

Science of Running
Steve Magness
An in depth look at training, coaching, Sport Science, and anything else that relates to enhancing endurance performance.
Episodes
Mentioned books

17 snips
Mar 4, 2024 • 53min
236: Hard work vs. Overtraining: Finding the Sweet Spot for Optimal Adaptation:
Explore the fine line between hard work and overtraining in training routines. Discover how historical fears shape current coaching methods and the importance of quality over quantity in mileage. Learn about the differences between neural and muscular fatigue, and how training functions as controlled micro-trauma. Understand the impact of life transitions on performance and the need for stability in personal life for optimal adaptation. Finally, dive into practical strategies for balancing training, recovery, and academics.

Feb 26, 2024 • 59min
235: The science of Flow states: How to turn it on and recapture it when it’s gone.
Exploring the psychology of performance, focusing on flow states and optimal arousal levels; discussing the impact of caffeine, situational context, and familiar environments on focus and engagement. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, connectivity, and belonging in achieving peak performance. Strategies for creating a conducive atmosphere for athletes and coping mechanisms to manage nerves and achieve a flow state. Exploring talent development, learning from failures, and achieving a flow state in sports.

5 snips
Feb 12, 2024 • 52min
234: The Science of Soviet Training Methods: A look back at the history of getting in shape.
In this episode we dive deep into the literature on soviet training. Yes, there was lots of drugs, but is there anything to learn? We go through circuits, strength training, periodization, and more. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. It has 20+…

Feb 5, 2024 • 58min
233: Traits of a champion: Why some are better than rest
What separates the best from the rest? In this episode, we go into the characteristics of a champion, and how to cultivate them in anybody. 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 500+…

Jan 29, 2024 • 1h 1min
232: Defining the Win: How to stay on track, have success, and have fun doing it.
Are you and your athletes on the same page in how you define success? Have you ever walked up to an athlete after a race, expecting them to be happy, but they are dejected? You were on different pages in how you define success. In this episode, we talk about defining the win. Steve &…

9 snips
Jan 22, 2024 • 1h 2min
231: The Athlete’s Hierarchy of Needs. Getting the basics down first
Explore how Maslow's hierarchy of needs applies to athletic performance, emphasizing foundational needs like sleep, nutrition, and hydration. Discover the impact of modern distractions on focus and discipline in training. Delve into the significance of strong relationships within teams for enhancing performance and mental well-being. Uncover the importance of genuine recognition over superficial achievements in a world filled with distractions. Dive into the journey of consistent growth and resilience for athletes, particularly during pivotal college years.

Jan 15, 2024 • 1h 1min
230: Coaching the Modern Athlete: The Role of a Coach
The podcast discusses the changing role of coaches and the need to adapt to the modern athlete. It explores the challenges of coaching in a society that values instant gratification and the impact of information access on coach-athlete dynamics. The importance of stability, sleep, and balancing training with academic obligations is emphasized. The role of a coach in providing stability and perspective while navigating the power of technology and social media is discussed. The transformative impact of high school cross country coaches in guiding athletes towards passion and commitment is highlighted.

Jan 1, 2024 • 60min
229: Modern Coaching: Ways to Promote Transformation in a Transactional Environment
Explore the intriguing debate on transactional versus transformational coaching and its implications in today’s sports world. Discover how college athletics is shifting towards a transactional model due to NIL opportunities, impacting athlete relationships and recruitment. Delve into the importance of holistic athlete development in a culture fixated on statistics and social media fame. Learn how coaches can foster meaningful growth and resilience in athletes while emphasizing the value of hard work and clarity.

Dec 18, 2023 • 34min
228: Before and After the Key to Maximizing your Workouts
A lot of focus is on the workout for good reasons, but in this episode we look at how what you do before and after the workout impacts the quality during and adaptations from the workout. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education.…

Dec 4, 2023 • 57min
227: Peeling Back the Layers of Modern Coaching: Manager, Mentor, Teacher
Exploring the changing dynamics of coaching in the modern era and the challenges faced by coaches. Discussing the various roles of a coach, including manager, mentor, and teacher, and the importance of effective management. Emphasizing the significance of clarity and building a strong coaching foundation and the shift from prioritizing winning to focusing on growth and development. Analyzing the challenges of race plans and high performance in the last 800 meters of a mile race. Highlighting the importance of clarity and reflection in coaching and the transformative experiences that sport can provide for young athletes.


