Magness & Marcus on Coaching

Follow Magness & Marcus on Coaching
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

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 brin…

Steve Magness


    • May 20, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 1m AVG DURATION
    • 277 EPISODES

    4.6 from 338 ratings Listeners of Magness & Marcus on Coaching that love the show mention: jon and steve, mike smith, runners, makes you think, coaches, athletes, coaching, training, running, improvement, sport, blog, science, high school, eating, mental, great insight, keep them coming, month, program.


    Ivy Insights

    The Magness & Marcus on Coaching podcast is an exceptional resource for runners and coaches alike. Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus bring together their extensive experience in the field, combined with current running trends, technology, and scientific research to create one of the best run coaching podcasts available. They are self-aware of their biases and do a commendable job of following the science when discussing various running topics. This podcast is strictly focused on running and provides valuable insights for athletes and coaches looking to improve their performance.

    One of the standout aspects of this podcast is how well Magness and Marcus combine their joint experience with current trends in the running world. They continuously stay up-to-date with the latest research and training techniques, allowing them to provide valuable advice for runners at any level. The discussions on various subjects related to endurance training are in-depth, informative, and offer practical strategies that can be implemented into training programs. The podcast also features interviews with experts in the field such as Joe Vigil and Mike Smith, providing a well-rounded perspective on coaching athletes at different levels.

    While the podcast offers invaluable knowledge and inspiration, there is room for improvement in terms of mic etiquette. Some listeners have noticed minor issues with audio quality or volume levels during certain episodes. However, these minor corrections do not overshadow the overall content provided by this free resource.

    In conclusion, The Magness & Marcus on Coaching podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in improving their running performance or coaching abilities. Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus bring a wealth of knowledge to each episode, providing listeners with access to cutting-edge research, expert insights, and practical advice. Whether you are a beginner runner or an experienced coach, this podcast offers valuable information that can help you enhance your training methods and reach your goals.



    Search for episodes from Magness & Marcus on Coaching with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Magness & Marcus on Coaching

    Putting it All Together: Speed, strength, endurance, recovery for runners of all ages.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 59:48


    In this episode of the On Coaching podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jon Marcus discuss the complexities of holistic coaching and how to effectively integrate various training components for athletes. They emphasize the difference between stimulating and confirmation workouts, the importance of understanding time horizons for adaptation, and the necessity of balancing multiple training qualities…

    The Psychology of the Modern Athlete: The Impact of Social Media and Perception of Reality

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 53:27


    In this episode, hosts Steve and Jon dive deep into the psychology of modern athletes, emphasizing the impact of social media on athletes’ perceptions of reality and mental health. They discuss the transition from local to global comparisons and how it has led to increased pressures and altered motivations for young athletes. The conversation covers…

    Mastering Your Mind: 5 Keys to Stop Self-Sabotaging

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 18:34


    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…

    The Truth about Lactate Threshold | Your Comprehensive Guide

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 31:49


    In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of lactate threshold, debunking common myths and explaining its significance in athletic performance. We discuss the science behind lactate production and utilization, looking at lactate curves and their role in determining endurance levels. The episode covers various methods to accurately measure lactate threshold and explains the…

    So You Want to Be a Champion: Part 3: How to Recover. How to Connect

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 57:59


    In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus dive into the third part of their three-part series on becoming a champion. This segment, ‘How to Recover. How to Connect” focuses on the oft forgotten part of greatness: the team around you and the relationships you develop. Steve’s NEW Book…

    So You Want to Be a Champion: Part 2: How to prepare. How to Train

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 59:12


    In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus dive into the second part of their three-part series on becoming a champion. This segment, ‘How to Train,’ explores the nuances and complexities of transitioning from preparation to high-level training. They discuss the critical distinction between preparation and training, emphasizing the…

    So You Want to Be A Champion? Part 1: How to think How to Act.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 63:47


    In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, Steve Magness and Jon Marcus kick off a three-part series on what it takes to become a champion. They delve into the essential mindset and behaviors needed to succeed at the highest levels of athletic competition. Steve and John discuss the importance of long-term vision, delayed gratification,…

    Bonus Episode: The Biology of Winning and Losing…with a crazy twist!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 15:37


    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,…

    266: Overcoming Choking and Underperformance: The Science and Psychology of Pressure

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 36:45


    In this episode, Steve Magness explores the psychology and science behind performance anxiety, choking, and the phenomenon known as ‘the yips’ in sports. Drawing on his experience working with top athletes from various sports, Steve delves into how stress responses can both help and hinder performance. Through a blend of personal stories, scientific research, and…

    265: Consistency wins: How to be consistent in the face of volatility and unpredictability.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 60:01


    In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus delve into the essential concept of consistency in achieving athletic success. We begin with an announcement about Steve’s new book, ‘When the Inside Game is Almost Here,’ focusing on mental performance under pressure. They then explore how consistency is crucial in…

    264: The Science of Surging: How to Pull Away from the Pack Mid-Race

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 59:03


    In this special 10-year anniversary episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus delve into the intricacies of surging during races. They explore both the physiological and psychological aspects of initiating and responding to mid-race surges, sharing insights from personal experiences and expert strategies. They discuss how to prepare athletes to…

    263: The Workouts Come Second: Teaching Comes First

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 61:31


    The Importance of Teaching in Coaching In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus emphasize the significance of teaching in coaching, arguing that workouts should come second to effectively educating and connecting with athletes. They explore the ways in which a pedagogical approach, akin to old-school coaching legends, fosters…

    262: Do drills work? The case for and against

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 59:08


    The Nuance of Drills: Do They Really Work? In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus delve into the controversial topic of whether drills are effective in enhancing running mechanics and athletic performance. They discuss the history, purpose, and context of various drills, offering insights into how they can…

    261: How to Write Training Part 2: Nuance, making adjustments and tweaks

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 55:17


    The Art of Coaching: Insights on Adjusting and Perfecting Training Plans In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus share their perspectives on the importance of knowing how to make adjustments and tweaks to training plans, especially during different phases of a season. They reflect on the excitement of…

    260: How to Write Training Part 1 Getting Started

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 52:34


    Mastering Training Plans: Foundations and Strategy In this episode of the On Coaching podcast, Steve Magness and John Marcus dive into the essentials of writing effective training plans for athletes. They discuss the importance of understanding the individual athlete, their training history, and their goals. They emphasize the seesaw balance between endurance and speed, setting…

    259: Race Day Meltdown: Strategies and Solutions for Bouncing Back When Everything Goes Wrong.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 57:58


    In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, Steve Magness and Jon Marcus delve into the challenges of handling race day meltdowns. They discuss the emotional and psychological aspects that both athletes and coaches face when things don’t go as planned. Using personal anecdotes and real-life examples, they illustrate the importance of relationship building, understanding…

    258: Longer Long Run or Faster Long Run!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 59:27


    The Great Long Run Debate: Length vs. Speed In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus dive into the classic debate on long runs: should athletes focus on longer durations or faster paces? They explore the history and benefits of long runs, referencing training methods from legendary coaches like…

    257: Workouts are only 40% of the equation. A podcast about the other 60%

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2024 55:50


    In this episode of the On Coaching podcast, Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus discuss the importance of a holistic approach to training. They argue that workouts constitute only 40% of the equation for peak performance, emphasizing that stability in life, sleep, nutrition, and stress management play crucial roles. The hosts share personal experiences and examples…

    workouts equation steve magness jonathan marcus on coaching
    256: The science of going out hard and hanging on to win

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 53:24


    n this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus discuss the intricate demands of cross country racing that go beyond mere physiological preparation. They explore the need for strategic pacing, especially the importance of ‘going out hard’ right from the start of a race to secure a competitive position. The…

    255: The importance of being good coach, not just a nice coach.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 53:49


    In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus discuss the intricate balance of being a good coach versus a nice coach. They delve into the importance of setting boundaries, maintaining consistency, and building genuine relationships. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, they illustrate how nuanced coaching approaches can lead to…

    254: Hard workouts: When, Where, How and Why?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 53:19


    In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus dive deep into the intricacies of designing and implementing hard workouts for distance runners. They discuss the multi-dimensional aspects of ‘hard’ workouts, including physiological, psychological, and neurological demands. Learn how elite coaches use context, individual characteristics, and pattern recognition to tailor workouts…

    workouts steve magness jonathan marcus
    253: Race Day Anxiety: How to Confront it, Run with it, and Potentially Overcome It.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 51:43


    Understanding and Addressing Performance Anxiety in Athletes In this episode of the ‘On Coaching’ podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus delve deep into the modern issue of performance anxiety, especially as it affects young athletes. They discuss the multidimensional nature of anxiety, its impact on performance, and the importance of identifying its sources. They…

    252: The secret to winning cross country teams. The power of the 5th man.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 50:54


    In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus delve into the concept of the ‘fifth man’ and its crucial role in building winning cross country teams. They discuss the importance of every team member, not just the top performers, in contributing to overall success. They highlight strategies for fostering…

    251: Doing Things When We Don't Want To: The Science of Motivation

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 52:07


    n this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, Steve Magess and John Marcus delve into the essence of motivation in sports, focusing on the significance of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. They discuss personal anecdotes from their high school and college experiences, the importance of creating a habitual routine (like the habit loop), and leveraging competitive…

    250: Winning Big When It Counts: The Psychology and The Science of Championship:

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 58:04


    How do you show up on race day? How do you flip the switch during the last 200 to kick like crazy? In this episode we use the recent Olympics as a way to unpack racing under pressure. Join us for a lively discussion with real world examples. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar…

    249: Fatigue: A deep dive into understanding it and revising workouts around it.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 62:59


    What is fatigue and how do we deal with it? In this episode we go into the science of fatigue, understanding the physiological and psychological components, and what we can do about it! Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. It has 20+…

    248: Community and Connection: The Core of High Performance Cultures

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 61:03


    What does a winning culture look like? In this episode we explore the underpinning of a championship culture, a sense of community and connection. 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…

    246: Base Training: Progression Over Career

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 57:01


    We all know what a base is right? Just run some easy miles. Well, a base is a bit more complex than that, and it should change over the course of your career. In this episode, we go deep on what a base is and how to change it as you progress. We’ll pull from…

    245: Developing Aerobic Power: A scientific approach to improving specific endurance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 61:52


    What is aerobic power? How do you develop it? What are the workout progressions to optimize it? We go deep into the science to understand aerobic metabolism. 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…

    244: The Post Peak Peak: What is it and how to set it up.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 54:03


    How do you extend your peak? In this episode we go deep on how to keep the peak going and the myths surrounding peaking. 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…

    243: The science of the struggle bus: How people get on and how to get off.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 54:00


    What do you do when things go wrong, when an athlete is on the struggle bus? In this episode we explain how to get athletes out of the hole and back on track. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. It has 20+…

    242: Two Feet in Reality: Tips on How to Support High Performance

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 50:28


    How do you support high performance? In this episode we discuss creating the culture and environment that allows people to thrive. 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…

    241: Most common mistakes when coaching distance runners and how to avoid.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 60:47


    What are the most common mistakes coaches make? In this episode we dive into where we and others have gone wrong, and what to do about it. 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…

    240: The Science of Zone 2: Why it's misunderstood and how to apply it successful in your training.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 54:02


    Everyone is talking about zone 2! What is it, what do we get wrong, and how do we utilize it correctly. On this episode we dive deep into the science to understand aerobic training practices. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. It…

    239: The Science of Overuse injuries and rehabilitation for distance runners.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 57:48


    It’s time to talk about injuries, those dreaded things that pop up that derail a season. How do we prevent them, bounce back from them, and much more. 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…

    238: When workouts don't work: The art of the audible

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 53:19


    What do you do when it all goes wrong during a workout? You call an audible! In this episode, we walk you through how and when to adjust a bad workout. 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…

    237: Medium Dig Cycle: When and why to purposefully dig a hole in training.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 52:18


    Is it every worthwhile to dig yourself a hole? It turns out the answer is likely yes! In this episode we go through Jerry Schumacher’s medium dig cycle, Canova’s special block training, and much more. Learn when to go a little bit more, to get long lasting gains. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar…

    236: Hard work vs. Overtraining: Finding the Sweet Spot for Optimal Adaptation:

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 53:13


    Training is about adaptation. We have to apply the right stimulus that is just strong enough, without overwhelming us. It’s about embarrassing the body. In this episode, we discuss where the line is between overreaching and overtraining. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches…

    235: The science of Flow states: How to turn it on and recapture it when it's gone.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 59:20


    How do we get in the zone to perform at our best? This week we tackle the psychology of performance. 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…

    234: The Science of Soviet Training Methods: A look back at the history of getting in shape.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2024 52:25


    In this episode we dive deep into the literature on soviet training. Yes, there was lots of drugs, but is there anything to learn? We go through circuits, strength training, periodization, and more. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. It has 20+…

    233: Traits of a champion: Why some are better than rest

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2024 57:31


    What separates the best from the rest? In this episode, we go into the characteristics of a champion, and how to cultivate them in anybody. 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+…

    232: Defining the Win: How to stay on track, have success, and have fun doing it.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2024 60:54


    Are you and your athletes on the same page in how you define success? Have you ever walked up to an athlete after a race, expecting them to be happy, but they are dejected? You were on different pages in how you define success. In this episode, we talk about defining the win. Steve &…

    231: The Athlete's Hierarchy of Needs. Getting the basics down first

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 61:52


    Decades ago, Abraham Maslow outlined a hierarchy of needs. We take this idea and translate it into athletic performance. What are the foundational level, how do we provide security for the athletes, where do workouts come in? We build the athletic pyramid of needs! Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program…

    230: Coaching the Modern Athlete: The Role of a Coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2024 60:48


    How has the role of the coach changed? Do we need to take a different approach with this generation? We answer these questions and more in this weeks podcast! 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…

    229: Modern Coaching: Ways to Promote Transformation in a Transactional Environment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2024 59:49


    Are you a transactional or transformational coach? Society pushes us towards transactional. In this episode, we outline why that’s the case and what we can do about it. 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…

    228: Before and After the Key to Maximizing your Workouts

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2023 34:27


    A lot of focus is on the workout for good reasons, but in this episode we look at how what you do before and after the workout impacts the quality during and adaptations from the workout. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education.…

    227: Peeling Back the Layers of Modern Coaching: Manager, Mentor, Teacher

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2023 57:05


    A coach plays many roles— manager, teacher, mentor, guide. In this episode, we dive into how coaching has changed in the modern era and how to best serve your athletes in the roles you play. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. It…

    226: The Science of Middle Distance Training: Understanding HIIT

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 56:13


    HIIT! High intensity interval training…what is it, what is it good for, what don’t we understand? In this episode, we demystify HIIT from a scientific and coaching perspective. We provide actionable takeaways with plenty of workout examples. Steve & Jon Check out the Scholar Program The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches…

    Episode 225: The Magic is in the Man/Woman, Not the Miles.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2023 60:28


    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+…

    Episode 224: Anxiety creep: How to fight back, take ownership, and thrive in training and on race day.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2023 58:30


    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+…

    Episode 223: The Science of Drive: How to Get Better and Become the Best

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2023 41:43


    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…

    Claim Magness & Marcus on Coaching

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel