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In this special collaboration episode of The West Coast Ultra Podcast, I'm joined by a fellow endurance athlete from Bundle Associates for a wide-ranging conversation that spans everything from elite beer mile racing to mountain ultramarathons, military leadership and performance mindset coaching. We explore the unique world of competitive beer miling, including the rules, tactics and what it takes to stand on the podium at the Beer Mile World Classic, before diving deep into the realities of ultramarathon preparation, the pursuit of the legendary Bob Graham Round and the lessons endurance sport teaches us about resilience. We also discuss my military background, how it shaped my coaching philosophy, training for mountainous events while living on Scotland's flat west coast, managing hydration and sodium during long races, and why I'm bringing cold exposure back into my recovery routine. Whether you're chasing a personal best, your first ultra, or simply looking to build a more resilient mindset, there's plenty here to take away. In this episode we discuss:What it takes to compete at the Beer Mile World ClassicMy journey from 50k races straight through to 100 milesWhy rugged mountain ultras appeal more than flat racesLong-term goal of the Bob Graham RoundSeven years as an Army officer and how military service shaped my approach to leadershipBuilding confidence, resilience and belief through mindset coachingTraining for big mountain descents when you live somewhere flatUsing downhill conditioning to prepare muscles for race daySweat rates, sodium loss and avoiding hyponatraemiaCold plunges, cold-water hand immersion and recovery strategiesWhy endurance performance is often won and lost between the ears Connect with David and HaydenWebsite: Team RunRun Coach Profile: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/ and https://teamrunrun.com/?s=hayden Instagram: @davidultrarunner Video Youtub episode on Bunnell and Associates: https://youtu.be/1pOIUUT4Ito?si=oh6IFo3icmdKTFuo If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and review, and share it with a friend who loves endurance sports, adventure and pushing their limits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 10pm on the night before Ultra England, I received the news that the race had been cancelled. After months of training, planning and preparation, the race I'd built my season around simply wasn't happening. In this episode, I talk honestly about the disappointment that followed, how I've managed the mental side of having a major goal disappear overnight, and why I don't believe the training was wasted. I also share how I've approached the first week back, the thinking behind the sessions I've chosen, and the process I've used to reshape the remainder of the year. We discuss potential next targets, including Glen Ogle, why I've entered Ardgartan as a fitness benchmark, and how events like the Ayrshire 100k social run fit into the bigger picture. If you've ever had a race cancelled, suffered an injury before an A-race, or seen a major goal fall apart at the last minute, this episode is for you. The race may not have happened, but the fitness, lessons and resilience built throughout the process remain. Coaching I'm currently taking on a small number of additional coaching athletes. Whether you're looking to complete your first ultra, step up in distance, improve race performances, build consistency in training, or simply train smarter around work and family commitments, I'd love to hear from you. Drop me a message through social media @davidultrarunner or on your coaching page at: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Ultra England fast approaching, I sit down for a solo episode to share where my head is at following my recent trip to Malta and how I'm approaching the final phase of race preparation. I talk about why races can sometimes feel like they're getting in the way of training, the importance of trusting the work that's already been done, and how I prepare for an ultra long before I reach the start line. From course recces and pacing strategy to nutrition, fuelling and kit choices, I take you behind the scenes of the decisions I'm making ahead of race day and explain the thinking behind them. Whether you're preparing for your first ultra or your next big challenge, I hope there's something in this episode that helps you approach your training and racing with a little more confidence. If you'd like support with your own running goals, coaching enquiries are always welcome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just one week to go until Ultra England, I wanted to record a solo episode reflecting on the training, races and lessons that have shaped my preparation over the last few months - and when this comes out I am going to be on holiday. In this episode, I look back at the Ochils 50k and the River Ayr Way Race, two events that taught me valuable lessons about durability, climbing strength, pacing and the importance of race-specific preparation. I talk about how those experiences led me to adapt my training, spending more time in the Fairlie Hills and getting invaluable recce days in the Lake District. This week's Word of the Week is Specificity, one of the most important principles in endurance training. We often focus on volume, pace and weekly mileage, but how closely does our training actually resemble the demands of the event we're preparing for? I also share some thoughts on where all of this is leading. Whilst Ultra England is the immediate focus, I talk about a longer-term ambition that genuinely excites and scares me in equal measure: the Bob Graham Round. A challenge that sits right at the edge of what I currently believe may be possible and one that is already influencing how I train and think about the mountains. In this episode I cover: • Lessons learned from the Ochils 50k • Reflections from the River Ayr Way Race • How and why I've adapted my training • Fairlie Hills hill sessions and Lake District recces • Word of the Week: Specificity • Looking ahead to Ultra England • My longer-term goal of attempting the Bob Graham Round • Good luck to everyone who's entered the West Highland Way Race ballot As always, thank you for listening, supporting the podcast and being part of this incredible running community Keep showing up. Keep moving forward. And I'll see you on the trails and if you want some coaching then reach out by DMs or at: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From hockey goalkeeper to 100-mile ultra-runner. This week, Nats joins the podcast to talk about her journey into running, the role fitness has played in shaping her life, and how the support and community found through Curves helped build the confidence to tackle some huge endurance goals. We dive into her experience at Glenmore 24, the realities of running through the night, dealing with the inevitable low points, race hallucinations, nutrition challenges and why having a clear sense of purpose is essential when things get tough. A brilliant conversation about discipline, community, stubbornness and discovering what you're truly capable of. In this episode: • From hockey to ultra-running • Life and coaching at Curves • Training for Glenmore 24 • Surviving the night shift • The mental battle of 100 miles • Hallucinations, caffeine and race nutrition • Why purpose matters Words of the week: Strength and Purpose Coaching: If you're looking to improve your ultra running, trail running or race performance, I offer personalised coaching for runners of all abilities. To find out more about coaching with me, connect via: Instagram: @davidultrarunner or find me at https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the West Coast Ultra Podcast, I welcome back Andy Darling for his third appearance on the show. Since we last spoke, Andy's transition from road running to ultra running has continued at pace, culminating in a breakthrough victory at the Glenmore 24, where he not only secured his first ultra race win but also joined the prestigious 100 Mile Club. We dive into the training, mindset and problem-solving that helped Andy navigate 24 hours of racing around the trails of Glenmore Forest. From managing fatigue and overcoming low points in the middle of the night to making the decisive tactical move that ultimately secured victory, Andy shares an honest account of one of the biggest performances of his running career. Along the way, we also discuss the value of racing frequently, how resilience is built through experience, and why the pursuit of personal limits continues to drive him forward. In this episode we discuss: • Winning the Glenmore 24 and surpassing 100 miles • The journey from road marathons to competitive ultra running • Why plyometric training matters for trail and ultra runners • Osmolality and why gut health can make or break race day • The role of mindset during long endurance events • Racing through fatigue and solving problems under pressure • The final-hour gamble that secured the Glenmore 24 win • Building confidence through a busy racing calendar • Future plans including a potential Triple Crown attempt • The attraction of Backyard Ultras and discovering personal limits We also have a new section: Words of the Week Plyometrics Explosive movements involving rapid muscle lengthening followed by shortening. Andy explains why trail running is inherently plyometric and how exercises such as broad jumps, high knees and single-leg pogos can improve running economy and resilience. Osmolality The concentration of dissolved particles, such as carbohydrates and electrolytes, within a fluid. Understanding osmolality can help runners avoid stomach issues and improve fluid absorption during long races. Andy's 2026 Racing Season March | Hillbilly Ultra | 1st Place April | Chester 50 | Finished on his 40th birthday May | Arran Ultra | 2nd Place Overall June | Isle of Skye Ultra | 7th Place August | Ochils 50k | Key return race after illness September | Glenmore 24 | 1st Place and 100 Mile Club Some special mentions in Andy's journey: Andy also discusses the importance of his support network, including his wife Alison, coaches Scott and Kev Brown, and the McKinnon family, whose crewing and encouragement played a major role throughout Glenmore 24. Coaching If you're looking to improve your ultra running, trail running or race performance, I offer personalised coaching for runners of all abilities. To find out more about coaching with me, connect via: Instagram: @davidultrarunner or find me at https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/ Podcast: West Coast Ultra Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and share it with a fellow runner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I’m joined by Emily Jackson, better know as Emily in the outdoors (@emily_intheoutdoors) — a Paisley‑based runner, yoga teacher, community organiser (and influencer) whose 20‑year running journey has taken her from early 5Ks to marathons, ultras and building two of the most welcoming running communities in the west of Scotland. We talk about her progression into endurance, the importance of safe spaces for women, and the lessons she’s taken from races like the Highland Fling, Devil o’ the Highlands and Málaga Marathon. Emily also shares how she balances training with real‑life demands and why sustainable, confidence‑building running matters more than chasing perfection. Before the conversation, I give a quick review of my day at the River Ayr Way Ultra — including pacing across the 5‑mile blocks, managing accumulated fatigue, and staying composed through the technical middle section. A huge congratulations to former guest Steve Daye for taking the win. RAW once again proved why it’s one of Scotland’s most deceptively tough point‑to‑point ultras. If you’re in Paisley, check out Barshaw Runbirds @barshawrunbirds (women‑only, 7:30pm Wednesdays) and Seventy Seven Run Club @77runclub.paisley on Sunday mornings at 8am. And if you’re looking for structured, sustainable coaching for ultras, marathons or building consistency around a busy life, you can get in touch via DM Instagram or through my page on the Team RunRun website: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/. #ultrarunning #scottishrunning #trailrunning #westcoastultra #emilyintheoutdoors #barshawrunbirds #seventysevenrunclub #wildheartrunners #runningcommunity #womenwhorun #scottishultras #riverayrway #highlandfling #devilofthehighlands #malagamarathon #yogaforrunners #endurancecoaching Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As I taper into the River Ayr Way Ultra, I sat down with Scottish ultra‑runner Lee Fawkes, @leefawkesfitnessandlife whose rise from winging the Glasgow Half Marathon to winning the Kinross Backyard Ultra in a single season is one of the wildest progression arcs I’ve seen. In this episode. I talk with Lee about his podium finish at the Ultra Scotland 100, the cracked‑ankle drama that nearly stopped him getting to the start line, and the mental collapse at loop 22 that turned into a breakthrough moment. We dig into pacing discipline, mindset resets, nutrition choices, and the role of community — especially the support he gets from Scott Brown Fitness. As an ultrarunning coach, I found myself nodding along to so much of what he said, and a lot of it is feeding directly into my own RAW taper. If you enjoy the episode, connect with me on Instagram @davidultrarunner, and if you’re looking for coaching support for your next ultra, you can find me on Team RunRun, link in bio and all that. Season 5 starts here — with resilience, redemption, and a runner who’s only just getting started. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a little different. With the three races in three months, I am going through a cycle of race, recover, train, taper and right now I am tapering for the River Ayr Way Challenge Race (my personal nemesis). So, I am going to take you through how I am preparing myself. Even if the training hasn't been perfect and I am not where I want to be I want to make sure that I do what I can in the taper to make sure I turn up at the start line as best I can, and for you I will be breaking down the art and science of 'the taper'. With a final long‑run recce in the bag, I share a full training update before diving into what tapering is, why it matters, how to fuel during it, and how to handle the mental chaos that comes with reduced training. Whether you’re preparing for your first ultra or your fastest one, this episode gives you the strategy, structure, and confidence to arrive on the start line fresh, sharp, and ready to perform. Might even be just in time to help you out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I share a real update on life, training, and racing after a tough few months. I talk about supporting my mum in long‑term dementia care, a demanding spell at work, and how both forced me to step back and rethink how I balance ultra‑running with real‑life responsibilities. I break down my return from an Achilles injury, the confidence I gained from the Kaim Hill race, and a deeper look at the Ochils Ultra — my first proper test back. I also talk through my build‑up to the River Ayr Way Ultra and my plans for Ultra England at the end of October. If you’re navigating injury recovery, busy life seasons, or trying to stay consistent with ultra‑running when things get heavy, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kayleigh Webster is back on the podcast for her third appearance — this time diving into what Backyard Ultras reveal about people, why Beecraigs has become such a special community event, and how injury has reshaped her approach to running and race directing. We get into: • Why Backyards feel more communal than competitive • The atmosphere at Beecraigs and the role of spectators • Family influence, Barkley dreams, and “unreasonable” goals • Watching runners change hour by hour • How a busy race calendar can strengthen the running ecosystem • Injury, identity, and learning to train differently • Zwift, patience, and redefining what it means to be a runner • Leadership, judgement, and caring for athletes • What’s next for Beecraigs — and for Kayleigh Quick training update from me: the Achilles is settling, mileage is building again, and I’m finally stringing together some consistent weeks. A brilliant conversation with someone who’s shaping the Scottish ultra scene in a really thoughtful way. If you are looking for coaching then hit me up on insta @davidultrarunner or search on the Team Runrun website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I’m talking through a proper turning point in my training — the first week where things finally felt like they were moving in the right direction again. After months of managing the Achilles and rebuilding slowly, I hit around 45 miles, and for the first time in ages, I felt like a runner rather than someone stuck in rehab mode. I also dive into my experience at the Kaim Hill Race — a short, savage blast where I pushed hard from the start, got overtaken by half the field on the climb, and then clawed back places on the descent thanks to good shoes and a bit of confidence. My watch showed Zone 5 for 98% of the race, which tells you everything about the effort. It was exactly the benchmark I needed. I’m also celebrating some brilliant athlete performances this week: Bert & Maggie — both smashing 30‑second 5k PBsFiona & Paul — completing the Devil O’ The Highlands in under 9 hours on a rocky, rugged Scottish mountain courseSheila — finishing the London Marathon in a rapid 3:33 All of these performances tie back to a core part of my training philosophy: speed and efficiency matter at every distance. Whether you’re racing 5k or grinding through a mountain ultra, building that top‑end ability makes everything else more achievable. If you enjoy the episode, it would mean a lot if you could rate the show, share it with a friend, or connect with me on Instagram @davidultrarunner. And if you’re looking for coaching, you can find me over on Team RunRun — I’d love to support your next big goal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing a quick but honest update on where my training is at — from the Achilles hanging in there, to getting back into the Fairlie hills (and the five‑day DOMS that followed), to reintroducing proper structured sessions again. I also break down how I’m structuring my year with River Ayr Way Ultra still months away, why I’m focusing on a 6‑week power block, and why I decided to take on the Kaim Hill Race even though it’s absolutely not my strength. Then I dive into two concepts that are shaping my approach this season: minimum effective dose — doing just enough to create adaptation without burning out — and goal setting that actually sticks, not the chaotic January Man version we all know too well. If you’re building towards something big this year, this episode will help you think about your training with more clarity, more intention, and a lot less noise. If you enjoy the show, please rate it — it genuinely helps. Connect with me on Instagram: @davidultrarunner And if you’re looking for coaching, you can find me on Team RunRun: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Callum Laird @callumlaird_ to walk through his journey from growing up in Ayrshire to standing on the start line at Transgrancanaria — with all the breakthroughs, setbacks, and perspective shifts in between. We talk about how he fell into endurance, the confidence that came from races like the Skye Trail Ultra, and why variety — from ultras to HYROX — keeps him curious. The turning point is the Goat Fell accident just weeks before Transgrancanaria. Callum opens up about what happened, how serious it became, and how it changed his relationship with risk, resilience, and gratitude. We finish with what the race meant to him, what he’s learned about himself, and how he balances ambition with self‑preservation. A powerful conversation about rebuilding, identity, and why we keep showing up. If you are looking for coaching then get in touch, ether through instagram @davidultrarunner or search for me on Team RunRun Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I share an update on my achilles rehab, talk about hitting my first 30‑mile week again, and (drum roll please) announce that I’m officially signed up for the River Ayr Way Ultra — my long‑standing nemesis. I also break down the biggest lessons from completing my UESCA Ultra-Endurance Sports Nutrition Certification, including: How our energy systems actually work during ultra training Why gut training matters and how to reduce GI distress What nutrition periodization looks like in real life Simple ways to keep daily nutrition balanced and blood sugar stable If you’re training for an ultra or just want to fuel your running better, there’s plenty in here you can take straight into your own training and if you are looking for coaching then get in touch on either instagram @davidultrarunner or on Team RunRun where you can also sign up for coaching and get started straight away Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.