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In this episode, I sit down with ultra runner, veteran, and mental health counselor Daniel Hamilton to talk about what actually matters when training for ultramarathons and technical trail races.

We dive into how to run technical terrain more efficiently, improve cadence and downhill running, train on tired legs, and why so many ultra runners are too focused on pace. Daniel also shares lessons from his own racing career, including fueling strategies after dealing with severe blood sugar issues during competition and how mental toughness plays a huge role in endurance racing.

We also talk about:

• Ultra marathon training strategies
• Technical trail running skills
• Cadence and downhill efficiency
• Training on tired legs
• Fueling for ultramarathons
• Mental toughness in endurance racing
• Trail race pacing and race strategy
• Strength training for trail runners
• How to prepare for technical mountain races

If you’re training for your first ultra, a mountain race, or just want to become a stronger and more durable trail runner, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply right away.

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Maximum Mileage Podcast, I sit down with licensed professional counselor, ultrarunner, and mindset coach Shannon Mick to talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention in endurance training: the mental side of running.

We explore how mindset directly impacts performance, consistency, and long-term progress, especially for runners navigating setbacks, self-doubt, or burnout.

Shannon shares her journey from early injuries and uncertainty to becoming an ultramarathon athlete, and how her background in mental health shapes the way she helps runners build resilience, confidence, and a healthier relationship with the sport.

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling “not good enough,” staying consistent, or losing your joy in running, this conversation will give you practical tools to move forward with more clarity and confidence.

In this episode, I cover:

• How to build confidence as a runner, even when you doubt yourself
• Imposter syndrome in endurance athletes, and how to work through it
• Mental strategies to stay focused and grounded on race day
• Burnout in runners: warning signs and how to prevent it
• Why having an identity outside of running improves performance
• Simple, sustainable habits that support long-term growth

This episode is especially helpful for runners coming back from injury, building toward longer distances, or trying to create more consistency without burning out.

Connect with Shannon:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.short.run.ultra/
Website: finishstrongermindsetcoaching.com

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you shared it with a friend or left a review. It helps more runners find the show and build smarter, more sustainable training.

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

Send us Fan Mail

Download the MaxMile app https://gomaxmile.com/

Most running plans look great on day one.

Then real life happens.

You miss a session. Work gets busy. Your long run goes badly. You pick up a niggle. You race harder than planned.

And the plan just carries on like nothing happened.

That’s the problem.

In this video, I explain why a good running plan isn’t just a list of workouts… it’s a decision-making system. I’ll show you what your training plan actually needs to do if you want to improve without getting cooked, injured, or stuck in that horrible grey area where every run feels harder than it should.

We’ll cover:

Why workouts are less important than decisions
Why missed sessions should not always be “made up”
How race priority changes the plan
Why consistency beats perfection
How MaxMile is being built to give runners smarter, more responsive coaching

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Nick Hancock hosts trail and ultra-running coach Jason Koop to talk about ultra running training, performance, and the role of AI in coaching.

Jason shares how he coaches both elite ultra runners and everyday athletes, and what actually drives improvement. They break down key training principles like progressive overload, increasing mileage, periodization, and recovery, along with how elite athletes use highly individualized training, nutrition, and strength work to gain an edge.

You’ll also learn:

• Why increasing running volume is often the most effective way to improve
• How to use DIY training camps to boost performance
• The biggest differences between elite and recreational runners
• How Jason uses AI for coaching, training plans, and athlete feedback analysis
• What the future of running coaches and AI might look like

If you’re training for a marathon, ultramarathon, or trail race, this episode will help you train smarter and understand where endurance coaching is heading.

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Maximum Mileage Running Podcast, we’re joined by team physio Paddy Lally to break down what runners actually need to know about injuries, recovery, and long-term performance.

Paddy works with everyone from everyday runners to elite athletes, and brings both clinical expertise and personal experience as a former GB age-group triathlete and a 2:57 marathoner.

We dive into how to tell the difference between normal soreness and a real injury, why so many runners get stuck in the cycle of recurring niggles, and the key factors that often get overlooked, like stress, fueling, and lifestyle.

This episode is especially useful if you’ve ever felt frustrated by injuries that don’t seem to make sense, or if you want to train in a way that actually supports consistency and progress.

In this episode, we cover:

• When to push through vs. when to back off
• The most common causes of running injuries
• How cadence, strength, and load impact pain
• The role of stress and recovery in how your body feels
• Practical ways to stay healthy and keep training

If your goal is to run stronger, stay consistent, and stop second-guessing every ache, this one’s for you.

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Richard Blagrove, an applied exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning coach, and author of Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Runners.

We break down how runners can use strength training to improve running economy, reduce injury risk, and build long-term durability. Dr. Blagrove shares practical, evidence-based guidance on how to structure strength work alongside running, including when to schedule sessions, how to individualize your approach, and what actually matters for performance.

You’ll also hear how strength training differs for middle-distance versus marathon runners, why calf strength is so important for endurance athletes, and how to think about long-term progression in your training.

In this episode, I cover:

• How strength training improves running performance and efficiency
• Best practices for integrating strength into your weekly schedule
• Key differences in programming for middle-distance vs. long-distance runners
• Building resilience and reducing injury risk
• The importance of consistency and individualized training

Learn more from Dr. Richard Blagrove:
Email: r.c.blagrove@lboro.ac.uk

Book: Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Runners

Dr. Blagrove continues to contribute to the field through ongoing research, so I encourage you to follow his work and keep an eye out for his latest and upcoming publications.

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Adam Freudenthal, former professional runner, ultrarunner, and cancer survivor, to talk about resilience, identity, and redefining performance after a life-changing diagnosis.

Adam competed at an elite level with ASICS Greenville Track Club Elite, running 14:15 for 5K and 1:05 for the half marathon. In 2020, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery and intensive chemotherapy before being declared cancer-free later that year.

We dive into his journey through cancer treatment, the mental and physical challenges of returning to running, and how his relationship with training has evolved from high-performance road racing to a more sustainable approach and transition into ultrarunning. We also discuss burnout in competitive running, shifting identity after injury or illness, and how to build a healthier, long-term approach to endurance training.

If you’re a runner navigating setbacks, returning from injury or illness, or looking to build a more sustainable training mindset, this episode will give you perspective, tools, and encouragement for your own journey.

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I sit down with ultra-endurance athlete Jon Shield, one of the most accomplished extreme racers in the world. From winning across the Beyond the Ultimate Global Race Series to tackling brutal multi-day events like the Spine Race, Jon has built a reputation for performing in the harshest conditions imaginable.

Now, he’s just weeks out from the 268-mile Montane Spine Race, often called Britain’s most brutal, chasing redemption and a sub-70-hour record.

We dive into:

• How Jon is balancing injury, recovery, and peak performance
• Why resilience matters more than fitness in ultra-endurance
• The reality behind social media, sponsorships, and coaching
• Lessons from racing in deserts, jungles, mountains, and the Arctic
• What it actually takes to keep going when everything starts to break

This is a raw, honest conversation about pressure, setbacks, and pushing beyond perceived limits.

Follow Jon Shield:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonshieldrunsultras
• Jon Shield - YouTube
• Website: https://www.jon-shield.com
• Pain Cave Headwear: https://paincaveheadwear.com

You can also view this discussion on my YouTube channel, Coach Hannah Witt, in my series, The Performance Collective. Coach Hannah Witt - YouTube

Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)

If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.

See you on the next one.

To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835

Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/

Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/

Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/

Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/

Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/