Ego is the Enemy: Pro Ultrarunner Ian Sharman on Training Your Mindset

This episode of The Strength Running Podcast interviews ultramarathon runner Ian Sharman about mindset and how ego impacts training and racing. The discussion covers Sharman's recent half-marathon PR at age 44, his strategies for downhill races (including incorporating hill training and running by feel), and how to avoid letting ego dictate training decisions (e.g., comparing oneself to others or rigidly adhering to a plan regardless of how the body feels). Sharman suggests a "thirds" approach to racing, emphasizing conservative pacing in the initial stages to maintain energy for a strong finish. Listeners gain practical advice on improving self-awareness in training and racing, prioritizing process over outcomes, and making objective decisions based on body signals rather than ego.