The #1 Piece of Advice From Every Track and Field Event

I collected the best track and field advice from athletes across every event. Track and field is one of the biggest sports in the entire world, with running events ranging from the 100 meters all the way to the marathon and beyond. Yet for some reason, it does not get nearly the representation it deserves online. I wanted to change that, so I gathered 12 of my favorite runners and one race walker to each share the single most important piece of advice they have learned in their careers.

This video took me well over a month to organize and put together. I reached out to athletes across every event in track and field, from Olympic sprinters and elite distance runners to hurdlers, jumpers, and even a race walker. The result is a collection of real, hard-earned wisdom from people who have dedicated their lives to this sport.

Track and Field Advice: Consistency Over Intensity

I kicked things off with my own advice. As a 1500 meter runner for Louisiana State University, the biggest lesson I have learned is that consistency kills. There are no gains made from just one great workout. Consistent efforts compile over time far more than giving 110 percent one day and then giving 10 percent the next. What that effort looks like is different for everybody, but you have to find what you can commit to, stay consistent, and in the long run you will get faster than you could ever imagine.

Stay Patient and Trust the Process

Marathon runner Adam Wood shared that his biggest piece of advice is to stay patient. He explained that there were so many times in his career where it felt like a breakthrough was never going to come, but then suddenly it did. His journey is proof that patience paired with persistent effort eventually pays off in a big way.

Run More Easy Miles

Adam also dropped a key training insight that I think every runner needs to hear. He said to run easy more often. He spent years running too fast on easy days, and the moment he learned to slow his easy runs down, his hard days actually got better. That is a lesson I have experienced firsthand as well. When I stopped treating every run like a race, my actual race performances improved dramatically.

Hurdling Takes Courage

DeVontae Ford, a 400 meter hurdler, brought a perspective unique to his event. He talked about how hurdling requires a specific kind of bravery. You are sprinting at full speed toward a solid barrier and you have to trust that your body knows what to do. His advice was to commit fully to every hurdle and never let fear dictate your stride pattern.

Enjoy the Journey

Elise Cranny, one of the most talented distance runners in the United States, reminded everyone that the journey matters just as much as the destination. She talked about how easy it is to get caught up in times and placements and forget that running is supposed to be something you love. Her advice was simple but powerful: enjoy it while you are doing it, because the moments go by fast.

It Is Not Always About Talent

Multiple athletes in this video echoed the idea that talent only gets you so far. Erin Brown and several others talked about how the athletes who last the longest are not always the most naturally gifted. They are the ones who show up every day, take care of their bodies, and stay mentally strong when things are not going well. That resonated with me deeply because I have seen incredibly talented runners flame out while less gifted but more disciplined athletes surpass them.

Advice From a Race Walker

Evan Dunfee, an Olympic race walker, brought one of the most unique perspectives in the entire video. Race walking is an event that most people do not take seriously, and Evan acknowledged that. But his advice was about embracing what makes you different. He has built an entire career around an event that people laugh at, and he would not trade it for anything. That message applies to every athlete in every event. Own your lane.

The Global Perspective

Morgan McDonald and other international athletes brought a global perspective to the conversation. Morgan talked about the differences between Australian and American track culture and how training in different environments shaped him as a runner. The diversity of experiences represented in this video is what makes it special. Every athlete brought something different to the table, but the underlying themes of patience, consistency, and love for the sport were universal.

What Is Your Advice?

Putting this video together was one of the most rewarding projects I have ever worked on. It proved to me that even though track and field athletes come from completely different events and backgrounds, the core principles that make great athletes are the same. Whether you are a beginner in track, a high school athlete chasing a scholarship, or someone who just loves the sport, there is something in this video for you.

I want to hear from you. What is the number one piece of advice you have learned in your career? Drop it in the comments on the video or reach out to me on social media. And be sure to check out every athlete featured in this video. Their information is linked in the YouTube description.

For a look at distance running specifically, see my full lifting plan as a D1 distance runner.