Finding the right running shoe can be the difference between a breakthrough and a breakdown. In this episode, we break down what to look for—fit, cushioning, support, and more—to help you choose the perfect shoe for your stride, goals, and training style. Whether you’re racing marathons or jogging your local trail, this guide will help you lace up with confidence.

Ian Sharman is one of the most accomplished and respected ultramarathon runners in the world, known for his consistency, strategic racing, and deep understanding of endurance performance. Originally from the UK and now based in the U.S., Ian has racked up an impressive resume that includes multiple top-10 finishes at the Western States 100, a record-setting Grand Slam of Ultrarunning (the fastest combined time across four of the oldest 100-milers in the U.S.), and victories at numerous ultras across varied terrain. Beyond his personal achievements, he’s a sought-after coach and the founder of Sharman Ultra, where he helps runners of all levels train smarter and race stronger. With a background in sports science and a calm, analytical approach to racing, Ian blends performance, longevity, and enjoyment—making him a unique voice in the ultrarunning world.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Exploring the World of Ultra Running
03:46 Training Philosophy: Volume vs. Intensity
08:12 The Importance of Time on Feet
11:53 Speed Work in Ultra Training
16:12 Mindset and Race Day Strategy
23:50 Confidence, Discipline, and Patience in Racing
28:42 The Art of Racing Tactics
30:36 Training Philosophy: Quality Over Quantity
34:28 Altitude and Heat Training: Preparing for Extremes
43:11 The Foundations of Recovery
49:13 Consistency: The Key to Long-Term Success
50:03 Recommended Reads for Runners

📆 Improve Your 10km (or run it for the first time!)
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/10km

🏃‍♂️ My First 5k - An 8-Week Running Challenge
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/8weekrunningchallenge

👟 Become a Relaxed Running Member!
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✍️ Join Fast Track Friday Newsletter
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Today’s guest is Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards, a physical therapist, author, and speaker who’s reshaping the conversation around runner health and performance. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience and her personal health journey, Kate champions a more complete approach to athlete care—one that values mental and emotional well-being just as much as physical ability.

📆 Improve Your 10km (or run it for the first time!)
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/10km

🏃‍♂️ My First 5k - An 8-Week Running Challenge
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/8weekrunningchallenge

👟 Become a Relaxed Running Member!
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/membership

✍️ Join Fast Track Friday Newsletter
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/fast-track-friday

In today’s episode, Tyson dives into the 10 essential strategies that will completely transform your 10K performance and take your race to the next level. If you're ready to unlock new speed and power, this episode is exactly what you need to hear.

USE COUPON CODE: RUN50

📆 Improve Your 10km (or run it for the first time!)
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/10km

🏃‍♂️ My First 5k - An 8-Week Running Challenge
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/8weekrunningchallenge

👟 Become a Relaxed Running Member!
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/membership

✍️ Join Fast Track Friday Newsletter
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/fast-track-friday

Brodie Sharpe is an Australian running coach and host of The Run Smarter Podcast, focusing on injury prevention and running performance. He offers education, coaching, and resources to help runners train smarter and avoid injuries.

🏃‍♂️ My First 5k - An 8-Week Running Challenge
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/8weekrunningchallenge

📆 Improve Your 10km (or run it for the first time!)
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/10km

👟 Become a Relaxed Running Member!
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/membership

✍️ Join Fast Track Friday Newsletter
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/fast-track-friday

Claire Bartholic is an experienced running coach and sports nutrition expert who founded The Planted Runner, a platform dedicated to helping runners improve their speed and strength—particularly as they get older—through evidence-based training, mental strategies, and plant-focused nutrition. After cutting over an hour from her own marathon time and running 2:58 at age 42, she now shares her knowledge through personalized coaching, her podcast, and her book, guiding others to reach their peak performance at any stage of life.

🏃‍♂️ My First 5k - An 8-Week Running Challenge
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/8weekrunningchallenge

📆 Improve Your 10km (or run it for the first time!)
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/10km

👟 Become a Relaxed Running Member!
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/membership

✍️ Join Fast Track Friday Newsletter
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/fast-track-friday

In this episode, I break down everything I’ve learned about marathon training from years of experience as a runner and coach. Whether you're training for your first marathon or chasing a new PB, I’ll cover the essential principles that make the biggest difference—building endurance, pacing strategies, nutrition, recovery, and the mental side of racing. I’ll also share common mistakes to avoid and the key sessions that will get you to the start line feeling strong and confident. Tune in for practical, no-nonsense advice to help you run your best marathon yet!

🏃‍♂️ My First 5k - An 8-Week Running Challenge
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/8weekrunningchallenge

📆 Check out our Training Plans
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/trainingplans

✍️ Join Fast Track Friday Newsletter
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/fast-track-friday

📞 Free Coaching Call
https://calendly.com/tyson-popplestone/free-coaching-call

Ben Rosario is a leading figure in distance running, known for his work with Northern Arizona Elite, The Marathon Project, and his book Run Like a Pro (Even If You’re Slow). As the head coach of NAZ Elite, he developed one of the premier training groups in the U.S., coaching athletes like Aliphine Tuliamuk to a U.S. Olympic Trials win. In 2020, he played a key role in launching The Marathon Project, creating a fast, competitive race for elite marathoners during the pandemic. With a passion for coaching and a knack for innovation, Ben has made a lasting impact on the sport.

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🏃‍♂️ My First 5k - An 8-Week Running Challenge
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/8weekrunningchallenge

📆 Check out our Training Plans
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/trainingplans

✍️ Join Fast Track Friday Newsletter
https://www.relaxedrunning.com/fast-track-friday

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EPISODE CHAPTERS:

00:00 Navigating the World of Running Coaching
06:15 Core Principles for Improving Performance
10:58 Understanding Aches, Pains, and Injuries
15:45 The Importance of Activation Routines
21:54 The Evolution of Running Techniques and Technology
25:10 The Snowball Effect in Running Efficiency
27:02 Changing Perspectives on Performance
28:39 The Importance of Winning
30:42 The Role of Technology in Training
32:39 Skepticism in Performance Enhancements
34:30 The Dark Side of the Sport
37:57 The Ethics of Competition
40:04 Confidence and Tactics in Racing
42:53 Future Plans and New Ventures

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TRANSCRIPT
https://share.transistor.fm/s/37f11096/transcript.txt

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PODCAST INFO:

Tyson Sträva: https://www.strava.com/athletes/83530274
Podcast Website: www.relaxedrunning.com
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