Issue 42

The Pursuit Continues

The 2025 season marks a new chapter in Joey Berriatua’s professional running career—one defined by continued resilience and self-belief amidst change. With the shifting structure of Tinman Elite and the uncertainty of navigating the sport without a sponsor, Joey has doubled down on what’s always driven him: a deep-rooted belief in his potential and an unwavering love for the sport. In a year of unknowns, he’s staying grounded in the pursuit to grow, to compete, and to chase greatness on his own terms.

The Crossroads

At the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, Joey crossed the finish of the Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Final in 7th place. This performance was not a “breakthrough”, rather the result of years of grit, consistency, and belief. And he backed it up, continuing to run consistently and competitively through the rest of the summer. But despite the best year of his career, he found himself at a crossroads navigating the unpredictable world of professional running, without the backing of a sponsor, and with his longtime team changing its trajectory.

Rooted in Resilience

In 2018, after graduating from Santa Clara University, Joey made the move out to Boulder, CO to pursue his dreams of professional running. He held personal bests of 14:13 for 5000m, 8:52 for the 3000m steeplechase, and 4:08 for the Mile. Respectable marks, but not the ones needed to have contract opportunities and pro training groups knocking down your door. Turns out, none of that mattered. Joey didn’t need a fancy shoe sponsor or the world telling him that he should run professionally - the willingness to bet on himself, and the trust of a small group called Tinman Elite, was enough.

Over the next 7 years, Joey truly embraced and embodied all that Tinman stood for - consistent hard work fueled by a relentless belief in himself and those around him. It certainly wasn’t easy. As he recalled, “I consistently got my ass kicked throughout the first 5 years of training and racing, and it truly morphed me into a better runner.”

Instead of growing frustrated, he kept showing up. By the end of 2024, he had lowered all of his college bests to 13:38 for 5000m, 8:20 for the 3000m steeplechase, and 3:57 for the Mile. 

A Turning Point

Joey’s performance at the U.S. Olympic Trials wasn’t just a highlight of the 2024 season, it was a turning point in his career. After years of grinding through the professional ranks, his 7th-place finish in the 3000m steeplechase marked the first time he felt he delivered when it mattered most. “It was the first time at a U.S. Championship that I ran up to my abilities,” he said. “I didn’t feel like I necessarily overperformed, but it was a result I could walk away proud about.”

The performance was one that put Joey’s name in the conversation of America’s best steeplechasers. Yet for Joey, just being ‘in the conversation’ was never the end goal. Although he was satisfied with the race that day, he still wanted more, saying, "I couldn’t help but think there was a universe or two where I actually made the Olympic team, so on that day I decided that I was definitely going to go for another four years for a shot at LA”.

The Waiting Game

Sponsorship conversations began almost immediately after the Trials — but in professional running, these deals are hard to come by, especially if you’re not breaking records or bringing home Olympic medals. Still, Joey approached the process the same way he approaches running: with patience, discipline, and long-term belief. Instead of letting the uncertainty wear him down, he leaned in, using the time to reflect, refine his goals, and prepare for the next step.

"Unfortunately, It's a long drawn out process– not being the top miler in the country, and instead the 7th best steeplechaser, means you need to be patient.” Joey explained, “It gave me time to think about what I wanted in life and in running, and allowed me to go into conversations prepared to voice those.”

Embracing Change

Over the course of his career, Joey had developed into a core member of Tinman Elite - fully embodying their values and helping to build the community around them. Reflecting back, he said, “I can’t help but think fondly about our youth and naivety in our pursuit. It made no sense for me to pursue this running dream, but TME allowed me to do it, and develop lifelong friendships along the way.”

Those familiar with Tinman know that it was never just about performances - it was about continuing to show up and push the sport forward. “We just went out there and got the work done when not many believed in our abilities, and I don’t think I could’ve grown in the ways I have without facing this insane pursuit.”

Now, with the team deciding to shift their focus to the marathon, Joey made the difficult decision to part ways. While he’ll no longer be racing with the TME logo across his chest, his day-to-day won’t be much different. He plans to continue training with Drew and Sam, as well as Reed and Connor when their schedules align, and will continue to be coached by Joan and Marc Hunter. As for the closing of this chapter, Joey couldn’t be more grateful for the role that Tinman Elite has played in allowing him to chase his dreams.

“I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without Tinman Elite. I believe my life would be a lot different from a running perspective if I started training with another group out of college. My training under Joan and Marc has been invaluable, and has allowed me to progress and level up at a stage in my post college career where most start stagnating.”

Staying The Course

Believing in yourself is one thing — holding that belief steady through change and uncertainty is another. For Joey, navigating the highs and lows of this new chapter has brought its fair share of mental battles. Doubt, negativity, and questioning your place in the sport aren’t unfamiliar territory — for him, or for any runner chasing big goals. In his personal newsletter (you should check it out), Joey shared honest reflections on the mental struggles he has experienced during races this year. But as he’s done throughout his career, he’s learning to reframe them.

“I continue to remind myself that I’m doing this because it is a lifelong passion and pursuit,” he said. “My entire being is basically poured into this, and I consider it my life’s work in a sense.”

This same mindset applies to his search for sponsorships. Joey expressed the importance of staying grounded in doing the right things for the right reasons. The drive to pursue professional running is something independent of any logo or paycheck. He holds great trust in the support system around him and the steady process that is bringing him closer to his goals. And for now, that’s enough.

Onward!

This season, Joey has been intentional about chasing races that both excite and challenge him in new ways. He opened the year with a 15K in Jacksonville, Florida, stepped into pacing duties at The Ten in March, and followed that up with a strong showing at the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler, where he placed 15th overall. Most recently, he lined up at the B.A.A. 5K, finishing 8th in a competitive field. Tackling these longer-distance races is what Joey hopes will build his mental strength to ultimately reach his overarching goal for 2025: Qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo. As for whether he’ll be repping a new sponsor anytime soon? To that he says, “You’ll have to wait and see!”

Get Coached By Joey

Looking for a coach willing to bet on you the same way they bet on themselves? Joey is now accepting marathon athletes onto his coaching roster. Apply today if you’d like to work with him!

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