My name is Tim Basler and I have been running marathons, half marathons, and competing in triathlons over the past 8 years. The sport of running has grown on me over the years. I’ve learned over the years that running takes dedication, determination, effort and hard work to make improvements. My first half marathon (Clayton Half), I was hooked. I believe my time was a little over two hours in 2008. With consistency and not a lot of knowledge, I gradually improved my times over the years. In 2015, I ran the Champaign Half Marathon in 1:35:10. I was super happy with my time, but knew I could do better. I started to research running coaches in St. Louis and Mark Spewak was recommended by a friend I train with. The moment I met Mark, I knew I found the right coach. My first thought, “I think this guy might love running more than me”. Hard to believe, but Mark is super passionate about coaching and running and that’s what I loved. Summer of 2016 I wanted to run faster, so I hired Mark as my coach to train for Mo Cowbell Half Marathon. My main goal was to get faster and I immediately noticed a difference in my running. Mark’s training program was very rigorous and well planned for the time (PR) I wanted. I was challenged, motivated, and pushed through the entire training. Thank you Mark for helping set another PR of 1:34. You the BEST!

Marcie Schumert

Running had always been a way for me to relax, get away, and stay healthy. I was having a difficult time getting back into a routine after having a baby and knew that I needed some guidance to rebuild my fitness in a smart way. I am so glad that I found Mark and Spewak Training to help me get back on track! I worked with Mark on two training cycles in 2016. My first training plan was for the Go! St. Louis 2016 half marathon. I didn’t have much of a training base so the weekly plans helped me rebuild mileage slow and smart. I was a little intimidated at first, but my confidence built week by week. I knew that Mark was going to ask me how training was going so I had to keep up with the plan! My training plan had variety, challenged me in positive ways, and incorporated speedwork, which I hadn’t done on a regular basis before. I’d trained for races in the past, but never with the support of a coach. Knowing that I had a coach who cared helped me stay motivated to tackle even the tough workouts. I ran the Go! half with no regrets and set a 4 minute PR, finishing in 1:39!

After that, I was hooked! I trained again with Mark for the MO Cowbell 2016 half marathon and set another PR. In the process, I also ran a new 5k PR, running a sub-22:00 race. The PRs were exciting and satisfying – but the best part was how I felt mentally and physically. Spewak Training helped me become a stronger, faster, and more confident runner. Mark provided structure, accountability, and – most importantly – inspiration and enthusiasm. Working with Mark as a coach is incredibly valuable and has exceeded my expectations.

Blair Saeks

“I CAN’T BELIEVE IT, WE ACTUALLY DID IT” is what I exclaimed when we crossed the finish line on Saturday. For the last 10 years I’ve had an idea in my head…’It would be so incredible to qualify for & run Boston’…but I don’t think I ever fully committed to the fact that the idea could become a reality. I started my running career when I was 14, which means I’ve officially been running just about every week for 1/2 of my life…kind of insane when you think about it. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to set and achieve any goals I’ve put out there; Run Varsity, Make State, Race a 10k, Run a 1/2 marathon, Run a full marathon, and now…Qualify for Boston.

The goal of qualifying for Boston really seemed more like a pipe dream until this past October when Chloe (my sister) actually did it! For several years now, Chloe and I have shared a love for running and even more a love for running races together…our ultimate dream…to run Boston together. When Chloe qualified, we realized that the pipe dream was a little closer to reality than ever imagined and signed up to run Champagne to give me a chance to qualify too. Hearing Chloe’s ringing endorsements of Mark as a coach, I knew he would be the right person to be able to steer me towards a qualifying time. In the past, I’ve battled over use injuries and have never gone into a race feeling confident about my preparation…Saturday was different. Over the last 12 weeks Mark’s coaching helped me stay accountable for my miles, be mindful of my body – 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. When race day came, I was confident that I had the foundation to give me the best shot at accomplishing my goal.

On Friday before the race Mark said 2 things that I found myself repeating along the course…”don’t get too excited in the first 13 miles” & “during the race you’ll go through 100+ emotions”. I experienced excitement, fear, doubt, happiness, disappointment, joy,,,you name it. Thanks to Mark, I was able to stay mentally strong the whole way knowing that each negative emotion was temporary and most likely to be followed by a positive.

As we approached the 1/2 way point…I turned to Chloe and said “I just PRed the 1/2″…remembering what Mark had said, I had been holding the thought that I might PR the 1/2 in my head for the last 4 miles…trying not to get too excited by saying it aloud too soon…and that was just the beginning of what we would accomplish… 

Saturday was my 4th full marathon. It was a 26.2 PR by 14 minutes, a 13.1 PR…twice, my first race without IT pain and to top it off a BOSTON QUALIFIER. And still…”I CAN’T BELIEVE IT, WE ACTUALLY DID IT”.

Corey O'Neill

In December of 2015, I made a decision that I was going to do something that I had never done before. Something that had always intimidated me and caused me to doubt myself. That decision was to run the 2016 New Jersey Marathon.

That was just a decision, though. Decisions are limited only to what I’m thinking about doing. It wasn’t until May 1st of this year that I took the action to carry out that decision. And I must say, I’m grateful that this decision–this “it would be nice to”–turned into a “glad it happened”.

I reached out to Spewak Training, explaining how after a year and a half retired from running competitively in college, I finally found that fire I needed to toe the line again. I never really stopped running after school, but it took some time for me to decide that all these miles I’d been logging in–they needed to go towards something special.

So my good old friend from the Mid West Mr. Mark Spewak put me on a schedule that I never could’ve planned on my own, and gave me encouragement that I never could’ve found on my own. Under his coaching, I trained smart. I rested when I needed to rest and I threw the hammer down when the hammer needed to be thrown down. It was an experience that I couldn’t have had if left to my own devices. I was training like I had never trained before. And it pretty much goes without saying, it was tough! I had never been casted as a zombie for The Walking Dead, but there were plenty of days after a hard workout or a 20 mile long run when I would’ve totally NAILED an audition for the show.

It was tough, but worth it. Not only was the training perfect for me and my goal of running under 2:40 for the marathon, but with coach Mark’s advice and encouragement, I never had a reason to feel hopeless in this endeavor.

So on May 1st, the gun went off. I went through the first half at 80:05 feeling fantastic, feeling prepared to keep pressing in on the next 13.1.

Somewhere around 20 miles it was just me, the boardwalk, and the crashing waves in the ocean to my right. That was easily the best part of the entire race. The waves were so loud I couldn’t even focus on the sound of my breathing. I was able to just let go of the fear of how painful the rest of the race was going to be, and just bring my awareness to how precious this very moment was.

At mile 25, all I could think of was, “You know what, this went by kinda fast!” I couldn’t believe that I was about to finish my debut marathon. But I knew one thing: There’s gotta be at least a 1% chance that this will be my last day on earth, so I’d better go for broke.

With a strong finish, I crossed the line at 2:38:45. As soon as I got a hold of a towel and a boxed water, I was able to clear my head a bit and focus on my next goal: transporting my worn down self to a Krauzers to pick up a pint of Ben and Jerry’s. My Garmin told me I burned enough calories that day to earn it, so…

Chloe Saeks

One year ago, I was on my 20 mile long run and about 14 miles in my leg just couldn’t take it anymore…but I didn’t stop.  I finished that 20 mile run and was then diagnosed with a stress fracture the next day.  Nearly finished with my training, three weeks from the Chicago Marathon I was forced to quit.  My PR for the marathon was 3:36:06 and this was my chance to BQ…gone.  After a long time off, boot and all, I was very discouraged.  I healed strong enough to train the next spring season and ran the Go! St. Louis Marathon April 2015 in 3:38.  Certainly not bad after a stress fracture, but not a BQ.  Then I began to train with Mark.  Mark knew from the beginning all I wanted was to qualify for Boston 2017, but I never truly admitted I was confident I could really do it.  He built me up to a strong baseline over the summer 2015.  Then I moved to Philadelphia and started grad school and the training for the Chicago Marathon began once again.  Mark had a variety of workouts for me to do each week that kept it fun and challenging.  At times, I was pretty discouraged.  Doing these tough workouts in the heat, being without my Big River Running friends, without the luscious greenery STL has to offer, a ton of tall buildings and about 1 million Philadelphians with me on the running path…training became very difficult at times.  Mark, however, never let me get down.  With his undying confidence in my ability and encouragement throughout training, I pursued.  A few weeks from the marathon I began feeling pain in my left leg.  I was upfront with this to Mark and was down in the dumps thinking I wouldn’t make it to Chicago for the second time…(I was going to have to pay another $185 for a t-shirt that I don’t want to wear again?! Ugh!).  Mark wasn’t phased.  Mark switched up my workouts, accommodated my injury worries and class schedule to what worked best for me.  Again, he never lost confidence.  Come the day before the Chicago Marathon I was on the phone with Mark and he said, race smart, stay calm and have fun!  Race day comes and I was nervous about everything.  I went out with the 3:35 pace group and my leg felt great.  Then, after the first mile the pacer said “We’re behind 12 seconds, but we will make it up.”  Second mile comes and the pacer says “15 seconds below now, great work!”  I look down at my watch, see a 7:45 (I was supposed to be at an 8:12) and say to myself “uh oh, I went out too fast.”  Then I thought of what Mark said to me, “stay calm and have fun.”  At this point I felt great so I stayed calm and went with it.  Before I knew it the 3:35 group was gone.  Instead of worrying about going to fast I listened to my body, focused and I stayed calm.  This mentality keep me strong throughout the race.  Heading towards the finish line I couldn’t believe it…I FINALLY DID IT!  3:29:39 with 5 minutes and 20 seconds to spare I qualified for Boston 2017, I REALLY ACTUALLY DID IT!!!!  After dreaming about this for years and being so close, Mark really coached me to finally make it all come true.  Mark never let me let down, he always stayed positive, confident and encouraging.  Thank you so much, Coach, for making my BQ dreams come true!

Mike Miller

The brutality of the marathon is what makes it one of the toughest athletic events. My goals were met before I arrived in Chicago. I wanted to be physically fit. I am. I wanted a healthier lifestyle change. Accomplished.

The fact is without your guidance neither of those goals would have happened.  This was never really about the race. The goal race day was to finish. 78 degrees got to me. It normally does in training so this wouldn’t be any different on race day. The accomplishment of anyone finishing a marathon is a testament to their mental toughness and human will. I watched it on the course in myself and thousands of others yesterday. I wouldn’t take away that from them or myself. Finishing 26.2 miles is an accomplishment. It is tough. Without your wisdom and guidance none of this would have happened. Thank you for not only being a part of my life but making it so much better!

Donna

I had been following Hal Higdon’s marathon training plans and felt like I hit a plateau. Mark offered to coach me. He taught me so much about running and myself under his training. I’ve learned I’m stronger than I give myself credit for. He reminds me I need to keep a positive mental attitude to push through tough runs. I can honestly say he helped develop me into a much stronger runner both mentally and physically. His workouts are varied and different than anything I’ve ever done which is a nice change!  I have pushed myself harder than ever knowing I need to report back to my coach. His charisma and passion for the sport inspires me. He genuinely cares about the success of his athletes and it shows by his consistent and enthusiastic support. I can’t thank him enough and so grateful for his dedication to helping me meet my running goals!

Ryan Daily

Looking back on the past year and half of my running career, I find myself asking these three questions:

• Did I ever expect to run nearly 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year?

• Am I happy I do?

• Could I have done it on my own?

The answers to those questions are simple: (1) hell no, (2) couldn’t be any more, and (3) most certainly not.

Following my one and only year on our high schools’ cross country and track teams and constantly dealing with injuries from a lack of any base miles, I decided to take some time off.  Fast forward 3 years and running had taken a backseat to a lot of other priorities in my life, namely rock climbing. In April of 2014 Mark offered to coach me. I can’t remember exactly how it happened but I promised Mark that if he would coach me, I would train; needless to say I didn’t expect such a small promise to have such a large impact on my life.

For the first couple months Mark had me running around 20 miles per week.  I repeatedly would tell him I felt good and wanted extra mileage but what I didn’t realize then was that I first needed to learn how to run and Mark was teaching me.  Sure I ran in high school, but the key was figuring out that it’s not about hammering every run, it’s about slowly building up your base so that you not only avoid injury and demoralization, but you find your body begins to look forward to the mileage and running becomes a part of your life.  Once you realize anyone can run, you get out of running exactly what you put in, and you want it enough to be consistent, you’re destined for success.

I write today, exactly one week after qualifying for the Boston Marathon with a time of 3:02:39 (6:59 min/mile) at the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon.  Ultimately, while I’m extremely proud to have qualified, the time is just a number. What people fail to see is the year and a half of good runs, bad, runs, hot runs, freezing cold runs and the like. But if someone were to ask me what has been the constant through all of that, I would simply tell him…Mark.  Mark has held me accountable when I wouldn’t have held myself accountable, he has reassured me when I wasn’t reassured of myself, he has pushed me when I wanted to quit, and he’s been my friend through it all. No one is more responsible for my success as a runner and I truly can’t thank him enough.

Sonny Ta

I want to start out by saying thank you to Mark for all the time and effort he has put into coaching me and all the other people he has trained! I met Mark in early spring 2015, where he coached my kids in The Ladue Rams Jr track team. I helped as an assistant coach. Prior to meeting Mark, I ran on my own and was using the internet to find answers on how to improve my marathon training. Mark offered to train me and boy what a difference he made. I was able to cut 40 minutes off my marathon time (finishing at a personal best of 3:46:00) and feel great about future races.

Mark brings so much energy and excitement while coaching. Whether it is with the Ladue Track team, his company More Miles More Smiles or individual training Mark is always a beacon of inspiration and expertise.