Ultramarathon Coaching
Our online coaching team of two, Ian Sharman and James Elson, design simple, highly bespoke training programs built around each individual athlete. Between us we have the experience of over 250 marathons and ultras across all different types of terrain and environments and we put all of that experience into coaching you to reach your highest potential.
Whether you are looking to finish your first ultra or multi-day race, compete at a top level at any ultra distance or simply stay focused and injury free up to your goal event, we can get you there. You can read more about some of the races we have been involved in & our experiences/ coaching qualifications further down the page.
How does it work?
We construct a day by day training program bespoke to you, taking into account your goal race and work/ life commitments. You do the training and at the end of each day or week we go over everything with you. We then adapt the following week's schedule based on your feedback so that every day/ week of your training is optimised towards getting you in the best shape possible to achieve your goals.
Initially we ask you to fill out the form below. Once you have submitted it, we will contact you with our initial thoughts and get you to give us as much detail as possible about your past racing and training experiences, daily life, strengths, past injuries, goals and ambitions. We then schedule a call to gain more insight and to openly discuss your program and within 24 hours, you will receive your first week's training plan.
Everything we send to you is bespoke and based on the information that you give to us. No two training plans are alike because your goals as a runner and available time to train and race are different from the next person's.
If you are interested in being coached please have a look at the two different tier options below. Decide which you think might work best for your needs and fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Two Tiers of Training
There are two tiers to Centurion Coaching. Whether you choose tier 1 or tier 2, you will receive an updated training plan every week. All coaching clients also receive a 10% discount on any purchases made at the Centurion Running online store.
| Tier 1 | Tier 2 | |
| Minimum Commitment Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Initial Consultation Cost | £75 | £75 |
| Monthly Cost | £79 | £114 |
| Training Program Updated | Weekly | Whenever required |
| Email Contact | Weekly responses and feedback | Daily responses and feedback |
| Skype Contact | At start of coaching program only | As often as required |
| In-Person Coaching Sessions | Purchased as an add on | Purchased as an add on |
Some highlights from our own running backgrounds
Our personal experiences with ultrarunning go into everything that we offer to our students.
Ian Sharman
Ian has been ultra running since 2005 and has run all over the world in every type of weather and on all terrains. He has won multi-day races, road marathons, trail ultras and been lucky enough to run in several mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, Andes and European Alps. He holds the fastest time in a trail 100-mile race in the USA: 12hours and 44 minutes for an average of 7:38/mile.
He has the depth of experience of training for virtually every type of endurance running event and has been passing on this knowledge to others since early 2011. He has coached people all over the world from beginner ultra runners to those trying to get near the front of the field. He is a USA Track & Field Certified Coach & a Certified Personal Trainer from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (“NASM”) in the US and is a member of the Athletes Commission for the Internation Sky Running Federation.
You can read more about Ian's training, racing and achivements on his blog.
Ultra experience (major races):
- Rocky Raccoon 100 (course record of 12:44)
- Marathon des Sables (13th in 2008)
- Comrades (fastest time of 6:01 or 6:31/mile for 55.5 miles)
- Western States Endurance Run (3 consecutive top 10 finishes with a best time of 15:54 in 2012)
- Transalpine Run Stage Race
- Everest Marathon (within a longer event)
- Tring to Town (multiple wins)
- Thames Path Ultra/Thames Meander (wins and podiums)
- Road Marathons (approx. 100 across four continents with a PB of 2:32)
- Crewing at UTMB and Badwater 135
James Elson
James has been running ultras since early 2006 and has been fortunate enough to race on all 7 continents, competing in and completing initially 5 multi day desert races before taking to running longer one day events.
In 2010, he started Centurion Running to give runners the opportunity to experience running 100 miles supported, on some of the UK's most scenic trails. He has been helping people achieve their goal of running and finishing 100 milers since early 2009.
Ultra experience (major races):
- Race Director at Centurion Running
- Marathon Des Sables
- Western States
- Badwater
- Leadville 100
- UTMB
- Rocky Raccoon 100 x 3 (PB of 17:32)
- Comrades
- 4Deserts Series: Gobi March, Atacama Crossing, Sahara Race, Last Desert Antarctica (3 x top 10 finishes)
- Various other trail 100's
- Ironman/ Half Ironman
Testimonials
Tracey Horne
Changing from one sport (Ironman triathlon) to a new one of ultra running has presented challenges in terms of training, recovery and racing. James and Ian are brilliant in terms of reining me in and stopping me overtraining whilst at the same time giving me the confidence in my ability and years of endurance training. The programs are well thought out and flexible when life gets in the way! James and Ian are responsive, understanding and incredibly patient with all my questions and I can't wait to start my first 50 miler!
Darla Crispin
As an experienced marathon mid-packer, I had been inspired for many years by the idea of going for ultra distances, but was uncertain of how to optimise my training to cope with such a gear change, fitting this around a busy professional life. Enter Centurion Coaching! After a detailed personal consultation, including a long, friendly and confidence-building Skype call, Ian and James created clear and effective bespoke weekly training programmes with real-life flexibility and an ongoing process of feedback. After five months of working with them, I'm looking forward to lining up for my first 50-miler in one week's time, well-trained and injury free.
Ross Le Blanc
I wanted coaches to elevate my performance, outsource my training plan, ensure I had expert guidance and for peace of mind. All have been fulfilled. James and Ian are incredibly responsive and have a wealth of experience between them which releases a lot of pressure when it comes to planning. This allows me to focus on training and I have quickly seen great improvements in performance.
Ronnie Station
In 2010 I decided to have a go at running! Since then I have completed numerous ultras, including two Centurion 100's. Upon training for the Lakeland 100 in 2012 it seemed the right time to seek advice. Centurion Coaching took the stress out of my planning so I could enjoy my training. Importantly the sessions kept me focused each and every run with great consistency and I never felt time was lost. The weekly feedback ensured progression and I hit the start line in great shape. I am a huge believer that results speak for themselves. I finished the Lakland 100 in 28hrs 47mins in 26th position, above my expectations. I am now working with Centurion on my next goal, a sub 3hr marathon and a winter 100.
Lucy Clayton
After signing up for a 125km (78 mile) race in the Canadian Rockies I decided I was going to need a proper training plan. Having run my share of marathons and a few short ultras (40 miles max) I knew the basics but kept finding conflicting information about the best way to approach longer races. I came across Centurion and decided to give them a whirl. Not only did I get a training plan that I could confidently follow, I also got the benefit of their advice, encouragement and support. Knowing that I'm going to have to report back on my training (and racing) helps to keep me focused, and in some cases moving! Without their help I'm not sure if I would have got to the start of the Canadian Death Race uninjured let alone been one of just 30% of starters that finished it. I'm now looking forward to working with them to achieve new targets.
Register your interest in ultramarathon coaching from Centurion Running
If you are interested in being coached please fill out the initial form below. This will be submitted to Ian and James, who will respond to you via e mail within 24 hours. The response will include details of how to make payment and a link to the full consultation form. Once that has been filled out and returned, a call will be scheduled and you will receive your first training schedule following that call.
