What It Takes to Build a Dynasty: Mike Smith on Systems, Identity, and Relentless Growth in Elite Running | Exclusive Lessons From Coaching NAU, Galen Rupp, Nico Young, Donavan Brazier + More

Final Surge: https://www.finalsurge.com (RUNNINGEFFECT20) He built a dynasty in Flagstaff, and now, Mike Smith is bringing that same fire to Nike’s Swoosh Track Club. After nearly a decade at the helm of Northern Arizona University, where he built a dynasty that captured five NCAA men’s cross country titles and earned him 41 Big Sky Coach of the Year honors , Smith made headlines in 2025 when he left collegiate coaching to join Nike’s professional network. From his Flagstaff base, he’s now guiding elite athletes through the same philosophy that made NAU unstoppable: a culture of belonging, relentless consistency, and daily excellence. A Georgetown University All-American and 2007 U.S. Olympic Trials marathon qualifier , Smith’s journey from athlete to coach has always revolved around purpose over prestige. He founded Team Run Flagstaff , studied under the legendary Dr. Jack Daniels , and molded athletes like Nico Young and Luis Grijalva into global talents. Now, with the Swoosh Track Club, Smith’s vision extends beyond collegiate borders: building systems that connect performance, identity, and community on a global stage. He currently coaches talents of Galen Rupp all the way down to Donvoan Brazier and many inbetween. From the mountains of Flagstaff to the global stage, Mike Smith continues to redefine what it means to lead, reminding us that true excellence starts with purpose, not medals. Tap into the Coach Mike Smith 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 Final Surge: https://www.finalsurge.com (RUNNINGEFFECT20) -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