Breaking Two Hours After a Pelvic Stress Fracture: Molly Becker’s Comeback with Coach Kaitlyn Donahue #10

Breaking Two Hours After a Pelvic Stress Fracture: Molly Becker’s Comeback with Coach Kaitlyn Donahue #10

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 the Market Mile. She initially wanted to push through, then chose to defer NYC to protect her long-term health, pivoting to cross-training and rest with Kaitlyn’s guidance while staying motivated through weekly training emails. Molly returned this spring with PRs, including a sub-2-hour half marathon at Indy, a goal she’d pursued for nearly a decade, and now aims for a sub-4:30 at the New York City Marathon.In today's episode, you will hear about such topics as: * Molly's Origin Story * Injury and Diagnosis * Recovery Through Cross Training * NYC Marathon Comeback Follow Molly Becker: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mollykbecker/ [https://www.instagram.com/mollykbecker/] Strava: Molly Becker Follow Coach Kaitlyn Donahue: https://spewaktraining.com/kaitlyn [https://spewaktraining.com/kaitlyn] Follow Coach Mark Spewak: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mspewak10 [https://www.instagram.com/mspewak10] https://www.instagram.com/spewaktraining/ [https://www.instagram.com/spewaktraining/] Website:https://spewaktraining.com [https://spewaktraining.com/mark]

Building Resilience Through Coaching: Dr Dilan Patel, Coach Noah Daum, and the Power of Strength Training #09

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 Fitness improved injury prevention, consistency, and confidence. They describe adapting plans when setbacks occur, including Dilan completing Grandma’s Marathon and shifting from the full Indy marathon to a half via a contingency plan, while targeting the Chicago Marathon in 2025. The conversation also covers why Dilan values coaching as a lifelong learner and how his work as an oncologist at Wash U/Siteman shapes his perspective on health, gratitude, and purpose.In today's episode, you will hear about such topics as: * Training Origins * Mindset and Process * Why Have a Coach * Strength Training Addition Follow Coach Noah Daum: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/noah_daum/ [https://www.instagram.com/noah_daum/]Follow Coach Mark Spewak: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mspewak10 [https://www.instagram.com/mspewak10]https://www.instagram.com/spewaktraining/ [https://www.instagram.com/spewaktraining/]Website:https://spewaktraining.com [https://spewaktraining.com/mark]

Original Spewak Training Duo Grant & Erin Lanham on Coaching, PRs, Boston Dreams, and Staying Fit Through Setbacks #08

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 Running * Community and Giving Back * From Training to Racing Team * Redefining Fitness and Joy Follow Grant & Erin Lanham on Stava

Community, Coaching, and Boston: Stephanie True’s Journey with Mark Spewak #07

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 she decided to hire a coach, how personalized training helped her develop as a competitor, and her evolving mindset through process goals. She also recounts her Boston Marathon experiences, including the extreme 2018 race, a solo COVID-era Boston run in St. Louis, and her appreciation for the event’s meaning. Finally, she discusses leading Go St. Louis’s Students on the GO program, which now serves about 150 students training for a 10K or half marathon, and how running has shifted from solo miles to friendships and community.In today's episode, you will hear about such topics as: * Why She Got a Coach * Chasing Boston Dreams * Miles for Mark * From Solo to Community Follow Stephanie True: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/smtrue23/ [https://www.instagram.com/smtrue23/] Follow Coach Mark Spewak: Website:https://spewaktraining.com/mark [https://spewaktraining.com/jill-finklang]

The Bigger Picture: Carter Jensen’s First Marathon Success with Coach Jill Finklang #06

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 Coach * Big Picture Coaching * Jill Breaks Down Success * Beyond Training Relationship Follow Carter Jensen: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/carterjensen44/ [https://www.instagram.com/carterjensen44/] Follow Coach Mark Spewak: Website:https://spewaktraining.com/jill-finklang [https://spewaktraining.com/jill-finklang]