
EP 759: Stop Running Yourself Into the Death March (Do This Instead)
About this episode
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.
Get every episode summarized
Each time Trail Runner Nation publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Trail Runner Nation

Aging As An Athlete - The Best Miles Aren’t Always the Fastest | EP 797
Trail Runner Nation

Three Elite Coaches. Six Impossible Decisions | EP 796
Trail Runner Nation

Sophie Grant: The Adventure That Changed Everything | EP 795
Trail Runner Nation

Sometimes You Have to Borrow Belief | EP 794
Trail Runner Nation