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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.

In this episode of the West Coast Ultra Podcast, I’m picking up right where I left off after my conversation with Llinos — diving deeper into resilience, rebuilding, and what it really means to trust the process when training isn’t linear. I share an honest update on where I’m at with my own training. On the bike, my FTP has gone up again, which is always a nice confidence boost. I explain what FTP actually is, why it matters, and why it shouldn’t become the thing that defines you. It’s a tool for progress, not a judgement of your worth as an athlete. Running is also heading in the right direction. My mileage is increasing, the pain is minimal, and I’m starting to feel like a runner again. And yes — the temptation to sign up for a race is getting dangerously high. I spend time talking about mental resilience: how to stay steady when things aren’t going your way, or when your next big event feels miles away. I explore the balance between discipline and flexibility, and why trusting the process is often harder than any workout. There’s also a look at what’s happening in the wider world of trail and ultrarunning — from hybrid training trends to the rise of backyard ultras, new tech, and the shift toward more sustainable racing. I bring in some ideas inspired by the Excellence Actually podcast, especially around consistency, identity, and the psychology of progress. These concepts have been hugely helpful for me and for the athletes I coach. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please share it, leave a review, or send it to someone who might need a bit of encouragement in their training. And if you’re looking for coaching support — whether you’re coming back from injury, building toward an ultra, or wanting more structure — you can find me on Team RunRun. I’d love to help you build something sustainable and meaningful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Llinos Proctor — someone whose journey into ultrarunning is anything but typical. She didn’t grow up sporty, she didn’t come from a running background, and she certainly didn’t imagine she’d one day be taking on the Winter Spine Race. What she did have was a love of wild places, a deep connection to the mountains, and a willingness to keep showing up when life got hard. We talk about how running first became a lifeline during a difficult time in her life, and how those early half‑mile efforts slowly grew into marathons, ultras, and eventually some of the toughest mountain races in the UK. Llinos shares how she rebuilt from long COVID, how she learned to trust herself in remote terrain, and how the trail community helped her find confidence she didn’t know she had. Then we dive into the big one — the Winter Spine Race. She takes us through the highs, the lows, the hallucinations, the bogs, the admin, the kit chaos, the night sweats, and the moments where she genuinely thought she was done… only to find another gear she didn’t know existed. We explore: How resilience is built through lived experience, not talentWhy “admin” is the real race, and the runners who finish are the ones who look after themselves earlyThe moment she nearly quit at Langdon Beck — and how the community pulled her backWhy suffering in these events is a privilegeWhat it means to run for a cause bigger than yourselfAnd what’s next now that she’s completed one of the toughest winter ultras in the world This is a conversation about grit, identity, motherhood, mountains, and the strange joy of doing really hard things on purpose. If you’re an ultrarunner, a dot‑watcher, or someone who loves stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, you’ll get a lot from this one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m diving into the reality of winter training — the dark mornings, the cold miles, the shifting motivation — and how I’m trying to stay consistent while building my bike fitness and keeping my running steady. This is the time of year where everything feels harder, but it’s also where the biggest gains are made if you approach it the right way. I talk through what my own training has looked like recently: pushing the bike more seriously, working on power and efficiency, and trying to keep my running ticking over without forcing anything. It’s not perfect, but it’s moving in the right direction, and that’s the whole point of winter. From there, I get into the main theme of the episode: how to train well in winter. I share the systems, habits, and mindset shifts that actually work — the things I use myself and the things I coach my athletes to focus on. Winter isn’t about hero sessions; it’s about showing up often enough to build the foundations for spring. I also take a look at the recent Spine Race series and pull out some lessons that apply to all of us. The Spine is the ultimate example of winter resilience: adaptability, small decisions, forward motion, and community. There’s so much we can learn from it, even if we’re not racing 268 miles through the Pennine Way in January. In this episode, I cover: My current training update: bike improvements, running consistency, and winter fatigueWhy winter is the real foundation seasonHow I lower activation energy to make training easierWhy “good enough” beats “perfect”How I use the bike to support my runningThe role of strength and mobility right nowWhat the Spine Race teaches us about resilience and adaptabilityPractical takeaways you can apply straight away Key ideas I talk about: Winter rewards consistency, not intensitySystems matter more than motivationAdaptability is a performance skillSmall decisions compound into big outcomesCommunity keeps you accountable when motivation dips If you enjoy this episode, share it with someone who’s struggling with winter motivation. And if you want coaching support, you can find me on Team RunRun. Thanks for listening — keep showing up, keep building, and spring will thank you for it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I share a quick update on my own training — including my 100‑mile cycle on the 19th of December, what’s been happening on Strava, and why my physio has pulled me back to 5–6 km runs for now. I also dive into the whole “New Year, New Me” mindset and why most goal‑setting falls apart. Inspired by Rich Roll’s recent conversation with Mark Manson and the relentless approach Cam Hanes talks about in Undeniable, I explore how identity, consistency, and systems matter far more than motivation. If you’re setting big goals for 2026 or trying to build more structure into your training, this episode will give you a clear, realistic way to approach it — with plenty of parallels to ultrarunning. If you’re interested in coaching, feel free to reach out to me here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/ or if you like then sliiide into my DMs on instagram @davidultrarunner And as always… keep on running. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.