The Art of Ultrarunning

Run your next ultramarathon feeling cool, confident, and prepared.

The Art of Ultrarunning: Tried & Tested Strategies for Long-Distance Runners compiles coaching strategies with illustrative stories from professional ultrarunners to create a convenient resource to help you improve your running. An elite-level racer and coach, author Ian Sharman provides practical guidance for runners at all levels; whether you are at the back of the pack or are going for gold, there’s something to learn from his decades of experience.

As a long-distance runner, you know that the hurdles faced on the course aren’t always physical. This book places an emphasis on the mental and tactical challenges of long-distance running, covering training, racing, and longevity. Dive into the most difficult and complex elements of ultrarunning, with stories and insights from famous ultrarunners:

• Zach Bitter
• Jeff Browning
• Courtney Dauwalter
• Ellie Greenwood
• Liza Howard
• Annie Hughes
• Anton Krupicka
• Karl Meltzer
• Mike Wardian

Explore the philosophies and strategies used by Sharman throughout his time as an ultrarunner and coach. Part I discusses key training methods, some of which have been widely misunderstood—until now. Part II delves into practical ways to improve your racing technique. Part III looks beyond racing and offers advice on how to grow in the sport and how to keep enjoying it for the long term.

Learn from ultrarunners with decades of experience. Real race stories and training advice in The Art of Ultrarunning help you steer your ultrarunning journey toward more meaningful success.

Audience

Ultrarunners and long-distance runners who want advice on maximizing their training and potential or enjoying running more.

Foreword by Don Freeman and Scott Warr, Hosts of Trail Runner Nation Podcast

Part I. Training Concepts

Chapter 1. A Purpose for Every Run

Chapter 2. Consistency Is King

Chapter 3. Active Recovery and Power-Hiking

Chapter 4. Improve Your Judgment of Effort

Chapter 5. Stamina Versus Durability

Part II. Racing Concepts

Chapter 6. Adapt and Overcome

Chapter 7. Keep It Simple

Chapter 8. Find Flow

Chapter 9. Control Your Ego

Chapter 10. Patience, Discipline, Confidence

Chapter 11. Maintain Motivation

Chapter 12. Split Races Into Thirds

Chapter 13. Learn From Failure

Chapter 14. Considerations for 200+ Mile Races

Part III. Beyond Racing

Chapter 15. Your Identity as a Distance Runner

Chapter 16. Why We Need Adventure

Chapter 17. Avoid Burnout

Ian Sharman is an ultrarunner, coach, and journalist from the United Kingdom who lives in the trail running hub of Bend, Oregon. He founded Sharman Ultra Coaching (SUC) in 2010, bringing together a team of some of the best ultrarunners as coaches. SUC has coached hundreds of runners, from back-of-the-pack participants to winners of the most prestigious ultras in the world.

He has written for a wide variety of running and fitness magazines, including an ongoing column in Ultrarunning Magazine since 2013. He’s also known as a frequent guest on ultra podcasts, especially Trail Runner Nation, in addition to hosting PodiumRunner Magazine EndurancePodcast.

Sharman was voted as high as second for Ultrarunning Magazine’s Ultrarunner of the Year as well as fourth for Ultrarunner of the Decade for the 2010s. Some running highlights include the all-time record for the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning; four wins in the Leadville Trail 100 Run; three wins in the Rocky Raccoon 100, including setting the record; nine top 10 finishes at the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, including being the only person to complete the race 10 times with a combined finish time of under a week; multiple top finishes at Comrades Marathon in South Africa, including a Wally Hayward Medal; and a marathon best time of 2 hours and 21 minutes.