Hiking isn’t “just walking.”
It’s strategic, endurance building for the course and terrain, and race specific, especially if you’re training for big climbs or long ultras.
1. Builds Course Specific Endurance
Don’t get confused by this – you still NEED to strength train. However, steep hiking targets your glutes, calves, hip flexors, and quads — the exact muscles that fatigue in the later miles of a race. Training on course specific terrain provides training adaptations.
2. Trains Real Race Strategy
You will hike during an ultra. Train your hiking pace, efficiency, and how to fuel on the move. Train your mind to keep you moving.
3. Reduces Impact, Increases Volume
Hiking gives you more time on feet with less pounding than running. That means more vert + less injury risk = win-win.
4. Sharpens Mental Grit
Slow, steep climbs test your patience and focus. Hiking teaches you to keep moving forward — no matter how hard it gets.
Try This:
- 🎯 Hike 1-2 times per week and set a goal of 1,000–2,000 ft of gain (more depending on your race)
- 🎒 Wear your race vest
- ⏱ Practice fueling + pacing like it’s race day
Hiking isn’t “extra.” It’s essential.
Strong hikers make strong ultrarunners.
Start training like the course you’re racing.
