Basics of Training Distance Runners with Mike Scannell
by Wisconsin Track Coaches Association
Description
In this comprehensive guide to distance running, renowned coach Mike Scannell pulls back the curtain on a training system that has consistently produced state champions and elite professional athletes like Grant Fisher. Moving beyond simple "base mileage," the course offers a masterclass in physiological development, focusing on the three pillars of "Breath, Blood, and Brain" to optimize oxygen capacity, blood chemistry, and mental toughness. Scannell provides high school and college coaches with a clear, battle-tested roadmap—from calculating precise tempo paces to structuring an 8-week strength phase—while emphasizing a "place over pace" philosophy that empowers runners to compete at their highest level regardless of course conditions.
What makes this course truly invaluable is its unwavering commitment to long-term athletic health and the holistic growth of the runner. Scannell advocates for a sophisticated, low-risk approach that avoids the "mile-pace" burnout common in younger athletes, instead focusing on recovery, soft-surface running, and full-body plyometrics to keep athletes injury-free. More than just a collection of workouts, this program serves as a vehicle for building self-esteem and confidence in young adults. Whether you are looking to refine your 5K strategy or build a year-round championship culture, this course delivers the rare combination of professional-level insights and practical, high-school-appropriate applications.
Lessons
The Coach
Mike Scannell is an elite distance running coach and former world-class athlete recognized as the mentor behind Olympic medalist Grant Fisher. Known for his "Mechanic" coaching philosophy, he emphasizes a partnership where he serves as the expert technician while the athlete "drives" the performance. His training methodology centers on the "Breath, Blood, and Brain"—invisible physiological and psychological factors that drive world-class endurance.
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Athletic Background: A former elite runner with personal bests of 2:16 for the marathon and 29:02 for the 10K.
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Olympic Trials: A two-time qualifier and competitor in the U.S. Olympic Trials (1988 and 1992).
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National Representation: Member of the 1988 USA Team 10K Champions and the 2007 USATF National Champions Team XC squad.
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Coaching Longevity: Has coached at multiple levels since the early 1990s, including serving as a USATF National Team Coach for Triathlon from 1993–2000.
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Professional Expertise: Outside of coaching, he has served as the CEO of a nationwide distribution company since 2000.
Achievements and Impact
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Olympic Success: Coached Grant Fisher to two bronze medals (5,000m and 10,000m) at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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World Records: Guided Fisher to indoor world records in the 3,000m and 5,000m, along with six American records.
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High School Mastermind: Has developed over 40 individual High School State Champions and multiple Footlocker National Champions.
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State Champion Programs: Led Hamilton High School (AZ) to the 2023 and 2024 State XC Championships, setting Arizona's fastest-ever cumulative team time in 2024.
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Injury Prevention Specialist: Advocates for a "mild" training volume compared to competitors, focusing on stress adaptation and injury prevention rather than "junk miles".
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Tactical Innovation: Created the "Three-Step Move," a physiological and psychological racing tactic used to break competitors during high-stakes races.
Ratings and Reviews (0)
This Course Includes
| 24 hours on-demand video |
| Streaming from mobile and TV |
| Lifetime access |
| Certificate of completion |
| 100% money back guarantee |
Course Info
| Rating: | (0) |
|---|---|
| Caterory: | Track and Field/Distance |
| Duration: | |
| Videos: | 13 |
| Tags: | Distance Running , Cross Country Training , Grant Fisher Coach , VO2 Max , Threshold Training , Lactate Threshold , Injury Prevention , High School Running , Mike Scannell |
