On Track & Field Podcast

Lessons that make athletes better.

Find practical advice for your mind, body, training, racing, and team. Pick a topic, learn one idea, and apply it this week.

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Pro athlete archive

Professional Athletes

Learn directly from Olympic champions, record holders, and world-class competitors.

Athlete photos via Wikimedia Commons and Florida Gators.

Explore 28 Performance Lessons

Dr. Michael Gervais headshotMindsetNew

Perform without fear of others’ opinions

Reduce FOPO, separate your identity from results, and focus your attention on what helps you compete freely under pressure.

Episode 182 · Dr. Michael Gervais · 24 min

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Matt Fitzgerald headshotMindset

Train your mind to endure more

Use perceived effort, realistic expectations, and mostly easy training to stay composed through discomfort and perform closer to your potential.

Episode 181 · Matt Fitzgerald · 21 min

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Alex Hutchinson headshotMindsetFeatured

Push beyond the limits your body predicts

Learn how the brain, fatigue, and discomfort shape endurance—and why athletes may still have more to give when the body says stop.

Episode 179 · Alex Hutchinson · 25 min

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Amy Morin headshotMindsetPopular

Build mental strength under pressure

Use practical tools to handle pressure, recover from setbacks, and perform when the moment feels biggest.

Episode 178 · Amy Morin · 21 min

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Dr. Cindra Kamphoff headshotMindset

Turn self-doubt into confidence

Develop resilient mental habits and a stronger response when confidence drops before a workout or race.

Episode 176 · Dr. Cindra Kamphoff · 21 min

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Mindset

Use mental tools during stressful seasons

Build a healthier mindset for the everyday demands of training, competition, school, and life.

Episode 76 · Shannon Thompson · 25 min

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Noah Lyles headshotMindset

Carry champion confidence into competition

Learn how the world's fastest athletes use belief, personality, and preparation to perform on the biggest stage.

Episode 132 · Noah Lyles — Live from Las Vegas · 37 min

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Carl Lewis headshotMindset

Learn what elite competitors do differently

Discover what a nine-time Olympic champion looks for in athletes and what it takes to compete at every level.

Episode 67 · Carl Lewis · 28 min

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Dr. Jeff Messer headshotMindset

Believe in the process

Long-term progress comes from consistent work, thoughtful training, and patience—not shortcuts.

Episode 146 · Dr. Jeff Messer · 33 min

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Dr. Shane Creado headshotSleep & Recovery

Use sleep as performance training

Learn how much sleep athletes need, how to improve sleep quality, and when the body may be ready to perform its best.

Episode 116 · Dr. Shane Creado · 26 min

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Sleep & Recovery

Return from injury the right way

Learn how biomechanics, physical therapy, and a patient return-to-play plan help athletes get back to full performance.

Episode 126 · John Horsley · 21 min

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Wendi Irlbeck, RDN headshotFuel & Hydration

Eat for competition day

Understand carb loading, cramping, and how to plan food around practices and meets.

Episode 113 · Wendi Irlbeck, RDN · 26 min

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Dr. Andy Galpin headshotFuel & Hydration

Hydrate for harder training

Learn how hydration connects to speed, endurance, training quality, and the ability to repeat strong efforts.

Episode 56 · Dr. Andy Galpin · 29 min

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Madison Troyer headshotFuel & Hydration

Make smarter supplement choices

Separate useful sports-nutrition strategies from hype and understand why intentional fueling matters first.

Episode 159 · Madison Troyer · 29 min

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Injury Prevention

Prevent and manage shin splints

Learn what shin splints are, exercises that may help prevent them, and how everyday footwear can affect lower-leg health.

Episode 75 · Dr. Jordan Hart · 23 min

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Dr. Andy Franklyn-Miller headshotInjury Prevention

Know when shin pain is serious

Understand common causes, treatment questions, and warning signs that mean shin pain needs professional attention.

Episode 41 · Dr. Andy Franklyn-Miller · 24 min

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Prof. Pascal Edouard headshotInjury Prevention

Reduce hamstring injury risk

Connect strength, flexibility, pelvic position, ankle function, and sprint mechanics to hamstring health.

Episode 124 · Prof. Pascal Edouard · 21 min

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Racing Skills

Master the 4×100 relay

Understand relay leg order, where to place your fastest runner, and the decisions that help a team race faster.

Episode 7 · Brian FitzGerald · 36 min

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Gabby Thomas headshotRacing Skills

Build your perfect 200-meter race

Follow an Olympic champion's race model and see how sprint training evolves from high school to the world stage.

Episode 79 · Gabby Thomas — Live from Las Vegas · 28 min

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Rai Benjamin headshotRacing Skills

Execute when championship pressure peaks

Learn from an Olympic champion's approach to the 400-meter hurdles, the 4×400 relay, and performing when medals are on the line.

Episode 131 · Rai Benjamin — Live from Las Vegas · 47 min

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Coach Jay Johnson headshotRacing Skills

Prepare for championship week

Learn what cross-country athletes should prioritize in the final week before a state-level championship.

Episode 128 · Coach Jay Johnson · 24 min

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J.P. Nerbun headshotLeadership & Team

Become a captain who elevates the team

Use self-awareness, clear standards, and everyday actions to strengthen team culture and bring out the best in teammates.

Episode 180 · J.P. Nerbun · 23 min

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John O'Sullivan headshotLeadership & Team

Become the captain your team needs

Learn what separates strong captains from title-only leaders and how to make teammates better every day.

Episode 177 · John O'Sullivan · 23 min

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Leadership & Team

How to get noticed and recruited

Build an authentic personal brand, stand out in recruiting, and connect more effectively with college coaches.

Episode 154 · David Hitz, Athlete Narrative · 21 min

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Leadership & Team

Navigate college recruiting the right way

Learn how to get in front of college coaches, avoid common recruiting mistakes, and make smarter decisions about competing at the next level.

Episode 2 · Coach Justin Wickard · 34 min

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Leadership & Team

Build a championship program

Learn how clear standards, consistency, and culture support lasting success across cross country and track and field.

Episode 129 · Liam Clemons · 24 min

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J.T. Ayers headshotLeadership & Team

Lead through actions and standards

Learn how to identify leaders, create shared expectations, and put a practical leadership philosophy to work with your team.

Episode 30 · J.T. Ayers · 28 min

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J.P. Nerbun headshotLeadership & Team

Build real team chemistry

Create buy-in through strong relationships and learn the important difference between praise and affirmation.

Episode 64 · J.P. Nerbun · 27 min

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Athlete health note: These podcast lessons are educational. Pain, injury, nutrition concerns, or mental-health concerns should be discussed with a parent or guardian and the appropriate coach, athletic trainer, registered dietitian, counselor, or healthcare professional.