The Patience to Be Great: How Kole Mathison Is Redefining What It Means to Chase Greatness in the NCAA

He's one of the NCAA's brightest young stars, and his recent sophomore season proved why. Kole Mathison, the 2022 Champs Sports Cross Country national champion, and now a rising junior steeplechaser for the University of Colorado, joins the show fresh off a breakout year on the track and a strong start to the 2025 cross country season. Just weeks ago, Mathison placed 10th at the Nuttycombe Invitational, helping the Buffs to a runner-up team finish; another sign that Colorado's storied distance tradition is alive and well. But the journey from Carmel, Indiana to Boulder wasn't linear. After winning a national title in high school and representing Team USA at the 2023 World U20 Cross Country Championships, Mathison faced an injury during his freshman campaign. What followed was a lesson in patience and consistency, culminating in an 8:32 steeplechase personal best and NCAA qualification in 2025, plus impressive indoor marks of 7:52 (in the 3,000m) and 13:42 (in the 5,000m) on the fast Boston University track. From national champion to NCAA contender, Kole's trajectory is proof that patience, belief, and relentless work still define greatness in collegiate running. Tap into the Kole Mathison Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word "PODCAST" below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend! S H O W N O T E S -The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs -Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ -My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz