
On Coaching with Magness & Marcus
Coaches Steve Magness and Jon Marcus team up to bring you an insider’s view on coaching. Taking you inside the thoughts and conversations that usually occur behind the scenes. They bring a diverse background having both worked with athletes at the collegiate and professional level. They hope to bring a mixture of science, old-fashioned wisdom, and a touch of philosophy to help understand the process of coaching and maximizing endurance performance. For more information visit www.ScienceOfRunning.com
Latest episodes

May 20, 2025 • 60min
Putting it All Together: Speed, strength, endurance, recovery for runners of all ages.
Explore the complexities of holistic coaching for runners of all ages. Discover the vital balance between speed, strength, endurance, and recovery tailored to individual goals. Learn about the critical difference between stimulation and confirmation workouts while navigating endurance challenges. Delve into the emotional dynamics of training and the importance of perseverance in adopting new skills. This engaging discussion emphasizes adaptability and the intricacies of creating effective training programs for athletes.

May 7, 2025 • 53min
The Psychology of the Modern Athlete: The Impact of Social Media and Perception of Reality
Delving into the psychological landscape of modern athletes, the hosts tackle how social media reshapes self-esteem and perceptions of success. They highlight the pressures of global comparison and how it impacts mental health. The conversation navigates the pitfalls of fleeting fitness trends versus meaningful growth. Moreover, they examine evolving coaching strategies that foster dialogue and understanding, emphasizing the emotional toll of social media on communication. Finally, they discuss the changing dynamics of athlete-coach relationships in this digital age.

5 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 19min
Mastering Your Mind: 5 Keys to Stop Self-Sabotaging
The five insights discussed include recognizing self-sabotage, balancing exploration and commitment, building your own home field advantage, balancing caring deeply with letting go, and the importance of belonging over just fitting in. The episode highlights these concepts through relatable anecdotes and research studies, aiming to help listeners shift from a survival mode to a thriving…

Apr 7, 2025 • 32min
The Truth about Lactate Threshold | Your Comprehensive Guide
Explore the intriguing world of lactate threshold and its pivotal role in athletic performance. Discover the truth behind common myths about lactate and its function as a fuel source. Understand lactate production from glycolysis and how it influences energy metabolism. Learn practical training strategies to improve lactate threshold, considering individual variability and muscle fiber types. This insightful discussion offers a comprehensive guide to effectively incorporating lactate metrics into your training regimen.

Mar 24, 2025 • 58min
So You Want to Be a Champion: Part 3: How to Recover. How to Connect
Exploring the significance of genuine relationships, the discussion emphasizes how social connections are vital for athletes’ recovery. The hosts highlight the importance of empathy in coaching, encouraging a view of athletes as multi-dimensional beings. Storytelling emerges as a powerful tool for boosting confidence and transforming doubt. They also address the modern challenges coaches face, calling for emotional sensitivity in their relationships with athletes. Authenticity and support are framed as essential in the relentless pursuit of excellence.

7 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 59min
So You Want to Be a Champion: Part 2: How to prepare. How to Train
The hosts delve into the essential difference between preparation and high-level training. They emphasize building a solid foundation for novice athletes before advancing to intense workouts. The conversation accentuates strategic training methods and the importance of recovery. Insights on the evolution of middle-distance running tactics and effective hurdle training are shared, highlighting resilience and adaptability. Community support and customized programs play a vital role in long-term competitive success.

Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 4min
So You Want to Be A Champion? Part 1: How to think How to Act.
Discover the mindset that propels athletes to championship levels as the hosts delve into the power of long-term vision and the art of delaying gratification. Learn how separating identity from performance aids in navigating criticism, especially in the social media age. The discussion emphasizes establishing consistent rituals for peak performance and highlights the journey of embracing imperfection as a crucial element of mastery. Tune in for insights on passion, growth, and the dedication required for lasting success!

Feb 6, 2025 • 16min
Bonus Episode: The Biology of Winning and Losing…with a crazy twist!
A special bonus episode! We’re going to try something a bit different. We’re talking the mental side of sport, the biology of winning and losing, and much more. Except…your hosts aren’t Steve and Jon. They are AI. We fed Steve’s book, Win the Inside Game, to the algorithm to make a podcast, and quite frankly,…

13 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 37min
266: Overcoming Choking and Underperformance: The Science and Psychology of Pressure
Dive into the intriguing world of performance anxiety and choking in sports. Discover how stress responses can affect athletes, both positively and negatively. Gain insights into effective strategies for managing pressure, including reframing thoughts and enhancing focus. Learn how unconventional activities and a shift in perspective can break mental blocks. Personal stories and scientific research blend to reveal the path to mental resilience and peak performance.

11 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 1h
265: Consistency wins: How to be consistent in the face of volatility and unpredictability.
Discover the vital role of consistency in achieving athletic success amidst a distraction-filled world. Uncover how modern sports training often clashes with the need for patience and steady effort. Explore strategies that emphasize community and relational progression in competitive settings. Learn how supportive training environments can enhance motivation and resilience. Delve into the mental challenges athletes face and the importance of mentorship in navigating their journeys.