Steve Magness

Steve Magness is a well-known author, coach, and expert in the field of performance and sports science. He has co-authored books on running and performance psychology, and is recognized for his work on understanding the science behind athletic performance and mental toughness.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Science Of Running

    How to Find Your Limit and Train to Maximize Your Performance

    This insightful book delves into the intricate world of running, offering a comprehensive exploration of the physiological and psychological aspects that contribute to peak performance. It breaks down complex scientific concepts into accessible insights, covering topics such as training methodologies, nutrition, biomechanics, and mental strategies. The book emphasizes the importance of individualized training plans and the role of adaptation in achieving optimal results. By integrating cutting-edge research with practical advice, it serves as a valuable resource for runners of all levels seeking to enhance their performance and deepen their understanding of the sport.

  2. 2. Do Hard Things

    Why We Get Resilience Wrong and the Surprising Science of Real Toughness

    In this insightful exploration of resilience and mental toughness, the author challenges conventional wisdom about grit and determination, offering a fresh perspective on what it truly means to do hard things. By drawing on scientific research, personal anecdotes, and real-world examples, the book dismantles the myth of the "tough guy" mentality and instead emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and emotional intelligence in overcoming life's challenges. Readers are encouraged to embrace vulnerability, redefine success, and cultivate a mindset that balances perseverance with self-compassion, ultimately leading to more sustainable and fulfilling achievements.

  3. 3. Stone And Dung, Oil And Spit

    Jewish Daily Life in the Time of Jesus

    An engaging, archaeology-based portrait of Jewish daily life in the late Second Temple period, it reconstructs how ordinary people ate, worked, worshiped, bathed, and buried their dead, showing how purity laws shaped everything from stone vessels and ritual baths to toilet design and garbage disposal. Drawing on excavations and contemporary texts, it illuminates homes, clothing, coins, markets, synagogues, and burial caves, and explains practices such as anointing with oil and the medicinal or symbolic use of spittle, providing vivid context for Gospel scenes and the broader social, economic, and religious world of first-century Judea.