Mastering the Mountains: A Conversation with Legendary Coach Ron Mann on Episode 290

Airey Bros.'s Radio

On episode 290 of ABR, we are honored to be joined by the legendary Coach Ron Mann, a true icon in the world of track and field and cross country. From Northern Arizona University to the University of Louisville, and coaching Olympic marathoners, Coach Mann's career is nothing short of remarkable. With accolades including multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the release of his new book, Running Up the Mountain: Northern Arizona at Altitude, Lumberjack Attitude, and Building a Distance Dynasty, Coach Mann shares decades of wisdom, stories from the trails, and the secrets behind creating a winning culture that transcends generations.

Tune in to hear his thoughts on altitude training, balancing coaching individuals vs. teams, and insights on how to approach every challenge with dedication and discipline. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or fan of the sport, this episode is packed with lessons and inspiration for everyone.Show Notes:

• 0:00 – Introduction to the episode and Coach Ron Mann's background
• 0:08 – From NAU to Louisville: Building a Distance Dynasty
• 1:01 – Discussing Coach Mann's new book: Running Up the Mountain
• 2:19 – The impact of altitude training and the legacy of the 1968 Olympic team
• 6:00 – Personal coaching philosophies and training world-class athletes
• 9:07 – Coaching individuals, training at altitude, and the importance of adapting to the athlete
• 12:04 – Building a winning culture in both Flagstaff and Louisville
• 15:11 – How community support helped create the NAU running powerhouse
• 20:00 – Training philosophies: altitude, humidity, and marathon-specific techniques
• 41:02 – Coach Mann's experience coaching the 2008 Olympic team and the World Championships
• 50:00 – Reflection on Coach Mann’s career, building a running culture, and his advice to young coaches and athletes
• 53:04 – Final Four Questions: Coffee, rituals, guilty pleasures, and more!
• 1:02:17 – How to get Coach Ron Mann’s book and stay connected!