
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

Dec 4, 2023 • 57min
227: Peeling Back the Layers of Modern Coaching: Manager, Mentor, Teacher
Exploring the changing dynamics of coaching in the modern era and the challenges faced by coaches. Discussing the various roles of a coach, including manager, mentor, and teacher, and the importance of effective management. Emphasizing the significance of clarity and building a strong coaching foundation and the shift from prioritizing winning to focusing on growth and development. Analyzing the challenges of race plans and high performance in the last 800 meters of a mile race. Highlighting the importance of clarity and reflection in coaching and the transformative experiences that sport can provide for young athletes.

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Nov 27, 2023 • 56min
226: The Science of Middle Distance Training: Understanding HIIT
This podcast tackles the science of Middle Distance Training, specifically focusing on HIIT. The hosts discuss the benefits of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals in coaching, reflect on improving coaching skills during the transition from cross country to track season, and delve into the art and science of middle distance training. They emphasize the importance of variation in interval training, explore different training methods for middle distance runners, and touch on the challenges and strategies of this type of training.

Nov 13, 2023 • 1h
Episode 225: The Magic is in the Man/Woman, Not the Miles.
This week, we take on the old Bowerman quote, to understand while we obsess over the workouts, what matters most is the people on board. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. It has 20+ courses plus an online interaction system with 500+…

Oct 30, 2023 • 59min
Episode 224: Anxiety creep: How to fight back, take ownership, and thrive in training and on race day.
Pre-race anxiety is something we all face. How do we deal with it? In this episode, we go through the psychology of anxiety and tips and tools for helping athletes deal with it. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. It has 20+…

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Oct 23, 2023 • 42min
Episode 223: The Science of Drive: How to Get Better and Become the Best
Motivation. We all talk about it’s importance, but how do you develop it within yourself and athletes? In this episode, we break down the science of drive and buy-in. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. It has 20+ courses plus an online…

Oct 16, 2023 • 58min
Episode 222: What Greatness Really Looks Like: The Characteristics that Drive Elite Performance
Consistency over the long haul. Stacking week after week, month after month of good work. Being prepared instead of being ready. Flipping the switch to compete, instead of being hypercompetitive. These (and more) are the characteristics of great performers. Listen to hear more. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is…

Oct 9, 2023 • 52min
Episode 221: PEAK WHEN IT COUNTS: Developing Mental Toughness
Today, we talk about the many kinds of competition, and how we need to stop seeing every meet as the be all end all. Stop using regular season meets as validation. Instead, see them as developmental competitions where you are working on something to grow and adapt! Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program…

Oct 2, 2023 • 54min
Episode 220- Becoming a Great Coach: The Art of Managing Workouts
In this episode, we dive into how to manage and adjust workouts for both physiological and psychological gain. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. It has 20+ courses plus an online interaction system with 500+ other coaches! And we’ve added a new…

Sep 25, 2023 • 36min
#219- Managing Change and Uncertainty: Injuries, Going from HS to College, Retirement, and So Much More
In this episode, we welcome friend of the show Brad Stulberg to talk about how runners can handle change and uncertainty. What do we do when the injury bug hits and it feels like our season is lost, or when we transition from high school to college and we go from star to also-ran, or…

Sep 21, 2023 • 47min
Episode 218- Managing Fatigue: Understanding Glycogen Depletion
The hosts discuss challenges of coaching and a platform for support. They explore glycogen depletion and its impact on recovery. They also discuss the role of glucose and glycogen for brain and muscle function. The necessary rest and diet for recovery after long runs is explored. Proper nutrition and rest are emphasized for fatigue management.