
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

11 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 50min
NCAA Track Champs: Key Takeaways for Racing and Training
The hosts dive into the recent NCAA Track Championships, celebrating record-breaking performances and innovative racing strategies. They discuss the vital role of mental preparation, emphasizing how managing anxiety can influence performance. The importance of community support in training is highlighted, particularly comparing practices from Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes. Speed endurance training is explored, along with the evolving mindset in racing that champions risk-taking. Lastly, they advocate for emotional engagement in sports to foster personal growth and connections.

18 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 52min
Consistency Creates Capacity: The Power of Simple Wins in Training
The discussion emphasizes the power of consistency in training and coaching. Historical examples like Jack Lovelock showcase effective methods that transcend time. Simple, repetitive actions are key to overcoming mental barriers and building endurance. Celebrating small victories fosters confidence and community among athletes. By focusing on mastering core movements, coaches can promote growth without overwhelming their trainees. Ultimately, true progress stems from routine and the joy of consistent effort.

19 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 53min
Double Threshold Training: Applying to Track, Cross-Country, and Marathon
Explore the fascinating concept of double threshold training and its applications in track, cross country, and marathons. Discover how historical insights shape modern training techniques and the importance of personalized intensity management. Learn about the balance of threshold workouts in an athlete's cycle and the nuances of aerobic training for distance runners. Gain insights into optimizing training sessions tailored to specific runner types, ensuring enhanced performance while minimizing injury risks.

6 snips
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!