
Max Stevens on Elite Running, Picking The Right Shoe and Finding Your Purpose In Running - #98
From Paths We Take by Jordan Disanjh/Radiant Voices Media
March 23, 2026 · 1h 15m
About this episode
Max Stevens discusses his journey as an elite runner, the mental challenges of high performance, and the evolution of running from competition to purpose.
From chasing Olympic dreams to redefining what running means, this episode with Max Stevens dives deep into the reality of life as an elite athlete and what comes after.Max shares his journey from accidentally finding running as a kid to becoming a national champion in the steeplechase, representing Australia, and pushing toward the Olympic stage. We unpack the mindset shifts that separate competing from winning, the role of coaching and belief, and the mental battle that comes with high performance sport.But this conversation goes beyond results.We talk about burnout, identity beyond sport, and how running evolves from performance to purpose. Max opens up about stepping away from elite competition, finding balance, and rediscovering his love for running through community, routine, and connection.We also dive into the world of running shoes cutting through the noise of modern footwear, how to actually choose the right pair, why most runners get it wrong, and whether you really need multiple shoes in your rotation.This episode is for anyone who runs whether you’re chasing a PB, coming back from injury, or just trying to stay consistent.Because at the end of the day, running isn’t…
People in this episode
Host: Jordan Disanjh
Guest: Max Stevens
Topics covered
- elite running
- finding purpose in running
- mental health in sports
- running shoes
- athlete identity
- burnout
Keywords
- elite athlete
- Olympic dreams
- steeplechase
- running shoes
- mental battle
- community
- routine
- identity
- burnout
Sponsors
Re Your Run
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Australia, The Running Company
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