Beyond the Basics: Elite Race Execution with Mike Scannell
by Wisconsin Track Coaches Association
Description
Step inside the mind of world-class endurance coach Mike Scannell as he pulls back the curtain on what it takes to train, execute, and thrive at the highest levels of distance running. In this comprehensive course, Scannell breaks down the razor-thin margins of error in elite competition, offering exclusive, lap-by-lap tactical analyses of Grant Fisher’s Olympic medal-winning performances in the 10,000m and the chaotic 5,000m. Beyond race-day strategy, you will dive deep into the cutting-edge science of altitude adaptation and blood diagnostics. Scannell demystifies how to read critical biomarkers—such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, ferritin, and the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio—empowering coaches to perfectly tailor training intensities, monitor recovery, and prevent overtraining before it starts.
This course is an absolute must-watch for coaches and athletes because it seamlessly bridges the gap between elite, data-driven science and foundational youth development. Scannell doesn't just focus on Olympians; he provides highly actionable blueprints for structuring healthy high school mileage, knowing exactly when to introduce double runs, and implementing safe, injury-free strength training programs. Ultimately, he reveals the secret to long-term athletic longevity through his holistic "other 22 hours" philosophy, proving that building disciplined, well-rounded humans is the ultimate prerequisite to building incredibly fast runners. Whether you are guiding a young athlete to a state championship or preparing a professional for the global stage, this course delivers the strategic, physiological, and mentorship toolkit needed to achieve enduring greatness.
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: | 9 |
| Tags: | Distance Running , Mike Scannell |
