How to Power Hike Faster in Ultras (and Crush Every Climb)

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Oct 31, 2025

Discover how power hiking can elevate your ultramarathon performance, especially on those steep climbs. Learn the essential rules for deciding when to hike versus run and effective training strategies to improve hiking speed. Joe shares insights on using poles to reduce leg fatigue, along with techniques for maximizing their effectiveness on varying grades. Plus, get practical tips on hiking mechanics, nutrition strategies for climbs, and invaluable drills to boost your endurance. Unleash your potential with the right hiking skills!

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ADVICE

Match Choice To Intensity

Match hiking vs running to your workout intensity and RPE targets.
If a hill pushes you above the session RPE, switch to hiking to preserve the workout purpose.

ANECDOTE

Race Moment That Changed His Thinking

At Canyons 100K Joe ran a hill and saw someone hiking faster while expending less energy.
That convinced him to favor hiking when it's more efficient even if running feels possible.

ADVICE

Choose Efficiency Over Pace Early

Hike when it's more energy-efficient even if running is slightly faster.
Early in long races, accept small pace loss (1–2 min/mi) to conserve energy for later.

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