Spewak Training Podcast

In episode 10 of the Spewak Training Podcast, host Mark Spewak interviews Molly Becker and her coach, Kaitlyn Donahue, about Molly’s running journey from feeling “unathletic” to chasing ambitious goals. After reaching out for coaching around May 2025 ahead of the New York City Marathon, Molly built strong summer fitness but suffered a pelvic stress fracture after racing a half marathon and then th...

Host Mark Spewak welcomes coach Noah Daum and athlete Dr Dilan Patel to the Spewak Training Podcast to discuss their coach-athlete partnership since 2023, emphasizing injury-aware progress, strong communication, and a long-term approach to running. Dilan shares his endurance background, why he sought coaching after feeling stuck, and how adding strength training with Chuck Beckham at Titanium Fitn...

Host Mark Spewak interviews early Spewak Training athletes and husband-wife duo Grant and Erin Lanham about their running and fitness journeys. Erin began coaching to break through a 5K plateau after years with Big River’s South City racing series, improving from 31–33 minute 5Ks to a 25:08 PR and eventually breaking two hours in the half marathon with a 1:56:59 in Springfield (Nov 2021).  Grant i...

In this episode of the Spewak Training Podcast, host Mark Spewak interviews longtime athlete and community leader Stephanie True in her first-ever podcast appearance. They reflect on starting their coaching relationship in 2019, Stephanie’s role in launching the “Miles for Mark” campaign after Mark’s stroke in fall 2025, and how that community support impacted his recovery. Stephanie shares why sh...

In this episode of the Spewak Training Podcast, Host Mark Spewak welcomes Spewak Training coach Jill Finklang and athlete Carter Jensen for their first podcast appearances to highlight their athlete-coach relationship, which began in July/August 2023 after Carter’s wedding while he was in law school. Carter explains he hired a coach for honest feedback, guidance, and to avoid overtraining. He chos...

In episode five of the Spewak Training Podcast, host Mark Spewak interviews longtime athlete Carlos Briseño about nearly a decade of working together, from Carlos first reaching out in 2016 after hitting a plateau to seeking structure, strategy, and community. Carlos recounts early PRs, lessons learned from races like Cowbell, and his breakthrough at the 2018 Go! St. Louis Half Marathon, where he...

In this episode of the Spewak Training Podcast, host Mark Spewak is joined by Coach Kaitlyn Donahue and runner Emily Shor for their first-ever podcast appearance. Emily shares how she initially felt terrified and vulnerable reaching out for coaching, worrying she’d be judged for her pace, and how Kaitlyn’s supportive, flexible approach helped her get faster while prioritizing safety and work-life...

In this episode of the Spewak Training Podcast, Mark Spewak shares his personal experience with suffering two strokes and how it inspired him to speak publicly for the first time. Joined by Krysta Owings, who is also a stroke survivor and member of the Spewak racing team, the duo discuss their journeys of recovery and resilience. They reflect on the support from their families, the importance of r...

Chasing Athletic Dreams: Tim Oh's Journey to Boston with Coach Julia GriffeyIn this second episode of the Spewak Training Podcast, host Mark Spewak is joined by Coach Julia Griffey and athlete Tim Oh. They discuss Tim's path from a high school runner to a Boston Marathon qualifier under Julia's guidance. Despite initial coaching hurdles, Tim found the personalized support he needed wit...

Transformative Journeys: From Hospital Bed to Marathon Success with Nicole Shepherds In this inaugural episode of the Spewak Training Podcast, host Mark Spewak interviews Nicole Shepherds, A dog groomer, yogi & an inspiring athlete, and her Spewak Training Coach Dan Staples. Despite a remote relationship and current snowstorm, the trio discuss Nicole's significant progress over two years under...