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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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/

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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

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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

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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.

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