West Coast Ultra Podcast

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 PBs Fiona & Paul — completing the Devil O’ The Highlands in under 9 hours on a rocky, rugged Scottish mountain course Sheila — 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 talent Why “admin” is the real race, and the runners who finish are the ones who look after themselves early The moment she nearly quit at Langdon Beck — and how the community pulled her back Why suffering in these events is a privilege What it means to run for a cause bigger than yourself And 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 fatigue Why winter is the real foundation season How I lower activation energy to make training easier Why “good enough” beats “perfect” How I use the bike to support my running The role of strength and mobility right now What the Spine Race teaches us about resilience and adaptability Practical takeaways you can apply straight away Key ideas I talk about: Winter rewards consistency, not intensity Systems matter more than motivation Adaptability is a performance skill Small decisions compound into big outcomes Community 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.

In this episode of the West Coast Ultra Podcast, I’m joined once again by previous guest (S2E2) and friend of the show Andy Darling — a seriously fast road runner who has made a brilliant transition into the world of trail and ultra running. If you didn’t catch Andy’s first appearance on the show, don’t worry. I get him to reintroduce himself, talk about his background as both a runner and a personal trainer, and share what pulled him away from the road‑PB mindset and into the adventure, unpredictability, and challenge of the trails. In this conversation, we get into: Andy’s journey from road speed to trail resilience The mindset shift from chasing times to chasing experiences How his training has evolved — physically and mentally What surprised him most about the ultra world A full breakdown of his recent Borders 8 Hour race His pacing, nutrition, highs, lows, and the lessons he’s taking forward How his road background helped him — and where it didn’t What’s next for him, including his 2026 race calendar and long‑term goals I also share some coaching insights from my own work with athletes making the same transition, and talk about the common pitfalls I see when road runners step into the ultra world. 🔗 Connect with Andy Instagram: @andyd_thept 🔗 Connect with Me Coaching via Team RunRun — just search David Taylor Instagram: @davidultrarunner If you’re stepping into ultras, coming back from injury, or looking to build sustainable endurance, I coach athletes of all levels and would love to support your journey. ⭐ Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and share the show. It really helps grow the West Coast Ultra community and brings more incredible guests to the mic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The West Coast Ultra Podcast , I’m diving into two themes that feel especially relevant right now: the impact of stress on our health and fitness as ultrarunners, and the balance between dreaming big adventures and actually being present in the moment. I start with a quick update on my own training. Running is coming back, but my Achilles has flared up a little — a reminder that stress doesn’t just live in our heads, it shows up in our bodies. Nights out, a bit more alcohol, less sleep, and even fighting off bugs from public transport have all played a part. On the flip side, cycling has been going really well, and I’m lining up my first 100‑mile ride this week as this episode goes live. From there, I explore how stress stacks up in endurance sports. Drawing on ideas from Scott Freda on the Singletrack Podcast , Scott McClean from Bulletproof Cycling , and the Excellence Actually podcast, I talk about how stress is cumulative, how resilience is about total load capacity, and why excellence is really about sustainability, not perfection. I then go into the second theme: dreaming versus presence. Ultrarunning is full of big goals — 100‑milers, FKTs, epic mountain adventures — and those dreams are powerful. But if we live only in the dream, we miss the richness of the moment we’re in. I share stories about how presence brings joy, reduces stress, and keeps us grounded, while dreams give us direction and motivation. The art is in balancing the two. Finally, I tie it all together: how stress can make dreams feel heavy, and how presence can lighten the load. I share practical tools like journaling, reframing training as storytelling, and celebrating small wins to keep both vision and joy alive. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s chasing their own endurance goals. And if you’re looking for coaching — whether you’re returning from injury, balancing life stress with training, or dreaming of your next big adventure — I’d love to help. You can find me through Team RunRun or on Instagram @davidultrarunner . Thanks for listening to Season 4, Episode 8 of The West Coast Ultra Podcast . Manage your stress, dream big, and stay present. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gratitude, Balance, and Festive Nutrition In this episode, I share an honest update on my own training. Cycling has been a big focus lately, and I’m seeing real improvements, but I’ve also started back running properly again. It’s not perfect—I’m still a bit creaky—but I’m grateful for what I can do. That sense of gratitude is something I want to carry into every session, and I talk about the decisions I’ll face as I balance cycling and running in the months ahead. I also dive into the latest Excellence Actually podcast, which explored whether greatness is born or built. I connect that conversation to ultrarunning, showing how persistence, consistency, and resilience matter far more than raw talent. It’s a reminder that excellence in our sport is built step by step, not gifted overnight. Nutrition is another big theme this week. I break down the five top diet tips from the Roadman podcast and explain how I’m applying them myself using the Food Coach app. With the festive season here, I also share my own strategies for staying fairly good with food and drink while still enjoying the celebrations—because balance matters, and guilt doesn’t help anyone. Finally, I talk about mental fitness and recovery. Coming back from injury isn’t just physical—it’s mental too. I share practical tools like reframing setbacks, journaling, and leaning on community support to build resilience. If you enjoy the show, please like, rate, and subscribe—it helps more runners discover the podcast. And if you’re looking for coaching support, I work with athletes of all levels through Team RunRun. You can find me on Instagram @davidultrarunner . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ Episode Overview I share an update on my training and return from injury. I talk about looking at events and challenges for the year ahead, and why I need planning time before committing. I explain how I break down goals, use journaling to track alignment, and why structure helps me stay on course. I apologize for the planned guest not being on this episode — diaries got away from us, but they’ll be on soon. Let me know who you’d love to hear on the show. 🏃 Training & Planning First runs back after injury — what they’ve taught me. The importance of breaking down goals into manageable steps. Journaling as a tool to track progress and check alignment. Weekly check‑ins: am I moving closer to where I want to be, or drifting? 🚴 Running vs Cycling Balance Loving both sports, but time is limited. Reframing the challenge as gratitude instead of frustration. Recognizing the privilege of having multiple passions. 🙏 Gratitude Practices (inspired by Excellence, Actually ) Gratitude builds resilience and psychological flexibility. It helps avoid burnout and grounds us in the present. It strengthens identity by focusing on values, not just results. Practical tools: Daily journaling with specific gratitude entries. Gratitude runs or rides — noticing what’s good. Narrative reframing during tough patches. Expressing appreciation to teammates, volunteers, and supporters. I share a set of journaling prompts listeners can use right away. 📣 Community & Coaching Reminder to like, rate, and subscribe to the show. Share the episode with anyone who might benefit — that’s how we grow the West Coast Ultra community. 👉 I now have space for more athletes - if you’d like coaching support to break down your goals, stay accountable, and build consistency, you can find me on Team RunRun: David Taylor – Glasgow Running Coach . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I dive into the theme of consistency — both in the small, everyday habits and in the bigger picture of long-term resilience. I talk about how showing up, even when it’s hard, builds strength not just in ultrarunning but in life. I also explore the idea of impermanence: tough times don’t last, and if we keep going, we’ll get through them. I give a shoutout to my athlete Bert, who won a race at the weekend. Bert’s been on the podcast before, and his win is a brilliant example of what consistency looks like in action. I also reflect on Scotland qualifying for the World Cup finals. Now, I’m not trying to do one of those “lessons from football” posts you see all over LinkedIn — but there’s something powerful about just keeping going, even when the odds are against you. 🩺 Injury Recovery & Reframing I share my own journey of coming back from injury and those first runs back. They’re small steps, but they’re forward steps. I talk about how we can reframe setbacks: focusing on what we can do, adjusting expectations, and setting new goals. I also explain why I’m swapping my annual 100K run for a very long bike ride this year — simply because it’s difficult. And I tie this into Jack Daniels’ teaching that you lose far less fitness than you think, especially if you’re cross-training. 🏃 Key Takeaways Consistency in the micro (daily habits) and macro (long-term resilience) Impermanence: tough times don’t last, but consistency helps us endure them Scotland’s World Cup qualification as a story of persistence Injury recovery: reframing setbacks and celebrating small wins Cross-training and fitness retention 📣 Coaching Services I coach athletes of all levels through Team RunRun, helping them bring consistency into their training and prepare for their biggest goals. If you’d like to work with me, you can find me on Team RunRun or Instagram @davidultrarunner. 🎧 Call to Action If you enjoy the show, please like, share, and rate The West Coast Ultra Podcast . It helps more runners discover the community and keeps the conversation growing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hope you love the feet photo and doesn't make you puke (that's what 44 hours on them does) In this episode of The West Coast Ultra Podcast , I share an honest update on my Achilles injury and talk about how I’m using cross training to stay strong while I’m off running. I know how frustrating injuries can be, and I dive into the emotional side of being sidelined — the fear, the loss of identity, and the isolation that many of us feel. I also break down the practical side: How I’m structuring my cross training sessions to mimic running workouts The benefits of cycling, swimming, strength, and mobility work during recovery Why injuries can actually be the perfect time to fix weaknesses and come back stronger I’ll share some of my own experiences, as well as insights from coaching athletes who’ve returned better than ever after setbacks. If you’re dealing with an injury or want to train smarter, this episode is for you. Coaching Promo: I coach athletes of all levels through Team RunRun, and you can also catch me on Instagram @davidultrarunner. If you’d like support navigating your own training or recovery, I’d love to help. Call to Action: If you enjoy the show, please rate and review The West Coast Ultra Podcast . It helps more runners discover the content and join our community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I dive into the concept of the winter arc —a crucial phase in ultrarunning training that sets the stage for spring race success. We explore what the winter arc is, how to structure your training during this time, and how to use it to build durable fitness, mental resilience, and race readiness. 💡 Topics include: What the winter arc means for ultra athletes How to train smart through the colder months Mindset shifts for off-season consistency Transitioning into spring race prep Why winter is the perfect time to experiment and reflect I also share coaching insights, personal anecdotes, and practical strategies to help you make the most of your winter training. Whether you’re gearing up for a spring ultra or just trying to stay consistent, this episode is packed with tools to help you train smarter. If you’re looking for personalised coaching, I’d love to work with you. You can find me on Team RunRun or follow me on Instagram @davidultrarunner. 🎧 Don’t forget to rate and review the show—it helps us reach more runners like you Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I explore the science of fatigue and how it impacts ultra running—drawing from the Excellence, Actually podcast and key theories like the Central Governor Theory and Psychobiological Model. I also share updates from my own training, coaching insights, and review Sarah Perry’s record-breaking performance at the 2025 Backyard Ultra World Championships. 💡 Topics include: Mental vs physical fatigue Recovery strategies beyond sleep Fueling and mindset tools How fatigue shows up in ultras—and how to manage it If you enjoy the show, please rate and review—it helps more runners find us. And if you're ready to take your training to the next level, check out my coaching services here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.