1 hr 32 min
Episode 14: Alex Hutchinson, Mindset, Endure, Pivoting from Physics to Journalism, Philosophy and Performance The Art and Science of Running
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- Fitness
In this episode of the Art and Science of Running Podcast we speak with runner, scientist, and journalist, Alex Hutchinson about the role the mind plays in endurance and performance. Alex blends his passions for science and writing in the Sweat Science column of Outside Magazine. Prior to writing for Outside, Alex studied physics at the University of Cambridge while competing and representing Canada as a long-distance runner.
After earning a PhD in physics and working on some post-doctoral research, Alex pivoted to journalism where he earned a National Magazine Award for his work with Popular Mechanics, covered adventure travel for The New York Times, and wrote a training column for Runner’s World.
Books
His latest book, ENDURE: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance, is not simply about about physics or physiology, but dedicates significant portions to the workings of the mind. Endure comes highly recommended by other experts in the realms of sport and science most notably David Epstein, Amby Burfoot, Tim Noakes, and Malcolm Gladwell.
Alex’s first book, Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights? Fitness Myths, Training Truths, and Other Surprising Discoveries from the Science of Exercise exemplifies the breadth of his writing about running.
PhD in Physics to Journalism
In our interview, Malc who was also formally trained as a physicist in the UK, asked Alex how he decided to transition from a career in physics to a career in journalism. In response, Alex shared some insight into why he chose to study physics in the first place based on the advice of a mentor:
“If you don’t know what you want to do, do something hard and it will train your mind. The problem solving skills will be transferrable to other domains. If you show that you can do something hard and challenge yourself it’s easier to do that than study basket weaving for four years and then decide to be a physicist.”
After four years of studying physics, Alex still didn’t know what to do so I went to grad school. After grad school he still didn’t know what to do so did a post doc. Then he had an “awakening moment.” After working in a lab for 14 hours a day a colleague came back and asked if I had read an article in the latest journal. He was reading physics for fun after working in physics all day for work. Alex was doing physics because it was hard, but it wasn’t what he wanted to do at the end of a long day working in the lab. He had other interests and felt that journalism might allow him to continue to learn and explore other aspects of life outside of the lab.
Alex did a one year master’s degree in journalism to show that he was serious, rather than simply jumping into an internship and assuming it would just come to him. While writing for the Ottawa Citizen, Alex learned that he does his best work when he writes about things that he really cares about.
Journalism gave Alex something to work towards – a column dedicated to running – whereas in the field of physics the only thing that came after studying physics was more physics. Journalism has a lot of career switchers and is open to those from othe...
In this episode of the Art and Science of Running Podcast we speak with runner, scientist, and journalist, Alex Hutchinson about the role the mind plays in endurance and performance. Alex blends his passions for science and writing in the Sweat Science column of Outside Magazine. Prior to writing for Outside, Alex studied physics at the University of Cambridge while competing and representing Canada as a long-distance runner.
After earning a PhD in physics and working on some post-doctoral research, Alex pivoted to journalism where he earned a National Magazine Award for his work with Popular Mechanics, covered adventure travel for The New York Times, and wrote a training column for Runner’s World.
Books
His latest book, ENDURE: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance, is not simply about about physics or physiology, but dedicates significant portions to the workings of the mind. Endure comes highly recommended by other experts in the realms of sport and science most notably David Epstein, Amby Burfoot, Tim Noakes, and Malcolm Gladwell.
Alex’s first book, Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights? Fitness Myths, Training Truths, and Other Surprising Discoveries from the Science of Exercise exemplifies the breadth of his writing about running.
PhD in Physics to Journalism
In our interview, Malc who was also formally trained as a physicist in the UK, asked Alex how he decided to transition from a career in physics to a career in journalism. In response, Alex shared some insight into why he chose to study physics in the first place based on the advice of a mentor:
“If you don’t know what you want to do, do something hard and it will train your mind. The problem solving skills will be transferrable to other domains. If you show that you can do something hard and challenge yourself it’s easier to do that than study basket weaving for four years and then decide to be a physicist.”
After four years of studying physics, Alex still didn’t know what to do so I went to grad school. After grad school he still didn’t know what to do so did a post doc. Then he had an “awakening moment.” After working in a lab for 14 hours a day a colleague came back and asked if I had read an article in the latest journal. He was reading physics for fun after working in physics all day for work. Alex was doing physics because it was hard, but it wasn’t what he wanted to do at the end of a long day working in the lab. He had other interests and felt that journalism might allow him to continue to learn and explore other aspects of life outside of the lab.
Alex did a one year master’s degree in journalism to show that he was serious, rather than simply jumping into an internship and assuming it would just come to him. While writing for the Ottawa Citizen, Alex learned that he does his best work when he writes about things that he really cares about.
Journalism gave Alex something to work towards – a column dedicated to running – whereas in the field of physics the only thing that came after studying physics was more physics. Journalism has a lot of career switchers and is open to those from othe...
1 hr 32 min