Bestselling Author Matt Fitzgerald: How to Perfect the Craft of Running

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Mar 27, 2025

Matt Fitzgerald, bestselling author and expert in endurance sports, shares his insights on mastering the art of running. He emphasizes the importance of being process-oriented rather than solely focusing on speed or competition. The conversation covers making effective decisions as a runner, the journey of athletic mastery, and balancing data with intuition. Fitzgerald also highlights the significance of mental and psychological growth in training, encouraging runners to embrace independence and learn from their experiences.

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INSIGHT

Mastery Redefined

Matt Fitzgerald defines mastery as fulfilling one's potential, regardless of talent level.
This emphasizes controlling the controllable aspects of running, not just achieving fast times.

ANECDOTE

Javelina 100K with Long COVID

Matt Fitzgerald completed the Javelina 100K ultramarathon despite long COVID, finding it deeply satisfying.
This exemplifies finding satisfaction in the process, not the outcome, during challenging circumstances.

INSIGHT

The Unknowable Potential

Runners often believe they could have performed better, highlighting the subjective nature of reaching one's full potential.
Matt Fitzgerald suggests continued learning and improvement are possible even with age-related decline.

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Bestselling author, running coach, nutritionist, and 2:39 marathoner Matt Fitzgerald is back on the podcast!

Today, we're answering the big question: How do you master the sport of running?

We're not talking about getting fast or turning pro. Instead, we're talking about mastering the craft of running: becoming process-oriented and in-tune with yourself so that you can achieve your potential in the sport.

Matt's new book, Chasing Mastery, addresses this topic. He's also authored 30+ other endurance books, including some of my favorites:

Brain Training
Run Faster (with Brad Hudson)
Diet Cults

In this episode, we talk about how to make good decisions as a runner, athletic development, what being "process-oriented" really means, and other high level topics that will help you achieve your ultimate potential as a runner.

For more resources, don't miss Strength Running's training program library.

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Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running!

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