Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Spewak
Hi Mark, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have had a passion for distance running since I was in middle school. My older brother was a successful high school and collegiate runner. I was inspired to follow his lead and join the cross country team in 8th grade. The rest was history from there. I ended up running cross country and track and field in high school and a year in college at Rider University a small division one program in New Jersey. When I came back to St. Louis after my freshman year of college, I took a job with Big River Running Company selling running shoes, putting on high school running camps, and helping out with their special events. I had a front row seat to the St. Louis running community beyond the lens of what I saw during my high school days.
I ended up coming home to St. Louis after my freshman year because I failed at the collegiate level as a student and as an athlete. I prioritized partying and not going to class which led me to losing the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. When I finally came to the realization that I was leaving school, I gave myself the 12 + hour drive home to feel sorry for myself. Then, when I returned home I knew that I needed to make a change and turn my life around. I had a strong connection to Big River Running Company since I was in high school and am extremely grateful they gave me the chance to start over. Big River opened the door for a lot of opportunities for me. I had a strong desire to want to start my own business at some point.
A little over a year later after getting into a groove with working, in the spring of 2013, Josh Sprague the owner of Orange Mud a popular up and coming outdoors company reached out to my store manager to see if I would be interested in working for him at a trade show in Salt Lake City. I took the job and ended up working for Josh at several shows for the next several years. Josh inspired me to start something of my own. In fall the of 2013, I created my first business which was called More Miles More Smiles. I sold running themed tee shirts and had a blog. I ended up not selling too many shirts after the buzz died down from friends and family, however, it led me to working with different non-profits and helping them produce charity running events. All while I started this business, I was juggling my job with Big River and going to school part-time at St. Louis Community College.
While working at Big River Running Company, I knew that I wanted to get involved in coaching. The sport had given me so much and I wanted to return the favor. I started coaching cross country at Ladue High School and then, ended up taking over as the head coach of the feeder programs for Ladue and Clayton’s youth cross country and track and field programs. Through coaching at the high school and youth level, I knew I belonged as coach. While coaching and working at the store, I was approached by several people wanting help improving their personal running. I started coaching a handful of people for free. One of the first people I worked with was Mike Miller. He had a lot of success in our coaching and encouraged me to start a coaching business named Spewak Training. 9 and half years later, it was the best decision I made!
Once I got my coaching business up and running in 2015, I had to be very selective with my time. At that point, I was coaching with Ladue, Clayton, working with Big River Running, organizing charity running events, going to school and working with Orange Mud. I also was pursuing my own running goals and had the chance to run the Boston Marathon two times during that period. As my coaching business continued to grow, I knew that I wanted to still receive a college degree. I ended up transferring to Webster University in 2016 and finished my degree in the spring of 2021. I had a lot on my plate but I loved everything I was doing. During COVID, my business Spewak Training hosted a lot of different virtual running events to keep our athletes motivated while there were no in person organized running events.
We also raised close to $20,000 in that year for different charities and had people that weren’t even clients a part of our competitions. When we felt it was safe to get back to running in person again, we started our own non profit called Spewak Racing which was a membership based running group that allows runners to get together to train with one another while also raising money for different St. Louis charities. Now in 2024, my focus is on leading our coaching business Spewak Training that has a staff of running coaches, dietitian, and a strength training coach. We have over 250 clients we serve. Spewak Racing has grown to 200 + members and has raised close to $30,000 since 2021 for different St. Louis charities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I was a baby I had pertussis which is known at the whooping cough. I was not old enough to have the vaccine and unfortunately got sick at Thanksgiving dinner. The illness hospitalized me and caused me to have multiple seizures that resulted in brain damage. Growing up I had a lot of learning disabilities because of the whooping cough. However, I credit my mom who always pushed me and never allowed me to make excuses. I have a great family support system and am grateful to have had a really great upbringing. I did see the disability as a challenge, however, it was hard for me to define my journey as rocky when I had so much support around me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Spewak Training and Spewak Racing?
Spewak Training: Individualized running coaching and customized training plans for all ages, levels, and abilities. We work with people in St. Louis and around the entire country. In addition, Our staff is made up of running coaches, strength coaches, and a registered dietitians. Spewak Training organizes different virtual and in-person charitable running events including the new Market Mile in downtown St. Louis. Our team is dedicated to not only providing amazing coaching but also giving back to the St. Louis region at large.
Spewak Racing: A membership based running group that raises money for local St. Louis charities. In addition, Spewak Racing hosts charitable events in the community including the Chain of Rocks 6k that has given $18,000 the last three years to the St. Louis City League. Our group meets three times a week together in person and has over 200 members. Spewak Racing is the charitable leg to Spewak Training.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
A lot of people know I love Oreos but my favorite cookie is a homemade brookie with m & ms and chocolate chips!
Contact Info:
- Website: spewaktraining.com and spewakracing.com
- Instagram: @spewaktraining @spewakracing
- Facebook: Spewak Training Spewak Racing
- Twitter: @spewaktraining @spewakr
