In 'Do Hard Things,' Alex and Brett Harris combat the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility. They weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life. The book maps out five powerful ways teens can respond for personal and social change, and is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life 'rebelutionaries' in action. It challenges a generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.
Peak Performance uncovers the common principles that drive success in different domains, from athletics to intellectual and artistic pursuits. The book combines stories of top performers with scientific insights into cognitive and neurochemical factors that enhance performance. It teaches readers how to optimize their performance by alternating between intense work and rest, priming the body and mind for productivity, and developing a self-transcending purpose. The authors provide practical advice on managing stress, prioritizing rest and sleep, and setting meaningful goals to avoid burnout and achieve peak performance.
Once a Runner tells the story of Quenton Cassidy, a competitive runner at fictional Southeastern University, whose lifelong dream is to run a four-minute mile. When the Vietnam War era intrudes into his school’s athletic department, Cassidy becomes involved in an athletes’ protest and is suspended from his track team. Under the tutelage of his friend and mentor, Bruce Denton, a graduate student and former Olympic gold medalist, Cassidy gives up his scholarship, his girlfriend, and possibly his future to train in a monastic retreat in the countryside. The novel provides a rare insider’s account of the incredibly intense lives of elite distance runners and is an inspiring, funny, and spot-on tale of one individual’s quest to become a champion.
Today's conversation on the podcast is one that I've been wanting to have for many years now.
I have the privilege of sitting down with and learning from Steve Magness.
I was first impacted by Steve's work in 7th grade and have been a loyal follower ever since, consistently being impacted by his work.
Steve is an acclaimed author, performance coach, and former collegiate track and cross-country coach who has written four books, The Science of Running, Peak Performance, Do Hard Things, and his newest release coming this February, Win the Inside Game.
All told, his books have sold over three-quarters of a million copies, been named national and international best sellers, and have been translated into 25 languages. Steve’s academic career exploring exercise physiology and then mental performance has shaped his all-encompassing outlook on performance.
Steve’s writing has appeared in Outside, Runner’s World, Forbes, Sports Illustrated, Men’s Health, in addition to many others. Steve received his undergraduate degree from the University of Houston and a graduate degree from George Mason.
Steve has a PR of 4:01 in the mile in High School, which at the time was the seventh fastest high school mile in US history. He was also a part of the fastest HS Distance Medley Relay team in 2003. Steve ran for Rice and Houston during his collegiate career, nearly making nationals as a senior at Houston.
Steve was the head track coach at the University of Houston from 2014-2020 after working for Nike as a coach and adviser to their professional runners. (He worked with gold and silver medalists from the 2011 World Champs and the 2012 Olympic Games in London.)
Prior to coaching in college and professionally, Magness worked at Klein Oak HS. He currently lives in Houston, Texas.
Steve has a terrific newsletter on health, well-being and performance. He is also a great follow on Twitter and Instagram.
In today's conversation, we dive into Steve's background in sport, his coaching and writing, insights on excellence both in and out of sport, his newest book, and so much more.
This conversation was truly stellar and I hope you'll make the time to be blessed by it.
Tap into the Steve Magness Special.
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S H O W N O T E S
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