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What does it really take to peak, push through plateaus, and build a championship culture?

Alex Ostberg returns to unpack the latest four installments of The Run Down, beginning with “The Science of a Taper,” where the guys explore how dialing back training at just the right moment allows fatigue to fade while fitness shines through, unlocking peak performance when it matters most.

From there, they dive into “When the Magic Fades,” a candid look at the moment every athlete experiences when the spark of progress dims. Alex examines why this happens, what it reveals about adaptation, and how runners can stay grounded through the inevitable plateaus.

The discussion then turns to “The Hierarchy of Endurance Needs.” Like a pyramid, Alex outlines how consistency and aerobic development form the base, while intensity, specificity, and tapering build upward—offering athletes a clear framework for long-term success.

Finally, they tackle “The Hidden Behaviors Behind Championship Teams,” highlighting the unseen habits—accountability, unselfishness, and shared standards—that turn groups of athletes into cultures of excellence.

Alex continues to blend science, mindset, structure, and team dynamics in a succinct way, giving readers a rich look at the forces that shape endurance performance.

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Alex Ostberg

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