Science of Running
Science & Ideas
About
An in depth look at training, coaching, Sport Science, and anything else that relates to enhancing endurance performance.
Episodes
- Coaching Successfully Series Part 2: Defining Your Training Approach
In Part 2 of the Coaching Successfully series, Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus discuss how coaches can define a training approach. They emphasize accounting for environmental and psychological constraints, not just physiology, to avoid r…
- Defining Coaching Success: Philosophy, Boundaries, and Authenticity”
Steve Magness and Jon Marcus start a series on successful coaching, emphasizing the importance of a defined philosophy and boundaries. They address the transition from athlete to coach and the issue of boundary creep.
- Training the Brain and Body: A discussion on the dynamics of physiology and neurology.
Hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus explore coaching that goes beyond optimization, emphasizing the balance between understanding physiology and neurology.
- Fit and Fast: Achieving Robustness in Training
This episode discusses the 'fit but flat' phenomenon where athletes have metabolic fitness but lack neuromuscular coordination, impacting competitive performance. Examples are used to illustrate the importance of this balance in training.
- Mindset Matters: Training the Mind for Peak Race Day Performance
Steve Magness and Jon Marcus discuss training the mind for race day performance on the On Coaching Podcast. Topics include the benefits of a growth mindset over a fixed mindset and the use of visualization.
- Recovery Demystified: Focus on What Really Works
In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, we delve into the critical topic of recovery, emphasizing the importance of keeping it simple and avoiding the pitfalls of the ‘industrial complex of recovery.’ They discuss the transformation of…
- Coaching the New Runner. Part 2: Individuals
In this episode of the On Coaching podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jon Marcus walk you through how to coach a runner from the very start. From the training to the mental game, we cover it all. -Steve Steve’s NEW Book is OUT NOW: Win The I…
- Coaching the New Runner. Part 1: In a team setting.
In this episode of the On Coaching podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus discuss the challenges and strategies of coaching new runners in a team setting. They emphasize the importance of creating an inclusive environment where newco…
- Footwear Insights: From Training Flats to Super Cushions
Mastering the Art of Super Shoe Training In this episode of the On Coaching podcast, Steve Magness and Jon Marcus delve into the timely and highly requested topic of using ‘super shoes’ in training. They revisit the evolution from traditio…
- Exploring the New Era of Training: Embracing Experimentation
In this episode of the On Coaching podcast, Steve Magness and Jon Marcus delve into the current era of training experimentation, inspired by a recent in-depth discussion in the Scholar Program. They explore historical ebbs and flows in tra…
- Keeping Training Fresh: Science, Methods, and Strategies
In this episode of the ‘On Coaching’ podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jon Marcus discuss the importance of consistency in training and coaching. They delve into how simple, repetitive actions over time foster the capacity to achieve larger…
- NCAA Track Champs: Key Takeaways for Racing and Training
Exploring Racing Tactics and Mental Preparation from NCAA Championships In this episode of the On Coaching podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus dive deep into the insights and lessons from the recent NCAA Championships. They highli…
- Consistency Creates Capacity: The Power of Simple Wins in Training
In this episode of the ‘On Coaching’ podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jon Marcus discuss the importance of consistency in training and coaching. They delve into how simple, repetitive actions over time foster the capacity to achieve larger…
- Double Threshold Training: Applying to Track, Cross-Country, and Marathon
In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus dive deep into the concept of double threshold training. They discuss its application to track, cross country, and marathon training, and highlight different i…
- Putting it All Together: Speed, strength, endurance, recovery for runners of all ages.
In this episode of the On Coaching podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jon Marcus discuss the complexities of holistic coaching and how to effectively integrate various training components for athletes. They emphasize the difference between s…
- The Psychology of the Modern Athlete: The Impact of Social Media and Perception of Reality
In this episode, hosts Steve and Jon dive deep into the psychology of modern athletes, emphasizing the impact of social media on athletes’ perceptions of reality and mental health. They discuss the transition from local to global compariso…
- Mastering Your Mind: 5 Keys to Stop Self-Sabotaging
The five insights discussed include recognizing self-sabotage, balancing exploration and commitment, building your own home field advantage, balancing caring deeply with letting go, and the importance of belonging over just fitting in. The…
- The Truth about Lactate Threshold | Your Comprehensive Guide
In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of lactate threshold, debunking common myths and explaining its significance in athletic performance. We discuss the science behind lactate production and utilization, looking at lactate curve…
- So You Want to Be a Champion: Part 3: How to Recover. How to Connect
In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus dive into the third part of their three-part series on becoming a champion. This segment, ‘How to Recover. How to Connect” focuses on the oft forgotten par…
- So You Want to Be a Champion: Part 2: How to prepare. How to Train
In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus dive into the second part of their three-part series on becoming a champion. This segment, ‘How to Train,’ explores the nuances and complexities of transit…
- So You Want to Be A Champion? Part 1: How to think How to Act.
In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, Steve Magness and Jon Marcus kick off a three-part series on what it takes to become a champion. They delve into the essential mindset and behaviors needed to succeed at the highest levels of ath…
- Bonus Episode: The Biology of Winning and Losing…with a crazy twist!
A special bonus episode! We’re going to try something a bit different. We’re talking the mental side of sport, the biology of winning and losing, and much more. Except…your hosts aren’t Steve and Jon. They are AI. We fed Steve’s book, Win…
- How to Break Through the Plateau
Breaking through the next plateau. Our fitness journey’s often go a little something like this. At first, progress is easy. We start an exercise regime, and nearly every week it seems like we’re lifting a bit more or running a tad faster.…
- 266: Overcoming Choking and Underperformance: The Science and Psychology of Pressure
In this episode, Steve Magness explores the psychology and science behind performance anxiety, choking, and the phenomenon known as ‘the yips’ in sports. Drawing on his experience working with top athletes from various sports, Steve delves…
- 265: Consistency wins: How to be consistent in the face of volatility and unpredictability.
In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus delve into the essential concept of consistency in achieving athletic success. We begin with an announcement about Steve’s new book, ‘When the Inside Game is A…
- 264: The Science of Surging: How to Pull Away from the Pack Mid-Race
In this special 10-year anniversary episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus delve into the intricacies of surging during races. They explore both the physiological and psychological aspects of initiating and…
- 263: The Workouts Come Second: Teaching Comes First
The Importance of Teaching in Coaching In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus emphasize the significance of teaching in coaching, arguing that workouts should come second to effectively educatin…
- 262: Do drills work? The case for and against
The Nuance of Drills: Do They Really Work? In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus delve into the controversial topic of whether drills are effective in enhancing running mechanics and athletic p…
- 261: How to Write Training Part 2: Nuance, making adjustments and tweaks
The Art of Coaching: Insights on Adjusting and Perfecting Training Plans In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus share their perspectives on the importance of knowing how to make adjustments and twea…
- 260: How to Write Training Part 1 Getting Started
Mastering Training Plans: Foundations and Strategy In this episode of the On Coaching podcast, Steve Magness and John Marcus dive into the essentials of writing effective training plans for athletes. They discuss the importance of understa…
- 259: Race Day Meltdown: Strategies and Solutions for Bouncing Back When Everything Goes Wrong.
In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, Steve Magness and Jon Marcus delve into the challenges of handling race day meltdowns. They discuss the emotional and psychological aspects that both athletes and coaches face when things don’t g…
- 258: Longer Long Run or Faster Long Run!
The Great Long Run Debate: Length vs. Speed In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus dive into the classic debate on long runs: should athletes focus on longer durations or faster paces? They expl…
- 257: Workouts are only 40% of the equation. A podcast about the other 60%
In this episode of the On Coaching podcast, Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus discuss the importance of a holistic approach to training. They argue that workouts constitute only 40% of the equation for peak performance, emphasizing that st…
- Stop Under performing and Learn How to Come Through in the Clutch
I’ve got exciting news! I’ve got a new book: Win the Inside Game! And…I’m giving away a crazy amount of bonuses and content to you if you pre-order it (see below!) In many ways, this is a sequel to Do Hard Things. It answers the question…
- 256: The science of going out hard and hanging on to win
n this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus discuss the intricate demands of cross country racing that go beyond mere physiological preparation. They explore the need for strategic pacing, especially the…
- 255: The importance of being good coach, not just a nice coach.
In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus discuss the intricate balance of being a good coach versus a nice coach. They delve into the importance of setting boundaries, maintaining consistency, and build…
- 254: Hard workouts: When, Where, How and Why?
In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus dive deep into the intricacies of designing and implementing hard workouts for distance runners. They discuss the multi-dimensional aspects of ‘hard’ workouts, i…
- 253: Race Day Anxiety: How to Confront it, Run with it, and Potentially Overcome It.
Understanding and Addressing Performance Anxiety in Athletes In this episode of the ‘On Coaching’ podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus delve deep into the modern issue of performance anxiety, especially as it affects young athletes…
- 252: The secret to winning cross country teams. The power of the 5th man.
In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus delve into the concept of the ‘fifth man’ and its crucial role in building winning cross country teams. They discuss the importance of every team member, n…
- 251: Doing Things When We Don’t Want To: The Science of Motivation
n this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, Steve Magess and John Marcus delve into the essence of motivation in sports, focusing on the significance of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. They discuss personal anecdotes from their high school…
- 250: Winning Big When It Counts: The Psychology and The Science of Championship:
How do you show up on race day? How do you flip the switch during the last 200 to kick like crazy? In this episode we use the recent Olympics as a way to unpack racing under pressure. Join us for a lively discussion with real world example…
- 249: Fatigue: A deep dive into understanding it and revising workouts around it.
What is fatigue and how do we deal with it? In this episode we go into the science of fatigue, understanding the physiological and psychological components, and what we can do about it! Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar…
- 248: Community and Connection: The Core of High Performance Cultures
What does a winning culture look like? In this episode we explore the underpinning of a championship culture, a sense of community and connection. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all t…
- 247: Specific Strength Training for Runners. And how it differs from general strength training.
How do you extend your peak? In this episode we go deep on how to keep the peak going and the myths surrounding peaking. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. I…
- 246: Base Training: Progression Over Career
We all know what a base is right? Just run some easy miles. Well, a base is a bit more complex than that, and it should change over the course of your career. In this episode, we go deep on what a base is and how to change it as you progre…
- 245: Developing Aerobic Power: A scientific approach to improving specific endurance
What is aerobic power? How do you develop it? What are the workout progressions to optimize it? We go deep into the science to understand aerobic metabolism. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-sho…
- 244: The Post Peak Peak: What is it and how to set it up.
How do you extend your peak? In this episode we go deep on how to keep the peak going and the myths surrounding peaking. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. I…
- 243: The science of the struggle bus: How people get on and how to get off.
What do you do when things go wrong, when an athlete is on the struggle bus? In this episode we explain how to get athletes out of the hole and back on track. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-sh…
- 242: Two Feet in Reality: Tips on How to Support High Performance
How do you support high performance? In this episode we discuss creating the culture and environment that allows people to thrive. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches ed…
- 241: Most common mistakes when coaching distance runners and how to avoid.
What are the most common mistakes coaches make? In this episode we dive into where we and others have gone wrong, and what to do about it. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things co…