NIKE's Alex Ostberg on Why Some Runners Break Through (and why Most Never Do) + How the Best Get Better & The Small Habits That Change Everything

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What if your next breakthrough doesn’t come from doubling down on workouts, but from ten small habits hiding in plain sight?

In this month’s check-in, Alex Ostberg sits down with Dominic to unpack his latest deep dives.

They begin with Alex’s “Playbook of Greatness,” exploring why the best athletes in the world aren’t defined by big heroic moments, but by the quiet, repeatable habits that shape their days. From structuring your environment to lowering the friction around training, Alex breaks down the kind of consistency that compounds into major gains.

That naturally leads into a surprising question: Is it time to retire stretching? Alex challenges the long-held rituals that runners swear by, making a compelling case for smarter mobility, intentional strength work, and knowing what actually contributes to performance.

From there, the conversation zooms out to recovery. Drawing from his “Hierarchy of Recovery Needs,” the guys look atwhat truly sits at the foundation of a successful recovery in the running space.

They also look at team dynamics and Alex’s idea of “viruses” that infect culture. Whether you’re on a high school squad or a professional training group, subtle habits–good or bad–spread fast.

If you’re ready to rethink your approach from the inside out, this conversation delivers clarity, direction, and the kind of insights that can change a season. Hit play and level up.

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