Quick Facts
Athlete Introduction
Full Name
Simon Spiteri
Country/Nationality
Maltese
Short Bio
I’m a 32-year-old accountant by profession working as an FP&A manager at Epic. I’m a big sports fan and besides athletics, I also like to follow football, Formula 1, and cycling. Traveling is a huge passion of mine, and I especially enjoy exploring places outside of Europe.
Athlete’s Stats
Discipline/Category
3Km
5Km
10Km
Half Marathon
Marathon
Personal Bests
8:43.91 – 3Km
14:31.54 – 5Km
32:22.80 – 10Km
1:08:37 – Half Marathon
2:23:47 – Full Marathon
Career Highlights
Highlights
Making a breakthrough in my 5Km personal best, running 14:34.44 and 14:31.54 in a span of 1 week back in 2023.
Awards
N/A.
Training and Mindset
Coaches/Teams
Ivan Rozhnov
Motivation (quotes/thoughts/mindset)
Dedication and hard work always pay into personal satisfaction.
Personal Touch
Hobbies/Interests
Travelling (especially out of Europe), and exploring different types of food cuisines.
Inspirations
Local athletes who made a name in the 90s and early 00s. They were a huge inspiration to take athletics more seriously.
Questions
About Their Running Journey
When and how did you start running?
I started running when I was around 4 years old. At the time, my father was a seasoned runner himself and used to sign me up for toddler races, that’s how it all began.
What inspired you to become a runner?
My father was a huge inspiration for me to take running more seriously as I grew up. Watching him juggle a committed training routine while working two jobs showed me what dedication and perseverance look like.
What has been the most memorable race of your career?
Competing in the 2023 GSSE Games. It had always been a lifelong dream to represent Malta at the GSSE, and getting to race in front of a home crowd made the experience even more special. The energy and support were incredible, and it’s a moment I’ll always cherish.
Training and Preparation
What does a typical training week look like for you?
A typical running week usually involves two quality sessions, a long run (usually on Sunday) and loads of mileage, incorporating fartlek’s or hill reps in between.
Do you work with a coach or create your own training plan?
I believe having a coach is essential for staying motivated and structured. I’m currently training under the guidance of Ivan Rozhnov.
How do you incorporate cross-training into your schedule?
During winter, we usually include bike sessions as part of our training. In summer, our coach encourages us to add swimming sessions, though I have to admit, they’re not my favourite!
Personal Records and Achievements
Are you working toward a specific running goal right now?
My main goal this season is to qualify for the GSSE Games, which will take place in Andorra at the end of May.
Which race or event has been the most challenging for you?
My first full marathon last December was definitely a new challenge. Experiencing the infamous “hitting the wall” in the final part of the race was tough, trying to maintain my target pace while battling exhaustion and the flood of negative thoughts. Pushing through that moment was mentally and physically demanding, but the satisfaction at the finish line made it all worth it.
What’s your dream race or bucket-list event?
Competing in one of the Marathon Majors, preferably Tokyo, would be a dream come true.
Mindset and Motivation
How do you stay motivated during long runs or difficult races?
I remind myself of all the sacrifices and hard training I’ve put in over the past weeks and months. That thought alone pushes me to keep going.
Have you ever had to overcome a significant setback? How did you handle it?
In 2017, I suffered from plantar fasciitis, and it took over a year before I started seeing real improvement. The recovery process involved a lot of cross-training and therapy sessions, and I had to be extremely patient with my return to running. I adjusted my training by scheduling most sessions in the evening, as my plantar was often too painful in the mornings.
How do you balance running with the rest of your life?
It’s definitely a challenge, but time management is key. I plan my week in advance to make sure I can balance my full-time job, training, and personal commitments. As Luke mentioned in his interview, assigning dedicated time slots to each task helps keep everything in check.
Community and Impact
Do you have any running partners or groups you train with?
I train with a group of runners under the guidance of Ivan. In my opinion, being part of a training group is just as important as having a coach. On tough days, your teammates help you push through, and on their off days, you do the same for them. We constantly challenge each other to improve and become better versions of ourselves.
Have you ever volunteered at a race or event?
Yes! I used to be part of the St. Patrick’s AC committee, where I helped organize club races. However, in recent years, I had to step back due to my running and work commitments.
Do you have any favourite running events you recommend to others?
Locally, I’d recommend the Dingli Ten Miles and the Gozo Half Marathon. Both offer stunning scenery and challenging routes. Abroad, I love mountain races in northern Italy. The dedication of the organizers, the incredible support from spectators, and the breathtaking landscapes make every race an unforgettable experience.
Message
I’m excited to have been featured on the Runner’s Vault and to share a bit of my running journey with you all. Running has been a huge part of my life, and I hope my experiences can inspire some of you. Big thanks to Runner’s Vault for the opportunity! Feel free to reach out if you ever want to talk running, training, or racing. Keep pushing towards your goals and enjoy the journey!
Leave a Reply