The West Coast Ultra Podcast is a weekly trail and ultra-running podcast filled with tales of ordinary people doing some extraordinary things.
Host David talks about his latest adventures, training, coaching, and races, as well as conversations with a variety of runners who share their running stories, tips and tricks.
If you are looking for coaching then reach out to David for an initial conversation here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The West Coast Ultra Podcast is a weekly trail and ultra-running podcast filled with tales of ordinary people doing some extraordinary things.
Host David talks about his latest adventures, training, coaching, and races, as well as conversations with a variety of runners who share their running stories, tips and tricks.
If you are looking for coaching then reach out to David for an initial conversation here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/
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:
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.
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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.
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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.
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🎙️ Episode Overview
🏃 Training & Planning
🚴 Running vs Cycling Balance
🙏 Gratitude Practices (inspired by Excellence, Actually)
📣 Community & Coaching
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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:
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.
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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:
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
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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:
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/
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Season 4 kicks off with a twist—the mic has been turned round again and I take to the hot seat to share my epic journey through the 13 Valleys Ultra, one of the toughest trail races in the UK. Interviewed by previous guest (S1E14) and friend of the show David Clarke, this episode dives deep into the preparation, mindset, and raw experience of tackling nearly 120 miles and 24000 feet across the Lake District.
Help the show grow
👉 AAAAAND Finally Like, follow, and rate the show—it really helps us grow!
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This is a bit of a do-over - last episode I managed to muck up the audio - doh.
In this solo episode, I take you behind the scenes of my own training in the lead-up to my next race, the 13 Valleys ultra which as this launched,In this solo episode, I take you behind the scenes of my training as I prepare for my next race, the 13 Valleys ultra, which, as this episode launches, is just two weeks away.
I'll be honest — it hasn't been the smoothest lead-up. I've been dealing with confidence dips, carrying a bit of extra weight, and managing the added stress of personal challenges. But through it all, I've kept training, and that's the story I want to share today. I hope it can help some of you who might be feeling a bit off at the moment.
In this episode, I discuss:
- What my training has actually looked like over the past few months.
- How self-doubt and weight gain have affected my mindset.
- The impact of stress and life challenges outside of running.
- Psychological theories and tools that can help reframe these struggles.
- Practical takeaways you can use if you're experiencing something similar.
This episode is about showing up even when things aren't perfect and finding ways to keep moving forward.
If you'd like to work with me as a coach, you can find me here: David Taylor – Team RunRun Coach. I would love to support you on your own running journey.
And if you've been enjoying the West Coast Ultra Podcast, it would mean a lot if you could take a moment to rate and review the show. Your feedback really helps more people discover the podcast and join our community of trail and ultra runners.
Thanks for listening, and I hope you take something valuable away from this episode.
Would you like me to create a short, punchy blurb for social media to promote this episode? will be only two weeks away.
I’ll be honest — it hasn’t been the smoothest build-up. I’ve been dealing with confidence dips, carrying a bit of extra weight, and managing the added stress of personal challenges. But through it all, I’ve kept training, and that’s the story I want to share today and hopefully help some of you that are just a bit meh at the moment.
I talk about:
This episode is about showing up even when things aren’t perfect and finding ways to keep moving forward.
If you’d like to work with me as a coach, you can find me here: David Taylor – Team RunRun Coach. I’d love to support you on your own running journey.
And if you’ve been enjoying the West Coast Ultra Podcast, it would mean a lot if you could take a moment to rate and review the show. It really helps more people find the podcast and join our community of trail and ultra runners.
Thanks for listening, and I hope you take something valuable away from this episode.
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🎙️ West Coast Ultra – Episode: ADHD, Fueling, Gear, Recovery & Cadence in Trail Running
I asked a number of athletes that I coach what they would like to hear more about and here are the topics of most interest:
💡 Whether you’re training for your first ultra or refining your trail efficiency, this episode packs science, coaching insights, and practical tips into one trail-ready toolkit.
👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and rate the show—it helps more trail runners discover the podcast.
And if you’re looking for a coach then why not get in touch and see how I can help you. You can find me at: 🔗 David Taylor Coaching – Team RunRun
🎧 Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you out on the trails!
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🎙️ West Coast Ultra Podcast – Episode Title: Mindset, Mountains & UTMB with Andy Berry
Host: David Taylor
Guest: Andy Berry – ultrarunner, fell running standout, and Bob Graham Round challenger
🧭 Episode Overview
In this episode, I catch up with Andy Berry — who you might remember from Season 2, Episode 8 — to dive into his recent Bob Graham Round attempt, his mindset as a mountain athlete, and how he’s preparing for one of the biggest races in the ultra world: UTMB. From local grit to global competition, Andy opens up about his training, mental resilience, and what keeps him pushing forward.
🗂️ What I Talked About with Andy:
Segment 1: Getting to Know Andy
I asked Andy to share how he got into mountain and ultra running, and we explored some of the key moments that shaped his journey.
Segment 2: The Bob Graham Round
We talked about what makes the Bob Graham Round so legendary, what Andy learned from his recent attempt, and how it compares to global races like UTMB.
Segment 3: All Eyes on UTMB
Andy told me why UTMB is his next big goal, how his training has evolved, and what strategies he’s using to tackle altitude, climbs, and fierce competition.
Segment 4: Mindset & Momentum
We explored how Andy stays motivated through tough training blocks, the mental tools he uses on race day, and what might be next after UTMB.
Segment 5: Quickfire Round
I wrapped up with some rapid-fire questions:
🔗 Links & Resources
🙌 Thanks for Listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps others find the show. Catch you next time on the trails!
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In this episode of the West Coast Ultra Podcast, I sit down with returning guest and friend of the show Scott Brown, who recently made ultra-running history by completing a double traverse of the West Highland Way — and setting a new record while doing it.
Scott was last on the podcast back in Season 2 (Episode 4), and I’m thrilled to have him back to take us deep into the physical, mental, and emotional journey behind this epic effort on one of the UKs most stunning trails.
We chat about:
Alongside hosting this podcast, I’m also a running coach with Team RunRun. If you’re looking for support with your training — whether it’s your first ultra or a big personal goal — I’d love to help you get there.
👉 Check out my coaching profile
If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world if you could:
✅ Like the episode
✅ Leave a review
✅ Subscribe to the West Coast Ultra Podcast
Your support helps more people find the show and keeps these conversations going!
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In this solo episode, I dive into one of the most important but overlooked aspects of ultramarathon training: the difference between meaningful challenge and pointless suffering.
Inspired by the Excellence, Actually podcast episode “The Art of Doing Hard Things”, this show explores how we can train smarter—not just harder—by avoiding “Zombie Burnout,” reframing our approach to stress, and aligning our effort with purpose.
I also break down what this looks like inside a 12–16 week ultramarathon training block, and the biggest mistakes I see runners make when chasing big goals.
Instagram: @davidultrarunner
1:1 Coaching Enquiries:
👉 David Taylor – Glasgow Running Coach | Team RunRun
If you’re working toward a big ultra or need help avoiding burnout while still pushing your limits, I’d love to work with you.
If this episode hit home for you:
Next week, I’ll be back to the usual interview format with a previous guest and friend of the show that's just smashed a long standing FKT so stay tuned and keep those legs—and your mindset—moving forward.
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Going solo again and in this double-header episode of the West Coast Ultra Podcast, I dive into two hot (pun intended) topics iwhere i look at two of the most misunderstood—and underused—tools in ultramarathon training: heat adaptation and speed training.
Whether you're lining up for a summer ultra, training through a heatwave, or wondering why short fast intervals can help you go longer, this episode breaks down the science and the strategy behind both.
The aim is to provide some discussion on these topics and hopefully arm you with some ideas and tips to tanslate to your training.
What You'll Learn:
Connect with David:
📸 Instagram: @davidultrarunner
🏃♂️ Coaching & Plans: David Taylor – Glasgow Running Coach on Team RunRun
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In this solo episode, I delve into the quieter, often unspoken side of ultrarunning: what happens when motivation fades?
No injuries. No illness. Just a deep, unsettling disinterest in running. Right in the middle of peak racing season, this conversation is for anyone who's ever felt burnt out, disconnected, or unsure of their "why."
✅ Give yourself permission to pause
✅ Move without pressure or metrics
✅ Reframe your identity beyond running
✅ Talk to someone — vulnerability builds resilience
✅ Focus on intrinsic goals like joy, solitude, and connection to nature
❌ Don’t force it
❌ Avoid signing up for races out of guilt
❌ Stop comparing yourself to your past self
If this episode resonated with you, David would love to hear your story.
📸 Instagram: @davidultrarunner
💬 Share your burnout experience or how you found your way back
If this episode helped you, consider:
⭐ Leaving a review
📤 Sharing it with a friend
📩 Sending it to your past self as a reminder
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This week, we will go back to the normal format with an interview with one of the local legends in Ayrshire.
Many of you will know Bert through the Fit Ayrshire Masses, but on this week's episode, we talk about:
Let's Connect/links
Do you want me to coach you?
Get in touch and see how I can help either here or by using the link in my bio: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach
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Something a little bit different this week, where I am joined by not one, not two, but three guests.
I am joined by a previous guest of the show, Scott (S1 E6) and our crew for the Ultra Scotland 100, George and Michael.
Both George and Michael are also fresh off crewing duties from the West Highland Way Race, just two weeks after crewing Scott and I on the Scotland 100.
I have been crewed by all the guys so it was super interesting to hear what it is like being a crew member - and you also get to hear what it was like crewing on the Scotlans 100.
We talk about:
Let's Connect/links
Do you want me to coach you?
Get in touch and see how I can help either here or by using the link in my bio: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach
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Mixing things up a bit this week where we have previous guest and friend of the show Kayleigh interview me about my time on the Southern Upland Way completing GB Ultras Ultra Scotland 100 Race.
This race covers 104 miles of the National Trails and around 18 thousand feet of climbing
We talk about:
Let's Connect/links
Do you want to work with me?
Get in touch and see how I can help either here or by using the link in my bio: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach
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This week, we have another local legend, Catherine Armour.
Catherine is an inspiration to many people in the local running and fitness community.
Hear her story about where we talk about:
Let's Connect/links
Do you want to work with me?
Get in touch and see how I can help either here or by using the link in my bio: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach
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