Rising Stars: Meet Jose ‘Joey’ Tirado of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose ‘Joey’ Tirado.

Hi Jose ‘Joey’, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My running journey actually started around the pandemic. I was coming off a gym injury, and I still wanted to stay active—but I knew I needed something different from what I was used to in the gym. That’s when I turned to running.

At first, it was just a way to stay in shape, but I quickly grew to enjoy it. I started researching how to improve, watching other runners, and that’s when I came across people who were doing running streaks—running every single day. That idea stuck with me.

I attempted my first running streak in the fall of 2022, and I went 175 days straight, running at least two miles a day. But eventually, I burned out and had to stop. That experience taught me a lot—especially about balance, sustainability, and what it really takes to stay consistent long-term.

So going into 2023, I made a smarter commitment: just one mile a day, every day. Something manageable, something I could sustain. I started that on January 1st, 2023—and since then, I haven’t missed a day. I’m now over 1220 consecutive days.

Along the way, I’ve built on that foundation—running numerous 5Ks and 10Ks, several half marathons, and even completing a full marathon. But more than anything, it’s the consistency and execution defines my journey.

Running has become part of my lifestyle. It’s not just about distance or races—it’s about showing up every day, no matter how I feel. That discipline, that determination—that’s what keeps me going. And I’m still building on it

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, it’s been smoother than most people would probably expect—but I wouldn’t say it’s been easy. The key for me has been being intentional about how I take care of my body.

I listen to my body a lot. I don’t overextend myself, and I take recovery seriously. Stretching is a huge part of my routine—I stretch throughout the day, not just before or after a run. Whether I’m at home, at work, or even out running errands, I’m always finding moments to stay loose and take care of my muscles.

Another big factor has been education. I’ve taken the time to really study the sport—understanding my form, learning that I overpronate, and getting the right stability shoes to support that. Making those adjustments early on has helped me avoid a lot of common issues runners deal with.

That said, there are still challenges. There are days when my body is sore, days when motivation isn’t high—but the discipline of showing up anyway is what carries me through.

I’ve also built habits outside of running that support me. I follow a pescatarian diet, I’ve been alcohol-free for over five years, and I prioritize recovery. I think all of that plays a role in why I’ve been able to stay consistent and relatively injury-free.

So while it hasn’t been perfect, I’ve been very intentional—and that’s what’s made the journey sustainable. As I approach the age of 40, I feel younger than ever.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Professionally, I work in information technology. I’ve been in the IT field for over 12 years, and I currently serve as both a technical professional and a Scrum Master. My background is rooted in problem-solving, systems thinking, and helping teams operate more efficiently. I specialize in bridging the gap between technical execution and team collaboration—making sure projects not only get done, but get done well.

Interestingly, my professional world and my running world don’t overlap much. I tend to keep those spaces separate. But every now and then, when I meet someone in the running community who’s also in tech, it’s always a great connection.

What I’m known for professionally is reliability and consistency—showing up, solving problems, and helping teams stay on track. And I think that mirrors who I am as a runner as well.

What I’m most proud of, though, isn’t just the work itself—it’s the balance. IT can be a high-stress field, and running has become my outlet. The running community, especially, brings a level of positivity and acceptance that’s hard to find elsewhere. It doesn’t matter your pace or your background—everyone belongs.

At the end of the day, tech is what I do, but running is a big part of what keeps me grounded, focused, and performing at a high level in every area of my life and for my family.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d just say that no matter what you choose to pursue in life, there are always going to be obstacles. That’s part of the process. What’s helped me is focusing on three simple things: preparation, execution, and achievement.

You prepare by putting in the time, learning, and building the right habits. You execute by showing up and doing the work—especially on the days when it’s not easy. And if you stay consistent with those two, achievement eventually follows.

That mindset has carried me through my running journey, and it applies to anything in life. Whether it’s running, your career, or personal goals—if you stay prepared and keep executing, the results will come

Contact Info:

• Instagram: SirJoeyTheDon
• LinkedIn: Jose Tirado
• Other: TikTok – SirJoeyTheDon