PODCAST · sports
Science of Running
by Steve Magness
An in depth look at training, coaching, Sport Science, and anything else that relates to enhancing endurance performance.
Episodes
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The Workout Is Not the Point
Training is only the input. Adaptation is the goal. Steve and Jon explore why the same workout can transform one athlete and bury another and how stress, recovery, nutrition, individual differences, and the messy reality of working with human beings determine what actually sticks. Do us a favor,...
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Rethinking Recovery: The Essentials of Rest and Resilience
Steve Magness and John Marcus rant about the “recovery industrial complex,” arguing that while recovery knowledge has improved, monetized gadgets can waste money, create psychological fragility, and give a false sense of control—especially as aging brings non-negotiable limits. They emphasize...
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Beyond Mileage: The New Rules of Summer Base Training
Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus discuss an updated approach to summer base building that keeps aerobic mileage as the foundation but adds “spices” year-round to prepare athletes for race demands. Instead of a reductionist focus on aerobic capacity alone, they emphasize integrating neural...
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Patience in Performance: Delayed Gratification in Training
Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus discuss the art and science of delayed training effects, arguing that training adaptations are non-linear, hard to quantify, and often misunderstood as quick “return on investment.” They contrast complicated vs complex systems, noting hidden variables and...
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Navigating the Unpredictable: Managing Athlete Injuries
In this week’s episode Steve and Jon discuss injuries as an unavoidable, unpredictable part of running due to impact and eccentric loads, arguing coaching has shifted from “rest and hope” to creative training that maintains fitness without worsening injury. They outline a framework for evaluating...
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Unlocking Potential: The Power of Constraints in Coaching and Training
The episode focuses on constraints in coaching: manipulating training and environment to drive physical and psychological adaptation by identifying and widening an athlete’s primary bottleneck. David Epstein recounts Sheila Taormina learning the Theory of Constraints in college, shifting from...
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Marius Bakken on the Norwegian Method: Double Threshold, Lactate Control, and Muscle Tone
We host Olympian and Norwegian-method innovator Marius Bakken and talk bout the history and principles behind double-threshold training, lactate testing, and “muscle tone” as a key limiter of recovery and performance. Bakken contrasts lessons from coaches like Joe Newton, Peter Coe, and others,...
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Part 3: The Art and Science of Peaking
Steve Magness and John Marcus continue their peaking series by reframing peaking as maintaining fitness while eradicating fatigue so athletes can express existing fitness on race day, rather than expecting a magical performance boost. They emphasize that peaking is as psychological as...
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Coaching Successfully Series Part 2: Defining Your Training Approach
Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus discuss how coaches should define a training approach without falling into two traps: having no coherent philosophy by mixing everything, or rigidly copying one system with no flexibility. They argue training must account for environment and reality (altitude,...
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Defining Coaching Success: Philosophy, Boundaries, and Authenticity”
Coaching Successful, Part 1: Defining Your Philosophy and Boundaries Steve Magness and Jon Marcus begin a “coaching successful” series by arguing that sustainable high-level coaching depends less on perfect training plans and more on clearly defined philosophy, boundaries, and principles. They...
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Training the Brain and Body: A discussion on the dynamics of physiology and neurology.
The Illusion of Optimization: Balancing Physiology and Neurology in Coaching In this episode of the Coaching Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus dive into a deep discussion about the complexities of coaching that lie beyond the modern obsession with optimization. They argue that...
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Fit and Fast: Achieving Robustness in Training
Balancing Fitness and Robustness: The Importance of Neuromuscular Coordination in Training In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, Steve Magness and Jon Marcus discuss the concept of ‘fit but flat,’ exploring the phenomenon where athletes excel in metabolic fitness but fail to perform...
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Mindset Matters: Training the Mind for Peak Race Day Performance
Mastering Race Day Mindset: Proven Strategies and Quirks In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jon Marcus delve into the psychology of training the mind for race day. They explore the importance of adopting a growth mindset over a fixed mindset and the critical role…
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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 recovery techniques from the early days of simple…
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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 Inside Game! Learn how to perform under pressure, come…
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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 newcomers feel integrated, see progress, develop intrinsic...
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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 traditional trainers to modern super shoes and super-cushioned...
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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 training practices, highlighting the 1960s experimentation...
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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 goals. Highlighting historical examples such as the...
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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 highlight key performances, such as record-breaking steeple…
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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 goals. Highlighting historical examples such as the...
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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 implementation strategies for various running events. The...
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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 stimulating and confirmation workouts, the importance of...
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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 comparisons and how it has led to increased pressures and altered...
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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 episode highlights these concepts through relatable...
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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 curves and their role in determining endurance levels. The...
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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 part of greatness: the team around you and the relationships...
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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 transitioning from preparation to high-level training. They…
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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 athletic competition. Steve and John discuss the importance…
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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 the Inside Game, to the algorithm to make a podcast, and...
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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 into how stress responses can both help and hinder...
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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 Almost Here,’ focusing on mental performance under…
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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 responding to mid-race surges, sharing insights from...
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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 educating and connecting with athletes. They explore the ways in...
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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 performance. They discuss the history, purpose, and context...
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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 tweaks to training plans, especially during different phases…
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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 understanding the individual athlete, their training history, and...
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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 go as planned. Using personal anecdotes and real-life...
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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 explore the history and benefits of long runs, referencing...
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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 stability in life, sleep, nutrition, and stress management...
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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 importance of ‘going out hard’ right from the start of a...
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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 building genuine relationships. Through personal anecdotes and...
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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, including physiological, psychological, and neurological...
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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. They discuss the multidimensional nature of anxiety, its...
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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, not just the top performers, in contributing to overall...
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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 and college experiences, the importance of creating a...
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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 examples. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar…
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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 Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches...
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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 things coaches education. It has 20+ courses plus an online...
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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. It has 20+ courses plus an online interaction system with...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Science of Running have?
Science of Running currently has 300 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Science of Running about?
An in depth look at training, coaching, Sport Science, and anything else that relates to enhancing endurance performance.
How often does Science of Running release new episodes?
Science of Running publishes regularly with 300 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Science of Running?
You can listen to Science of Running on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Science of Running?
Science of Running is created and hosted by Steve Magness.
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