Spewak Training Podcast

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 initially couldn’t train due to demanding hospital construction work but still raced, later pursuing bigger goals, including a 3:20 marathon at Grandma’s (2018) and a Boston-qualifying time that missed entry by about 40 seconds, plus a sub-1:30 half (Indy). They discuss the racing community, Spewak Training’s evolution into Spewak Racing with philanthropic impact, adapting to setbacks, strength training at Titanium Fitness with coach Chuck Beckham, and Erin’s diagnosis of a genetic syndrome following peripheral neuropathy while staying committed to long-term health.In today's episode, you will hear about such topics as:How They Met RunningCommunity and Giving BackFrom Training to Racing TeamRedefining Fitness and JoyFollow Grant & Erin Lanham on Stava

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 chose Jill based on teammates’ recommendations and her reputation for straightforward communication. Jill describes a bigger-picture coaching philosophy that balances running with life stressors, including Carter’s bar exam, emphasizing longevity, gratitude, and disciplined training. They recap Carter’s first marathon at the Houston Marathon, where he ran 3:04 with smart pacing, supported by teammates and with Jill racing as well; Jill notes they planned a year ahead and praised Carter’s commitment, patience, and execution. In today's episode, you will hear about such topics as:Why Hire a CoachBig Picture CoachingJill Breaks Down SuccessBeyond Training RelationshipFollow Carter Jensen:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/carterjensen44/Follow Coach Mark Spewak:Website:https://spewaktraining.com/jill-finklang

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 balance. Emily reflects on her Chicago Marathon experience, then discusses a stress fracture discovered about a year ago that required six to eight weeks off running.She explains how Kaitlyn guided her through cross training—especially on the Peloton—to maintain fitness, then eased her back with walk-run progression ahead of the New York City Marathon. Emily describes being nervous about re-injury during the New York build but ultimately PR’ing on the hillier NYC course, crediting resilience, patience, and gratitude for being able to run again.The conversation highlights the atmosphere of major marathons, with Emily describing NYC’s massive crowds, runner community, and the support of strangers, including seeing front-of-the-pack runners stay to cheer later finishers. Mark and Kaitlyn emphasize the value of mindset, accountability, and long-term sustainability in the sport, not just chasing PRs.Emily shares that coaching helped her feel “hooked,” improved her structure compared to earlier self-guided training, and inspired her to sign up for Chicago again this fall. She also mentions a long-term goal of running a race in every state and hopes to still love running in five years. In today's episode, you will hear about such topics as:Taking the Leap: The Fear of Reaching Out for a CoachRebuilding with Cross-Training: The Road Back to NYC MarathonTwo Years of Progress: Accountability, Structure, and Loving the ProcessChicago Marathon Highs… Then the Stress Fracture SetbackFollow Emily Shor:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/emshor214/Follow Coach Kaitlyn Donahue:https://spewaktraining.com/kaitlyn

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 with Julia, culminating in a memorable Boston Marathon experience. The episode highlights the importance of community, individualized coaching, and the deep connections formed through shared athletic goals. Hear about Tim's journey, Julia's coaching philosophy, and the powerful bond they've created along the way.In today's episode, you will hear about such topics as:Tim Oh's Running Journey Before Spewak TrainingCoaching Experience with JuliaBoston Marathon ReflectionsCommunity and Friendships at Spewak TrainingFollow Tim Oh:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/timoh23/Follow Coach Julia Griffey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia_k_griffey/