Chris Bennett: Nike Running's Global Head Coach
Summary
Host Jenny Falconer interviews Nike’s global head coach, Chris Bennett, about his book *This Is About Running*. They discuss shifting focus from pace to personal growth, the importance of self-coaching, and how runners can better manage negative thoughts. Bennett also shares anecdotes on caffeine’s placebo effect and reflects on the diverse, mental-health-driven running boom post-pandemic.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Coach Bennett and the runner as coach
Childhood running experiences and finding love for the sport
The origin of the Nike name and Phil Knight's story
Training with elites and discovering a passion for coaching
Creating guided runs: Human connection and unfiltered coaching
Self-coaching: Making adjustments and checking in with yourself
Overcoming negative self-talk and internal voices
The philosophy of running: Gray areas and personal decisions
Balancing life and running: Scheduling and shared struggles
Running as a relationship and the history of running booms
Performance vs. health: The new normal of mass participation
Book anecdote: The Starbucks espresso and self-belief
Advice for beginners: Starting small and embracing consistency
Positive self-talk and being a good teammate to yourself
Breaking routines: The mixtape approach to training variety
Quick fire round: Shoes, times, and seasons
Life lessons: Vulnerability and confidence from running
Hill running tips and final encouragement
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