Grief to Grit: How Running Transformed John Grey’s Life and Sparked Pretty Neat Performance

When John Grey laced up his $19 Walmart shoes for the first time in 2020, he didn’t expect that a simple one-mile run would change the course of his life. This start was not a polished beginning by any standards. It was raw, real, and rooted in personal tragedy—the loss of his father. But for John, running became more than just a hobby; it became a journey of running through grief.

His journey into endurance sports not only helped him cope with loss but also sparked a passion that would lead to the creation of his energy snack brand, Pretty Neat Performance. Beyond how John got started in running, he shares why he keeps running despite life’s challenges.

A Journey Sparked by Loss

John’s entry into running was not the result of some grand fitness goal or New Year’s resolution. It began during one of the most difficult periods of his life. John recounted, “My official start into running was in 2020, when everything was shut down. I had gym equipment, but working out by myself just wasn’t cutting it.” It was a time when many people turned to outdoor activities, but for John, running became much more than a pandemic pastime. It became a way to process the grief of losing his father in May 2020. “My dad’s passing made me question my own mortality. I just wanted to do things that would help me live as long as possible,” John shared.

The first run was nothing spectacular—just a one-mile jog that John tracked using his phone. “I didn’t even have a watch yet. But that one mile felt great,” he said. And from that point on, something clicked. What started as a running through grief journey quickly transformed into a growing love for running.

From One Mile to Many: Progressing Through the Miles

John’s progression from that first one-mile run was gradual but intentional. He signed up for a virtual 5K in 2020, training all summer for the Steelers Run Walk, even though he didn’t have a deep understanding of training plans at the time. “I just Googled a 5K plan and followed it, even though it didn’t match my actual mileage,” John recalled with a laugh. He completed the 5K in 28 minutes and did it again the following year, shaving three minutes off his time.

Running, for John, became not just about getting faster but about constantly challenging himself. “I went from running 1 mile to wanting to see how far I could go. First a 5K, then a 10K, and eventually eyeing a half marathon,” he explained. But like many runners, John faced his own set of challenges along the way—both mental and physical.

Overcoming Physical Setbacks: Trail Running and Shin Issues

One of the most significant challenges John encountered was shin pain. The discomfort would start early in his runs and fade as he kept going, but it lingered in the back of his mind. It wasn’t until a friend suggested he try trail running that John found a solution. “Lori recommended I give trails a try because of the softer terrain. She was right. It helped not just with my shin issues but also with how my foot struck the ground,” he said.

Trail running quickly became John’s new passion. The varied terrain and natural surroundings offered a break from the monotony of road running, allowing him to enjoy the outdoors—something he cherished from his childhood. “When I was a kid, I was outside all the time because we didn’t have phones. Running on trails brought back that same feeling,” John shared.

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Balancing Running with Strength Training

Though running had become a central part of John’s life, it wasn’t without its struggles. A dedicated strength trainer, John had to find a balance between his lifting routine and his growing passion for running. “I learned quickly that running after a heavy leg day was a no-go,” he laughed. “It took me a while, but I realized that you have to choose what to focus on. If you try to give 100% to both running and lifting, you’re going to burn out.”

John’s experience is an example for athletes who struggle to balance different types of training. “Focus on what’s most important for the season you’re in,” he advised. “For me, that means prioritizing running when I’m training for a race, but still keeping strength training in the mix.”

Finding Purpose Through Running and Entrepreneurship

Running wasn’t just a means of staying healthy or coping with grief for John. It became a way to channel his energy into something meaningful. After losing his mother in December 2022, John’s focus on health and longevity deepened, not just for himself but for his family. “Losing both my parents before I turned 35 made me realize I want to be around for my son as long as possible,” he reflected.

But running also inspired John’s entrepreneurial spirit. In the wake of his mother’s passing, he launched Pretty Neat Performance, an energy snack brand that focuses on natural, wholesome ingredients. “Running taught me how to listen to my body and fuel it properly, and that’s what Pretty Neat Performance is all about,” he said. The brand, which started as a side project, has grown into a testament to John’s journey—running through grief on a journey toward something more meaningful.

How John’s Journey Can Help Others

John’s story is not just about running but about life. He started running at a time of deep personal loss and has since built not only a stronger, healthier version of himself but also a business that reflects his values. His message to others who are considering starting their own endurance journey is simple: “Just start. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t need the best shoes or the best gear. Just go out and move.”

For those facing grief or personal challenges, John’s story is a powerful reminder of how physical activity—whether it’s running, lifting, or something else—can provide an outlet for processing emotions. “Running helped me get through some of the toughest moments of my life,” he said. “It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.”

The Road Ahead

Four years into his running journey, John is still finding new ways to challenge himself. Whether it’s on the road, the trails, or in business, he continues to push his limits. As he looks ahead to upcoming races and the growth of Pretty Neat Performance, one thing is clear: John’s journey is far from over. And for anyone thinking about starting their own running journey, his advice is clear: “If I can do it, so can you.”

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