Something a little bit different for your Christmas episode.

I take you with me this week on the Stewarton Ultrarunners 100k run on the 14th of December 2024 with some heavy breathing, plodding steps and interviews with the guys along the way.

We'll return to normal service next week but why waste an opportunity to tray something different :)

Heres some of the key learning points:

1. Big days out with friends are ace
2. Doing the hard things teaches you about yourself - it's why I do ultras
3. Summary of my hydration and fuelling
4. Running tall

Let's connect:

• If you are not already, follow me @davidultrarunner on Instagram for running-related content, chat, and discussion about the pod.
• Why don't you give someone the gift of this podcast and share it with friends Wanna give me a gift? A review would be ace :)

Are you looking for a running coach?

Give yourself or someone you know the gift of coaching - get in touch to see how I can help you wth your training: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kayleigh Webster is another legend who made it to the snowy edition of the Wildheart Runners birthday bash. What a story she has to tell, including her first ultramarathon win in the Back Yard Ultra format.

What we talked about:

• Lockdown running and Couch to 5K
• Learning lessons on the way to going long
• The impact of moving to a plant-based and alcohol-free lifestyle and how 'The Happy Diet' was born
• Working up through the distances, finding backyard ultras and other challenges
• Coaching and finding her own way
• Her next big challenge

Key Takeaways:

• Be bold in what you challenge yourself with and tell others about - then do the work to make it happen
• Think about what you are eating and drinking - is it working for you? Good time of year to check
• Coaching has its place, but then again so does going it alone if you listen to what your body (and mind) tells you.

Resources Mentioned:

• @injinji and hunners of bananas

Connect with Us:

• Kayleigh has come off Instagram but there's still some great content @the_happydiet but check out her website: thehappydiet.co.uk
• The Golspie BYU article we spoke about: https://thehappydiet.co.uk/golspie-backyard-ultra/
• If you are not already, follow me @davidultrarunner on Instagram for running-related content, chat, and discussion about the pod.
• Why don't you give someone the gift of this podcast and share it with friends Wanna give me a gift, a review would be ace :)

Are you looking for a running coach?

Then why not get in touch and see if I can help you - fill in the contact form here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I chatted to Gemma Holloway. I met Gemma on the very snowy and cold Wildheart Runners anniversary meet. When she told me about her couch to 50k journey AND that she was a Sports and Performance Dietitian I couldn't not invite her on the podcast - food and running - that what it's all about isn't it.

What we talked about:

• Early beginnings and meeting strange people in car parks
• Pushing the boundaries to see hat might happen
• Challenges and working on her relationship with food
• Trying ultras (and getting hooked)
• Plans on going that little bit further
• We also started down the rabbit hole with nutrition

Key Takeaways:

• Dont restrict your fuelling, especially for longer runs where you need it more
• Finding your tribe (or tribes) that will be there and support you in your running journey
• Listen to your body and be OK with changing your plans for the right reasons - focus on the longer terms goals that you have

Resources Mentioned:

• @ronhill for the twin skin shorts

Connect with Us:

• You can catch Gemma on Instagram @this_dietitian_runs where she has some great advice posts on nutrition and where you can reach out for advice.
• If you are not already, follow me @davidultrarunner on Instagram for running-related content, chat, and discussion about the pod.
• Also, a little plea from me: if you enjoy the pod, please leave a review wherever you are listening as it helps others find it and spread the word.

Are you looking for a running coach?

While I now have a few athletes on board, there is always room for a few more, so if you want to know how I can help, get in touch here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I chatted with Andy Berry, one of Britain's best trail and ultra runners with an incredible running CV. He has a bunch of course records, fastest known times and podium places - way too many to mention in this intro but we delve deep during the episode. We also spoke about his approach to the psychological aspects of the sport and what drives his relentless pursuit of his goals.

I also managed to recruit another crew member for my Bob Graham round (something I either need to stop doing - or just go and do the BG) - nae pressure :)

What we talked about:

• How Andy got into running from a pub conversation and disillusionment about Sunday football.
• The change in his philosophy that has led to better results and really enjoying the sport
• How he has worked on his mindset when working towards goals
• Plans for the future and dreaming big
• Balancing all of the training at an elite level with family life

Key Takeaways:

• Don't be scared to fail - welcome it - if you never try you will never know
• You can choose the attitude that you take to the stations you are in
• Get clear on your values and hold yourself accountable to them

Resources Mentioned:

• All things @Inov8 for the kit (my personal favourite anyway)
• @torq gels for the win

Connect with Us:

• You can catch Andy on Instagram on either his personal account @fior_berry or on his coaching account @andyberry_coaching
• If you are not already, follow me @davidultrarunner on Instagram for running-related content, chat, and discussion about the pod.
• Also, a little plea from me: if you enjoy the pod, please leave a review wherever you are listening to it—it helps others find it and spread the word.

Are you looking for a running coach?

While I now have a few athletes on board, there is room for a few more, so if you want to know how I can help, get in touch here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I talked with Peter O'Brien, a Doctor living in Ayrshire whom I met when I was in the Lakes for a training weekend.

After I hashed out a very crude science lesson on training (apologies, you may want to skip that bit) we talked about:

What we talked about:

• How covid became the time that he started running and looked to just stay fit and functional
• How he found enjoyment in entering events (and the slippy slope that followed)
• Taking to the hills with events like the King and most recently the OMM
• Some of the different skills and thinking when you hit the high hills and wilder events
• How the boundaries to the weekly training allows for flexibility for individual sessions (a theme that we have talked about before)
• What's up next

Key Takeaways:

• Use events to give you the focus to train, and depending on the event, to train specifically
• Find the type of events that you enjoy - you don't always have to be pushing yourself to breaking point in each race
• Think about what skills you might need in future events and practice early (e.g. navigation)

Resources Mentioned:

• Asics and Salomon shoes, features and merino socks, Ultiate Direction race pack
• gels/fuelling: my fave - voom bars plus tailwind with some chia power bars thrown in

Connect with Us:

• If you are not already, follow me @davidultrarunner on Instagram for running-related content, chat, and discussion about the pod.
• Also, if you enjoy the pod the PLEASE leave a review - it really helps others find it and if you know of folk that would enjoy/benefit from a listen then share away :)

Are you looking for an ultramarathon coach?

While I now have a few athletes on board there is room for a few more so if you want to know how I can help then get in touch here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I talk with Ayrshire local Steve Daye. Steve has recently burst onto the ultra scene, but his 2022 debut ultra was years in the making.

What we talked about:

• Steve's background and how he has built his (very speedy) running base up over the years
• How he thinks about and selects future races
• How he combines a busy, physical job with training
• What he has learned from being at the sharp end of races
• How he is continuing to learn how to translate his excellent running to longer ultra-distance events

Key Takeaways:

• Speed is a really useful component to any runner, regardless or the distance that you are planning to run
• Creating predictability in some of the core events you race, and your training allows for flexibility elsewhere
• Rest is critical performing your best

Resources Mentioned:

• Follow Steve on Instagram @ultra.running.bear
• gels/fuelling: @maurten @salomon speedcross @ronhill (for the shades) @talwind for liquid carbs
• 
  

Connect with Us:

• If you are not already then follow me @davidultrarunner on Instagram for running related content, have a chat and talk about the pod
• I'd appreciate it if you could leave us a review on whatever platform you are listening on and share with people you might think would like to hear what we say. It does help (and I would be very grateful :)

Do you want me to be your ultramarathon coach?

I have a few athletes coming on board but still have space for a few more. Want to see how I can help? Just go to this link, complete the contact form here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and one of the team will get back to you. Plus, if you mention the podcast, I have a little discount waiting for you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scottish Queen of the Backyard Ultra and co-founder of the Wildheart Runners, Karen Nicol spends some time with us this week.

Her bio on the Wildheart Runners page says it all:

"Karen has been competing in ultra-distance races for over 10 years and loves (and sometimes loathes) a Backyard Ultra. With 40 yards under her belt, the former GB female record holder is passionate about encouraging females to participate in the lapped format. Karen has won the Crawley 12-hour and 6-hour races and stood on the podium in many other ultra races, including Edinburgh 24, Glenmore 24, and Devil of the Highlands.

She is also the Founder and Race Director of her local Junior Parkrun, she is a guide runner, journaling advocate, and ultra-running coach specialising in female health and menopause.

Her passion is supporting others to overcome barriers and use running as a vessel for a better life.

UESCA Certified Ultra Running Coach and Certified Female Athlete and Menopause Coach. "

What we talked about:

• Karen's background is from being a non-runner and signing up for a charity 10k to representing her country at the Back Yard Ultra World Championships
• Her thoughts and campaigning for better, more equitable representation of females in endurance sports
• We explore some of the barriers to females in ultra running
• How the Wildheart Runners started and how you can get involved

Key Takeaways:

• The unique challenges that females are faced with
• How the support of others, like the Wildheart Runners community can help build your confidence
• How getting the right people around you is so important to being able to fulfil your potential sich as getting the right coach (and a supportive partner)

Resources Mentioned:

• Follow Karen on Instagram @ultrakazy and the Wildheart Runners on @wildheartrunners
• You can find out all about the Wildheart Runners at their website here:wildheartrunners.com

Connect with Us:

• Follow @davidultrarunner on Instagram for some running-related content, engage with the podcast and find out when the next one is available
• Subscribe to our podcast on all good podcast platforms including apple, spotify and amazon
• Leave us a review on whatever platform you are listening on and share with people you might think would like to hear what we have to say. It really does help

Do you want me to be your ultramarathon coach?

All you have to do is fill in a simple form, and then we can set up a time to see how I can help you. The link is here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and one of the team will get back to you. Plus, if you mention the podcast, I have a little discount waiting for you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once again we have came up trumps with a long-run feature length episode.

This time we will hear from Scott Brown. not only is Scott my coach but he is the owner of SBF (Scott Brown Fitness) and a serial winner in both OCR and ultra-endurance events

The conversation is filled with inspiration throughout. I hope you enjoy.

Topics Discussed:

• Scott's background, from school to the military, to close protection work to the business that he has built
• How he has evolved as an athlete and how he finds new and exciting challenges#
• We talk about some massive races from the worlds toughest mudder to the the West Highland Way Race, to the GB Ultras Scotland events and the Spine.
• The way that he surrounds himself with the right people and how in turn he is also able to help and support others great team and people
• How mindset can overcome obstacles regardless of whether you are an elite athlete like Scott or more average (like me)
• His future challenges (we will come back to Scott after he has smashed this one)

Key Takeaways:

• Mindset is key to achieving what you set out to do, and it is something that you can work on and develop
• The environment that you are in is important, what kind of culture do you want to be in?
• Getting the right people and team around you will accelerate your success, but where can you also give something back?

Resources Mentioned:

• Follow Scott on Instagram @sbf_scottbrown and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/scottbrownfitness
• You can find out all about his gym here: https://www.facebook.com/scottbrownfitness

Connect with Us:

• Follow @davidultrarunner on Instagram for some running-related content, engage with the podcast and find out when the next one is available
• Subscribe to our podcast on all good podcast platforms including apple, spotify and amazon
• Leave us a review on whatever platform you are listening on and share with people you might think would like to hear what we have to say. It really does help

Do you want me to be your ultramarathon coach?

All you have to do is fill in a simple form, and then we can set up a time to see how I can help you. The link is here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and one of the team will get back to you. Plus, if you mention the podcast, I have a little discount waiting for you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.