Coach Chris Bennett On Writing “This Is About Running. This Is Not About Running.”

Coach Chris Bennett joins the podcast to share his insights on running, coaching, and his debut book titled 'This Is About Running, This Is Not About Running.' He recalls his unique journey that began with persistent cold emails to his old high school to secure a coaching job, which led to a successful career in the sport. Bennett emphasizes the importance of making oneself unnecessary as a coach, advocating for a supportive coaching philosophy centered around the growth of athletes. He discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic introduced a new wave of runners, focusing on community and mental health rather than purely performance. The conversation dives into the intricacies of coaching, the significance of personal stories in training, and the profound impact of running on life experiences. The episode also touches on the long-lasting effects of his early inspirations, including the legendary Joan Benoit Samuelson, and the lessons learned from both victories and failures in the sport.