The Strength Running Podcast

Stacking the Deck in Your Favor: Best-Selling Author Brad Stulberg on Sustainable Excellence

24 snips
Feb 19, 2026
Brad Stulberg, New York Times bestselling author and executive coach, discusses sustainable excellence and performance. He explains why action often precedes motivation. He explores when to push and when to rest, the power of community, reframing anxiety as useful, and building a resilient identity with multiple roles.
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INSIGHT

Activation Energy Is Trainable

  • Treat activation energy like a muscle you can strengthen by repeatedly starting even when it's hard.
  • Early discomfort on a run often gives way to feeling good once you get going.
ADVICE

Give Minor Issues A Short Trial

  • Don't ignore serious illness or injury, but give minor stiffness or niggles five to ten minutes to see if they improve.
  • Start cautiously and be ready to shut it down if pain worsens.
ANECDOTE

Spahn's US Open Win After A Rough Night

  • Brad recounts J.J. Spahn staying up with his vomiting child and then winning the U.S. Open the next day.
  • The story shows sometimes you must perform despite imperfect recovery metrics.
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