Paul Greer Is Going the Distance — On the Track, in Coaching, and On the Page

For Paul Greer, Going the Distance: Strategies from the First Stride to the Finish Line is the natural culmination of a lifetime spent proving that belief, consistency, and community matter as much as raw talent. Drawing from his journey as an elite miler, Olympian, and coach of thousands, Greer distills decades of hard-earned wisdom into accessible, one-page lessons designed to meet runners of all ages and abilities where they are — reminding readers that showing up, setting goals, and uplifting others can transform not just performance, but life far beyond the finish line.

Paul, you’ve had an extraordinary journey as both an elite runner and a coach — what inspired you to finally bring decades of experience, lessons, and stories together into Going the Distance, and why did now feel like the right moment to share it?
I understand that every athlete has a story, and I thoroughly enjoy encouraging athletes every step of the way, from the first stride in a pair of running shoes, to the celebrated finish line. My book “Going the Distance, Strategies from the First Stride to the Finish Line” is a guide to transform how you think about your training, equip you with the knowledge to elevate your running to the next level, and help you reach your full athletic capability. These running and fitness strategies cater to runners of all ages and abilities, and will undoubtedly help runners to reach their full potential and achieve their own fitness goals.This entire publishing journey is such a rewarding experience and it definitely fulfilled a lifetime bucket list for me as a result of publishing a book for the first time.

You began running almost by accident after being cut from other sports — how did that early experience of feeling overlooked shape your mindset as an athlete and later as a coach to thousands of runners?
I cherish those early experiences so much because it inspired me to establish goals for my life. It’s all been a great process and my journey certainly had it’s triumphs along with disappointments. The reality is that before I started coaching, I was a very successful runner. Even though my initial introduction to sports was not the smoothest I really affirm that by establishing obtainable goals and having a belief in myself I went ahead to be a top San Diego section miler at St. Augustine High School and was inducted into Saint Augustine’s school’s Hall of Fame in 1995. After high school I went on to become the school record holder for 1500 meters at San Diego State. My 3:42.44 still stands as the best mark in school history and ran the mile in under four minutes (3:59.79), was a 1992 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier at 1500 meters with a 3:39.05 and competed in the tough European track circuit as a post collegian. All these experiences plus my sincere passion to improve lives through the pursuit of mental and physical excellence this led me to celebrating the past 41 years coaching runners. I recognize that every athlete has a story, and I enjoy encouraging my athletes every step of the way… from the first stride in a pair of running shoes, through the celebrated finish line.

Your book is structured around one fitness tip per page, making it accessible to runners of all levels — what core philosophy or belief about running and personal growth ties all of those lessons together?
The running and fitness tips provided in this book cater to runners of all ages and abilities. These helpful tips will undoubtedly help everyone reach their full potential and achieve their fitness goals.

You’ve coached everyone from beginners to world-class athletes and Team USA competitors — what do you believe matters most in helping someone reach their potential, regardless of talent or experience?
What matters most is the belief in your dreams and goals. I often share with my runners that “You Do Not Have To Be Asleep to Have a Dream”. My mantra when coaching comes to three of my favorite words, “Just Show Up” which means that one never gives up on striving to be the best version of yourself and keep perservering. Remember to always stay consistent and do your best to overcome the obstacles that will inevitably come. Always remember to enjoy the journey and celebrate the communities that you personally take in and enjoy the friendships you acquire from participating in this sport.

Looking back on your career and this milestone of becoming a bestselling author, what do you hope runners — and readers — ultimately say about Going the Distance and about the impact you’ve made beyond the finish line?
Knowledge is power so the information you learn from “Going the Distace, Strategies from the First Stride to the Finish Line” you will definitely be able to apply it to your own life and make a difference for yourself and I might add make a difference in others lives too. A phrase that has resonated with me for years is “You make a difference in my life”. What started as a simple statement I would shout out during the weekly running workouts, has somehow stuck with me and become my personal mantra. Like it or not, I’m known for this phrase. I constantly and happily repeat this slogan when I teach, when I coach, and any opportunity I get. Thousands of athletes have heard me voice these words through a megaphone (yes, a megaphone) as they arduously hammer through grueling workouts… they’ll hear me say, “You all make a difference in my life. Go ahead. Tell the person running next to you that they make a difference.” Sure – some may think it odd that I deliver this message during a workout, but that’s me. I joyously spread the word of love and gratitude every opportunity that I get. Every life encounter is an opportunity to share the very best version of yourself so aim at being that instrument of compassion and love. My hope and prayer is readers will be impacted positively after reading this Amazon best selling book.