Unlocking the Art of Ultra Running with Ian Sharman
"There's no amount of training that will fix bad tactics and bad execution. - this book is more about how you execute better, not just how you get fitter." - Ian Sharman
Comment your biggest takeaway for a chance to win a special RUNEGADE prize
This episode is sponsored by Thrive Protein | Canadian made supplements, nutrition, and hydration to fuel all your adventures. Check them out: Thrive Protein and use the code RUNEGADE to save 20% off your order.
Ian Sharman is a British-American ultrarunning legend, four-time Leadville Trail 100 champion, Grand Slam of Ultrarunning record holder, and one of the most respected coaches in the sport. With over 250 marathons and ultras completed, multiple USATF 100-mile Trail National titles, and nine top-10 finishes at the Western States 100, Ian brings decades of elite racing experience and coaching wisdom.
He is the founder of Sharman Ultra Coaching and the author of the new book The Art of Ultrarunning.
Whether you run 5Ks, marathons, or 200-mile ultramarathons, these universal principles will help you run longer, smarter, avoid burnout, and actually enjoy the journey.
Main Takeaways:
- Why tactics and execution beat raw fitness in almost every race
- The simple “break your race into thirds” pacing strategy used by elites
- Why easy miles are the real secret to durability and injury prevention
- How to train for specificity and race-day execution
- Mindset shifts that turn suffering into joy and pressure into performance
- The Art of Ultrarunning — Ian's latest book on applying tactical mastery to all distances
- Sharman Ultra Coaching — Coaching services for runners seeking personalized guidance
Connect with Ian Here:
Timestamps:
00:00 - The universal truth: fast or slow, good tactics shine
02:08 - Ian’s storied career and achievements in ultrarunning
04:13 - Running to the Start Line?
07:11 - The Art of Ultrarunning08:36 - Pacing breakthrough - racing in thirds
11:26 - Why easy miles are the secret to long-term performance
13:46 - Real-world examples of pacing mistakes and lessons
15:12 - Durability and its role in race success
17:08 - Specificity in training: mimicking race terrain and effort
20:10 - Learning through experience: coaching and racing
21:56 - The three sections of the book: Training, Racing, Beyond
27:26 - Choosing stories: friends and legends
29:44 - Handling pressure and mental game in races
33:42 - The art of executing like a pro
39:39 - The legendary Bruce Fordyce’s mindset and approach
43:16 - Raceday stories: rivalries, humor, and characters
50:37 - New upcoming races and goals
58:41 - How to find Ian and team at Sharman Ultra Coaching
Final thought: Running is an art, a science, and a continual journey of learning. Whether you're throwing costumes or pacing like a maestro, the true mastery lies in how you execute your race from start to finish - and most importantly, how you enjoy the process.
So go ahead - embark on your own art of running - any distance
Save $$$ with RUNEGADE - friends of the podcast offering great savings to RUNEGADE listeners.
Connect with Todd, Mark and Harvey:
- Email: [email protected]
- Todd on Instagram: @altramarathonman
- Mark on Instagram: @runclemark
- Harvey on Instagram: @altra_harvey
- RUNEGADE on Facebook
Path Projects | our favourite running gear and apparel. Look great and perform to your potential by gearing up with Path Projects. Elite running gear and apparel, by runners, for runners. Hats, T-shirts, base liners, hoodies, shorts, jackets ... everything performs. Use code TRP10 for 10% off (limited time, first-time purchase)