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 play crucial roles. The hosts share personal experiences and examples…

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 race to secure a competitive position. The…

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 expert insights, they illustrate how nuanced coaching approaches can lead to…

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 demands. Learn how elite coaches use context, individual characteristics, and pattern recognition to tailor workouts…

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 impact on performance, and the importance of identifying its sources. They…

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 success. They highlight strategies for fostering…

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 habitual routine (like the habit loop), and leveraging competitive…

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…

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 education. It has 20+…

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 interaction system with 500+ other…

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 progress. We’ll pull from…

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-shop for all things coaches education. It has 20+ courses plus an online interaction system…

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 500+ other…

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-shop for all things coaches education. It has 20+…

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 education. It has 20+ courses plus an online interaction system with 500+ other coaches! And we’ve…

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 coaches education. It has 20+ courses plus an online interaction system…

Everyone is talking about zone 2! What is it, what do we get wrong, and how do we utilize it correctly. On this episode we dive deep into the science to understand aerobic training practices. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. It…

It’s time to talk about injuries, those dreaded things that pop up that derail a season. How do we prevent them, bounce back from them, and much more. 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…

What do you do when it all goes wrong during a workout? You call an audible! In this episode, we walk you through how and when to adjust a bad workout. 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…

Is it every worthwhile to dig yourself a hole? It turns out the answer is likely yes! In this episode we go through Jerry Schumacher’s medium dig cycle, Canova’s special block training, and much more. Learn when to go a little bit more, to get long lasting gains. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar…

Training is about adaptation. We have to apply the right stimulus that is just strong enough, without overwhelming us. It’s about embarrassing the body. In this episode, we discuss where the line is between overreaching and overtraining. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches…

How do we get in the zone to perform at our best? This week we tackle the psychology of performance. 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+ other coaches! And we’ve added…

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+…