Nick Symmonds: What it Takes to Crush Your Goals

podcast Apr 30, 2019

For this episode, I spoke with two time Olympian, Nick Symmonds. Nick competed for the U.S. in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. He focused on the 800 meters for the majority of his career, and now in retirement, has set a personal goal of beating 11 seconds in the 100 meters. He has also publicly expressed his desire to climb the seven summits, the tallest mountain on each continent. Nick stays busy hunting, fishing and running the company he co-founded, Run Gum. He also has a wildly-popular YouTube channel where he shares the wisdom he acquired over his 20 year running career. 

Because it's clear that Nick has a heart for working with young runners and sharing the knowledge he's accumulated over his 20 year running career, I made sure to ask him several questions specific to high school running, and questions related to thriving, even if your dream school doesn't want you. I think there's a lot here, even if you don't aspire to be a competitive runner. And, I think this episode is especially important if you are a high school runner, a high school coach, or the parent of a high school runner.

We talked about:

  • goal setting
  • how Run Gum was created and how/when to use it
  • choosing a college
  • what if your dream school doesn't want you?
  • how to train for both track and cross country 
  • periodization
  • memorable coaches and what made them amazing
  • can you start running too late to be great?
  • the controversy surrounding athletes wearing their own sponsors' logos at high level events.
  • what he thinks about the night before a big race
  • how he learned to work on his mindset
  • how he gets back on track when he's in a slump
  • advice he would give to high school Nick
  • why runners make good employees
  • traits that all champions possess
  • gratitude

 

 

Resources from this episode:

Nick's website

Nick's YouTube channel

Nick's Instagram

Run Gum

Nick's video on periodization (a must for any high school coach, parent or runner)

Nick's video on going from a D3 school to the Olympics

Nick's video on dealing with pre-race anxiety and nerves

Kim's coaching website

Kim's Facebook

Kim's Instagram

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss an episode. Listen via iTunes, Spotify or Google Play

Close

50% Complete

Subscribe to Receive News and Updates!

Get my latest tips and tricks, and learn about upcoming courses and training opportunities. You have the POWER to create a wonderful, fit life!