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.

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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.

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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.

We have another long-run/feature-length episode this week with Paul Manson aka The Random Runner.

Paul is the dynamic personality behind the YouTube channel 'The Random Runner'.

Join us as he shares his journey from a casual runner to an epic adventure conquering social media sensation, known for his fun and quirky challenges that bring joy to the running community.

Topics Discussed:

• Paul’s background, what inspired him to start running and when he got 'the bug'.
• The concept behind the Random Runner and his positivity in facing challenges
• How he uses social media to connect with and motivate others
• How he chooses his races and challenges like the West Highland Way Race, Lakeland 100 and the Tor de Geants
• Tips for anyone looking to make running more fun and engaging

Key Takeaways:

• Frame ultras as adventures
• Choosing your path and focusing on the joy that running can give you
• Finding what it is that inspires you - then go and do it

Resources Mentioned:

• Follow Paul on YouTube @therandomrunner
• @salomon s/lab genesis as his 'go to' shoe

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 [Platforms]
• Leave us a review on whatever platform you are listening on and share where you can

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 some 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.

This week we move back to Ayrshire where we have a conversation with the one and only Andy Darling.

Andy is a Personal Trainer and Ultrarunner based in Irvine and has recently completed the 57-mile Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultramarathon in just 9 hours and 27 minutes.

He is also a personal trainer (There is Always Time) working out of Scott Brown Fitness in Irvine.

In this episode, we talk about:

• His transition from CrossFit, where he got a bit bored to Obstacle Course Racing
• Moving beyond the OCR world and focusing on road-running
• Going from shorter races to road marathons to recently completing the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultramarathon
• How he moved from managing a coffee shop to being a personal trainer - his passion for this shines through
• Finding the inspiration in what he does now and next

Many thanks to Andy for his time and if you would like to connect with him then he is on Instagram here: @thereisalwaystime_pt and on the ol' Facebook just search for There is Always Time PT

If you are looking for coaching help and advice for ultrarunning, I still have space, so why not set up a time to see how I can help? Just fill in some details in the contact form here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/ and one of the team will ensure we get connected. If you decide to go ahead with coaching, then just mention the podcast for a nice little discount. I can't say I'm not nice.

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

We kick off season 2 in style and have feature (long run) length episode that I promise will be worth it.

We catch up with Jeev Sing, co-founder of the Green Runners who has recently conquered the infamous Bob Graham Round, and in the process became the first Indian to do so.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How he went from humble beginnings in India to the corporate world in London.
• The moment that he turned back to running and a healthier way of life
• Moving from road to trail (and loving it)
• Moving from trail to ultras (and loving it) - including 'that' fell running book
• Running the classic 153-mile Spartathlon
• Falling in love with the Lakeland Fells (and moving there)
• What the Bob Graham Round is, the approach he took and the friends he made
• Where the idea of The Green Runners came from and how you can get involved

You can find out more about the Green Runners by clicking on their Instagram bio and also connect with Jeev at @desi.runner where you will be able to see his reels including some awesome highlights of his Bob Graham. The film about his round will be coming out in Spring 2025 and will be available through Summit Fever Media

As always, if you are looking for some help to achieve your ultra goals then get in touch for a chat here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/

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This week we talk to Basil Heaney, an accomplished ultrarunner who co-founded the charity Into Ultra.

Basil was a latecomer to ultrarunning but has slowly crawled his way up to being a mid/back-pack runner finishing many gnarly multi-day races in the UK and Alps but also with an impressive collection of DNFs too. No GB vest or FKT but has small corner in the record books of being only person (foolish enough) to complete the Spine and Arc of Attrition back-to-back.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How basil came into the sport
• How he selects the races that he wants to do (hint, if it is tougher, or longer then it's a yes)
• The difference between the distances and what makes 200+ mile races special, in a
• Why the charity Into Ultra was formed and what it's mission
• How you and others can get involved (and probably should)
• The impact that Into Ultra has had on people

Please check out the website at www.intoultra.org.uk to find out all about them and also @intoultra on Instagram or email at info@intoultra.org.uk While you are there you could also check out the very cool Kit Squad that we talk about here: https://kitsquad.co.uk/

As always, if you are looking for coaching, please get in touch here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/ and we can talk over how I can help you. You also get a 20% discount on the coaching if you mention the podcast and put WCUltra in at the payment stage. Bargain :)

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