EP 708: Downhill Dynamics - The Joy of Descents

Trail Runner Nation

Ultramarathon, Fitness, Running, Community, Health & Fitness, Trail, Endurance, Trails, Sports

4.5 • 1.2K Ratings

🗓️ 15 December 2024

⏱️ 70 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Have you ever wondered if you’re leaving free speed on the trail every time you hit a downhill? Today, we’ll show you how mastering the art of downhill running can not only save your legs but also transform your races—because downhill running isn’t just about gravity; it’s about strategy, skill, and confidence.

Coach Ian Sharman offers invaluable insights for trail and ultra runners. We discuss essential techniques to overcome fear, manage muscle fatigue, and master quick feet for navigating technical terrain safely. Ian shares strategies to turn downhill sections into race-winning opportunities, highlighting the importance of consistent effort, decision-making, and tailored fueling strategies. The conversation emphasizes running gear's impact on performance and safety, particularly shoes and explores how practicing falling can reduce injury risks. Listeners are encouraged to embrace new challenges, enjoy the playful side of running, and build confidence through practice and preparation for downhill racing.

Check out Sharman Ultra Coaching and get a gift card for your friend!

Episode Sponsors:

Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
INFERNO by Running Scared Media. BOGO with Promo Code Holiday
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Transcript

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0:00.0	If you're doing a really fast technical downfill, I would be amazed if anyone could do that
0:07.4	in really cushioned shoes because you've got to change direction, you've got to be massively
0:11.9	agile and the big chunky shoes do not allow you to do that.
0:15.8	If you're in an ultra and it's a slower pace, it's much more manageable there, of course.
0:20.2	But if you're trying to do, say, Mount Marathon, I cannot imagine anyone would be doing that
0:24.0	with maximum cushion shoes
0:25.7	Certainly not at the front of the field because they just trip over it
0:28.8	They would lose that feel for the ground and the quick feet that they would need to navigate over it
0:34.6	Well, it's like reading Braille with the set of gloves or mittens on you just can't do it Welcome to the Trailhead of Trail Runner Nation.
0:53.7	We go on virtual trail runs with guests that are going to be entertaining us, but more importantly
0:59.2	they're going to teach us how to be better runners, healthier runners, faster runners,
1:04.2	better runners, and maybe just better
1:06.7	human beings.
1:07.7	And today, our conversation with Ian Sharman, well, it goes downhill from the very start.
1:14.6	Are you looking for a gift for your favorite person?
1:17.1	Well, gear for a John G means you care for the quality and colorful gear that is super functional.
1:23.9	And John G has you covered.
1:25.3	Go to JohnG.com right now and they have their gift guide setup.
1:30.6	There's little sections there.
1:32.3	You can see gifts under $60, gifts for cold weather, gifts for trail runners, gifts for road
1:38.2	runners, and gifts for recovery days.
1:41.2	Any of the Merino gear.
	...

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