Part 3: The Art and Science of Peaking

Part 3: The Art and Science of Peaking

Author: Steve Magness May 19, 2026 Duration: 52:23
Steve Magness and John Marcus continue their peaking series by reframing peaking as maintaining fitness while eradicating fatigue so athletes can express existing fitness on race day, rather than expecting a magical performance boost. They emphasize that peaking is as psychological as physiological: coaches must set realistic expectations that racing will still feel hard, shift…

Steve Magness brings a coach's eye and a scientist's curiosity to Science of Running, a podcast dedicated to the intricate details of endurance performance. This isn't just about generic training tips; it's a deep, often challenging exploration of the physiological and psychological principles that underpin running. Each episode dissects topics like periodization, recovery, nutrition, and the mental game, translating complex sport science into actionable insights for runners and coaches alike. You'll hear conversations that question conventional wisdom, examine the latest research, and delve into the art of coaching itself. The goal is to move beyond the superficial, fostering a more intelligent and individualized approach to the sport. Whether you're a competitive marathoner, a dedicated trail runner, or simply curious about how your body adapts to stress, this podcast offers a nuanced perspective. It’s for anyone who believes that understanding the "why" behind the workout is just as important as the run itself. Join Steve as he connects the dots between lab findings and the reality of the road, track, and trail, building a comprehensive resource for the thinking athlete.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Science of Running
Podcast Episodes
Keeping Training Fresh: Science, Methods, and Strategies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:10
In this episode of the ‘On Coaching’ podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jon Marcus discuss the importance of consistency in training and coaching. They delve into how simple, repetitive actions over time foster the capacit…
NCAA Track Champs: Key Takeaways for Racing and Training [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:45
Exploring Racing Tactics and Mental Preparation from NCAA Championships In this episode of the On Coaching podcast, hosts Steve Magness and John Marcus dive deep into the insights and lessons from the recent NCAA Champio…
Consistency Creates Capacity: The Power of Simple Wins in Training [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:37
In this episode of the ‘On Coaching’ podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jon Marcus discuss the importance of consistency in training and coaching. They delve into how simple, repetitive actions over time foster the capacit…
Mastering Your Mind: 5 Keys to Stop Self-Sabotaging [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 j…
The Truth about Lactate Threshold | Your Comprehensive Guide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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, looki…
So You Want to Be a Champion: Part 3: How to Recover. How to Connect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:43
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 th…
So You Want to Be a Champion: Part 2: How to prepare. How to Train [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:08
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 comp…