THE RUNNING EFFECT PODCAST The Patience to Be Great: How Kole Mathison Is Redefining What It Means to Chase Greatness in the NCAA
Oct 29, 2025
Kole Mathison, a rising NCAA distance star and national champion, shares his journey from injury struggles to impressive achievements at the University of Colorado. He discusses the importance of patience in athletics, the dynamics of cross country culture, and the pressures faced by young athletes. Kole delves into the significance of relationships with teammates and finding fulfillment beyond performance goals. He also emphasizes staying grounded amidst NCAA challenges while nurturing a deep love for the sport.
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Cole Hawker's Tactical World Title
- Kole and Dominic discuss Cole Hawker's unexpected 5k World Championship win and the controversial DQ.
- Kole praises Hawker's tactical racing and ability to recover momentum to outkick world-class competition.
Grand Slam Hurt Athlete Trust & Peaking
- The Grand Slam initiative likely disrupted athletes' peaking and trust due to poor timing and payment failures.
- Kole and Dominic see the event's early schedule, empty stadiums, and unpaid athletes as damaging to athlete finances and trust.
Don't Equate Workouts With Race Fitness
- Don't mistake hard workout performances for guaranteed race success, especially in high school.
- Back off overzealous training and prioritize race-readiness over showing off workouts.