Don’t underestimate the power of hiking. It’s not “just walking.”
It’s time on feet, vert gain, and muscular endurance, all without the pounding. Especially for races with lots of climbing, power hiking is part of the race strategy.
You have to practice walking and hiking efficiently.
Going from hiking a 40min mile to a 30min mile, or walking a 17min mile from a 27min mile, is MUCH easier than taking a running mile from 12 minutes to 5 minutes.
Train it like a skill.
✅ Hike steep hills
✅ Use poles (if racing with them)
✅ Wear your race vest
✅ Practice fueling on the move
Strong hikers make strong ultrarunners.
1. Weighted Power Hike Intervals
- Wear your running vest, pack or vest with 5–10 lbs
- Hike hard for 5–10 min uphill
- Recover on the downhill
- Repeat 3–6x
- Great for building leg strength + simulating race fatigue
2. Vert-Focused Hiking Laps
- ⛰️ Find a hill, trail, or stairs
- 🎯 Set a vert goal (e.g. 1,500–2,500 ft)
- 🧭 Steady effort, keep moving
- Great for building climbing endurance + mental grit
3. Long Hike with Race Fuel Practice
- ⏱️ 2–4 hour hike on race-like terrain
- 🍫 Practice fueling every 20-40 mins
- 🥤 Hydrate + wear your race vest + use your poles
- Great for testing nutrition + gear without the pounding
4. Mixed Terrain Hike-Run Combo
- 🗺️ Power hike steep climbs
- 🏃♀️ Jog or run the downhills and flats
- Repeat for 60–90 mins
- Great for mimicking trail race pacing + transitions
Don’t underestimate hiking.
It builds strength, confidence, and climbing skill, all without the wear and tear of constant running.
Hike with purpose.
Train with purpose.
