Three Elite Coaches. Six Impossible Decisions | EP 796

Coaching advice almost always starts with, “It depends.” In this special Ask the Coaches episode, Don and Scott take away that safety net by forcing Ian Sharman, Hal Koerner, and Ellie Greenwood to make definitive choices on some of trail running’s biggest debates. Is it better to be undertrained or overtrained? Should you trust data or your instincts? Would you add mileage or strength training? Can motivation be taught? Along the way, the coaches reveal not only their philosophies, but also the surprising amount of agreement behind them. Beneath the conversation emerges a consistent message: sustainable training, learning to listen to your body, and developing good judgment matter far more than chasing perfect numbers. It’s entertaining, occasionally chaotic, and full of coaching wisdom every trail runner can apply. LINKS - Sharman Ultra Coaching The Art of Ultrarunning book, by Ian Hal Koerners's Field Guide to Ultrarunning Hal's races: Siskiyou Out Back & Lithia Loop - Rogue Valley Runners Store Knee Knacker 30-mile Forerunners North Shore store that Ellie works part time EPISODE SPONSORS Tifosi Optics - CLARITY ON THE TRAIL: Post your Golden Nugget of wisdom that helps you recover after a huge effort on Instagram, tag @TifosiOptics, @TrailRunnerNation, and use the hashtag #ClarityOnTheTrail.  OR try texting us (within the USA) with your tip: 916-235-3928. If we use yours on a weekly episode, you get a pair of the new Sanctum SL glasses! ALTRA: With the classic Altra Fit, you set the pace. Altra running shoes are designed with room for your toes so they can actually spread out -  for a natural fit. This gives you comfort, balance, and strength on and off the trail. Better balance and stability for our toes mean more comfort – on mile 5, 50, or 100. Learn more about Altra Fit. Feel the Altra Difference and use code TRN10 for 10% off your first order at checkout at altrarunning.com/TRN. Stay Out There with Altra. RunMotion Coach: Whether you’re training for your first trail race or chasing a new ultra PR, RunMotion Coach creates a personalized training plan that adapts to your schedule, fitness, and progress. Built by experienced coaches and powered by intelligent coaching technology, it helps you train smarter, stay consistent, and arrive at the starting line ready for your next adventure. Instant Hydration: Timestamps 00:00 | The Rules: No “It Depends” The coaches are forced to choose between two coaching philosophies before explaining their reasoning. 04:00 | Training Smarter vs. Training Harder Should runners prioritize perfect execution or simply never miss a workout? The coaches debate consistency, intensity, and long-term improvement. 21:00 | Undertrained or Overtrained? The panel discusses why arriving healthy, rested, and mentally excited may be more valuable than squeezing in one more week of training. 29:00 | Mileage or Strength Training? With limited training time, the coaches debate whether extra running or extra strength work produces the biggest return. 44:00 | Trust the Data or Trust Yourself? Heart rate, recovery scores, wearables, and intuition collide as the coaches explain why learning effort by feel remains one of the most valuable skills in ultrarunning. 56:00 | What Should You Do When You Want to Quit? The coaches tackle one of the hardest race-day scenarios: stop, regroup, and reassess, or keep moving forward no matter how slowly. 1:11:00 | Final Thoughts (and One Last “It Depends”) The episode wraps with laughs, reflections, and one final reminder that while coaching often depends on context, the principles of smart, sustainable training remain remarkably consistent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.