AS A HIGHLY PROMISING YOUNG RUNNER, STEVE MAGNESS FULLY EMBRACED THE 'NO PAIN, NO GAIN' PHILOSOPHY ON MENTAL TOUGHNESS.
But he learned from bitter personal experience that steeling yourself to push through the pain barrier isn't always the right psychological strategy, when he collapsed during a tough training session. Fast-forward 15 years, and Magness has become a globally renowned performance coach who has worked with elite athletes and Olympians. He's also a celebrated author whose books - including Peak Performance and The Science Of Running - have sold more than half a million copies worldwide. One of sport's foremost scientific thinkers, Magness has spent the past five years studying resilience, leading him to an enlightened re-examination of the role of mental strength in performance in his latest book, Do Hard Things - a 'must-read' according to runner and author Malcolm Gladwell. He sat down with RW to explore why we've been getting mental strength wrong, what true toughness actually looks like, and how you can apply it to take your running to the next level.
RUNNER'S WORLD: What motivated you to write your new book?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?
THE MIND OF MASSYN
IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.
TAKING CHARGE
OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.
MY RUNNING LIFE
ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.
