Today on the Run Culture Podcast I had the privilege to chat with Scott Simmons a professional running coach of the American Distance Project, the US Army World Class Athlete Program and Team India, based in Colorado Springs, USA. Scott has over 30 years of coaching experience! He shared so many incredible stories and insights about training and coaching Olympians, Olympic Medalists and collegiate athletes. It felt like having a casual chat on my couch, asking all the questions I've always wanted to know! I can't wait for you all to listen and learn from his wisdom and stories.

Topics covered include:

-The importance of Speed development and always developing the aerobic house.

-Non linear periodisation.

-The myth of peaking/tapering.

-Key training principles: Specificity, overload, recovery, adaptation, progression.

-‘Harambee’- Swahili for ‘all pull together’ This is the official motto of Kenya, appearing on its coat of arms.

-Take a step back from time to time and reflect if running is making you a ‘Better human’?

-The importance of Self belief and taking a bet on yourself.

-How the environment, people, traditions, culture and embedded beliefs can influence performance.

-Training is as much about training one’s ability/skill to cope with pain as it is about improving one’s fitness.

-What’s a Hammer rep or Predator Tempo?

-Improving as a coach/athlete requires time and space to make mistakes to learn. These are the required steps to grow to get better.

Thanks once again Scott. Merry Christmas everyone, I hope you enjoy this listen and the festive season!

Ep 59- A coaching masterclass with American Distance Project coach: Scott Simmons