12 Days of 5Ks Spotlight: John Meyer

By: Greg Koch

This morning, I laced up my shoes and ventured out onto the ice for a run with a longtime acquaintance, John Meyer. I determined that our friendship traces back to a Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn event in 2010. At the time, I was working full-time with my family at The Cookie Jar, and my mom sent my sister Becky and me to learn about social media marketing—something still brand new and groundbreaking at the time. I'm also certain my Mom was thrilled to get us out of the store even for an hour during those days. This was most certainly her idea of team building. 

During today’s run, John reminded me of another connection: meeting my sister Christine through a group called Sioux Falls Up & Coming. That group, looking back, included some incredible leaders in the local business community—many of whom have gone on to do amazing things.

John is someone I deeply admire. He’s sharp, hardworking, and devoted to his family and his home state. As girl dads, SDSU fans (Go Jacks!), coaches, and entrepreneurs, we have a lot in common. His visits to the shop are always lively, filled with great conversation and inspiring ideas. This morning, we met at one of my favorite Sioux Falls parks, McKennan Park, and navigated his weekly group run route—a 5K that felt far too short given how much we had to catch up on.

What makes John unique is his approach to fitness and life. He’s tackled incredible challenges, like an event that was simply ski-hill repeats equivalent to climbing Mount Everest, and he’s currently maintaining a daily fitness streak for 2024. Whether it’s his physical pursuits or his creative content creation, John exemplifies what it means to push toward "better."

Here’s what John had to say about his journey, running, and his vision for 2025:

Holiday Reflections
For John, the holidays are about family, food, gratitude, and recharging.

“It’s one of the best times of the year,” he said.

His family celebrations are a mix of traditions—time in Brookings with his large family of 10 adults and 10 grandkids, followed by a week in Phoenix soaking up the sun with his wife Paige’s parents.

Connection to 605 Running Company
“605 has shown me the power of community and running,” John said.

While he loves running solo, the connections he’s made through 605 have added a new dimension to his journey.

“What 605 does so well is connect people with a shared passion and then serve those people through products, events, and training.”

Favorite Running Memories
One memory stands out above the rest: running the Zippy Mile with his daughter, Margot.

“I think she was maybe seven at the time,” John recalled. “It was her first official race, and she was PUMPED to get a medal. I loved running beside her and cheering her on. I got glimpses of what I hope will be decades of running races together.”

Looking Ahead to 2025
John is still contemplating his next big challenge. In 2023, it was running The 437 Project, and in 2024, he’s on track to meet his goal of exercising 30 minutes every day.

“Maybe it’s time for another marathon,” he mused.

But that’s not all: John is ready to take on a new kind of challenge in 2025.

“This is the first time I’ve said this out loud, but I’m going to write a book in 2025. That’s my news.”

Winter Running Inspiration
For John, winter running builds resilience.

“If you can run outdoors in the winter, even just once a week, you’ll feel so much better when the snow melts and the sun comes up early in March and April,” he said.

His advice? Invest in good gear, embrace the frigid air, and prove to yourself that you can do hard things.

Community Appreciation
Reflecting on his gratitude for Sioux Falls, John summed it up perfectly:

​“Sioux Falls is an ambitious, supportive community with big plans and dreams. I’m honored to call it home. I challenge everyone to figure out how they can make themselves and Sioux Falls just a little bit better in 2025.”

John Meyer embodies the spirit of 605 Running Company—a shared passion for running, a commitment to community, and a drive to continually push boundaries. I’m grateful for his friendship and inspired by his vision for the year ahead. Here's to more miles together in 2025, John!

---