EP 759: Stop Running Yourself Into the Death March (Do This Instead)

In this episode, we explore one of the most overlooked performance tools in ultrarunning: not running. Coach and elite ultrarunner Ian Sharman explains how active recovery, power-hiking, and weight-vest hiking help athletes build durability, reduce muscle damage, conserve glycogen, and avoid the dreaded late-race death march. We break down why power-hiking is a smart performance strategy used by elites, when hiking becomes more efficient than running, and how small training adjustments can dramatically improve long-race outcomes. Ian also shares practical guidance on using weight vests wisely and why your slowest mile often matters more than your fastest. Find out more about Ian at Sharman Ultra Coaching Episode Sponsors Janji, use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off NEW partner: Check out the coaching platform Good Coach App. You can use it for free for up to 2 athletes, with no trial period. Coaches get 50% off for three months with code trn2026. Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.