Episodes

  • Flying solo this week and I thought I would take the opportunity to talk about a couple of areas that I've heard people talking about


    Ultrarunning is as much a mental game as it is physical so I cover mindset so I look at:

    A working definition of mindsetHow you create evidence of the person you areHow you maintain focused attention on your behavioursHow mindset is important for resilience in ultras

    It's also the time of the season when many people have done a couple of races one of which might have been their longer 'A' race.


    What happens then?


    Yup, it's time to recover so I cover some of the basics in terms of:

    Recovery during training blocksRecovery after big races, especially ones that are harder than you've done beforeThe role of the nervous system and Heart Rate Variation (HRV)Using metrics on your fitness trackersSome (very important) basics on recoveryIce baths

    If you are wanting to find out how I can help you then get in touch here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/


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

  • We go international again this week. Julie Urbanski, an American and co founder of team RunRun, joins us this week from Portugal.


    In this episode we talk about:

    How running became Julie's sport of choiceHer through hiking background across some truly epic trails in America (we're talking thousands of miles here)How she manages the balance of work, running and parenthood while travellingHer recent run at the OCC - one of the UTMB series eventsTeam RunRun, what it is and its mission to bring together coaches and athletes

    We talk about what Team RunRun is in this episode and how I have become involved as a coach. If you want to see how I might be able to help you with your running goals then get in touch here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/


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

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  • This week we speak to none other than the SBF obstacle course and ultrarunning legend Sandie Pow.


    Sandie is not your average ultrarunner - as she doesn't 'just run'.


    We talked about her love for obstacle course racing and how that works when running an ultramarathon along with:

    Focusing on doing what you enjoyTrying to listen to what your body is telling you Being an overall athlete (though Sandie reluctantly calls herself one)How she worked in her training with family responsibilities

    If you want to up your running game and take the guesswork out of your training then why not hire a coach (like me)? I have arranged a special discount for podcast listeners. All you need to do is put WCUpodcast in at the payment stage. Don't worry, we'll set up a call before you have to pay to go over what you specifically need. Here's the link to the coaching page: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/


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

  • We are going international this week, and we welcome Paul Paterson, a native of Stewarton who is now a resident of Abu Dhabi.


    After 'that chat' with 'that friend' hear how Paul:

    Went bold in his entry into the ultra-worldHis search for the 'next thing' that would challenge himHis approach to strength and how it supports what he does Looking for efficiency in trainingChallenges of extreme heat and acclimatisation

    If you want to up your running game and take the guesswork out of your training then why not hire a coach (like me)? I have arranged a special discount for podcast listeners. All you need to do is put WCUpodcast in at the payment stage. Don't worry, we'll set up a call before you have to pay to go over what you specifically need. Here's the link to the coaching page: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/


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

  • Previous guest of the show, Levi Charlton returns this week to share his EPIC adventure on the Southern Upland Way.


    After failing to finish the event last year due to a knee injury he regrouped and finished the 220-mile race in 96 hours and 50 minutes.


    As we talk about his journey we discuss:

    What his training was like for the event and in the month leading up to the race itselfWhat the atmosphere was like and how he was able to get his head round such a distanceWhat his plans were for nutrition, hydration and sleep, given he started on the Saturday and finished on the Wednesday morningHow he planned with his crew and prepared for the unexpectedAs always - we need to talk about kit, what worked for him and what didn'tHow his recovery is going and what plans he has for the future

    More information on the Race Across Scotland can be found here: https://www.gbultras.com/ultra-great-britain/


    And if you are already connected to Levi on Facebook, you can find loads of pictures of the race on his page, including the map reading in the dark video.


    If you want to up your running game and take the guesswork out of your training then why not hire a coach (like me)? I have arranged a special discount for podcast listeners. All you need to do is put WCUpodcast in at the payment stage. Don't worry, we'll set up a call before you have to pay to go over what you specifically need. Here's the link to the coaching page: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/


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

  • In this episode, we talk to David Clarke about his short but very full running journey

    Starting Couch to 5K in August 2021Working his way up the races to complete his first ultra within a yearSome crazy challenges, like a marathon a month Benjamin Buton Challenge that included the 57 miles Glasgow to Edinburgh ultramarathonHis first DNF (Did Not Finish) and how he recovered from failure and put it into perspectiveThe power of community, like-minded people and groups that can help such as the Fit Ayrshire Masses (FAMs)A plea about your trailside pee (ing) behaviour and for more Strava honesty

    Here is the link to the Fit Ayrshire Masses (FAMs) group that David discusses: https://www.facebook.com/groups/199533331932977


    If you want to up your running game, why not hire a coach like me? I have arranged a special discount for podcast listeners. All you need to do is put WCUpodcast in at the payment stage. Don't worry, we'll set up a call before you have to pay to go over what you specifically need. Here's the link to the coaching page: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/


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

  • This week we have the only guest who is actually younger than me - Josh Raeburn.


    Josh talks about how he has found his way into the world of ultrarunning, although he has just arrived.


    We discuss:

    How he used running as a way to get a handle on his fitness with less free time and also following a knee injuryGetting serious about running and putting himself in the right environment with running clubsUsing challenges to test your limits and see what happens when you get thereUsing ultrarunning as a way of testing your limits and how you react when you get thereGoing all in with training and diet and looking at how the small improvements add upThe importance of getting the right people around you to motivate, inspire and supportBalancing a young family and trainingHow he uses tech to manage himself during very long efforts (I love the geekery involved in this)

    The excellent video of Josh running the Ultra Scotland 100 is on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C8t6XZ3se3w/


    If you are looking to up your running game, why not hire a coach like me? I have arranged a special discount for podcast listeners. All you need to do is put WCUpodcast in at the payment stage. Don't worry, we'll set up a call before you have to pay to go over what you specifically need. Here's the link to the coaching page: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/


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

  • This week we have another one of the Stewarton Ultrarunners - the wonderful Kirsten Cowling


    In this fab conversation, the self-proclaimed Ayrshire Horseback Fancy Dress Champion, Kirsten shares with us:

    The ups and downs and stops and starts of her running journeyThe Highland Fling is the 'heart' race for herGetting her money's worth out of the racesThe only female ever-present HillbillyHer stunning West Highland Way Race finish in 2019 (link to the video below)Pizza for the win - and shocking some Pizza Hut staffA simple yet effective tactic for checkpoints

    AAAAAND so much more.


    Here is the Stewarton Ultrarunners West Highland Way Race video link - skip to 13 minutes to see Kirsten finish the race. It's a moment that can't help but make you smile and feel your heart full: https://youtu.be/AipHIZ5T4NU?si=imqmO0D0Y8vo6hiC


    Here's the link to the video/song that won her the Highland Fling prizes (listen to the words): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9f_4Q0A6lE


    As always, if you are looking for run coaching, especially if you are looking at or have just started in the ultra distances then get in touch here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/ and we can see what I might be able to do to help


    I'm also hoping that I have some exciting coaching news next week so stay 'tuned' for that


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

  • Well well well, we have something a little bit different this week.


    I will be on the other side of the mic where Scott Williamson, a previous guest talks with me about my running of the Lakeland 100.


    Some of the things that we cover are:

    The build-up to the race and atmosphere around the 'camp'The start - how I went about trying to pace myselfCourse conditionsMy made-up drama about nearly being timed outShoes, kit and foodRace tactics and the use of checkpoints (which were ace by the way)How I'm recovering

    I'd like to thank Scott for hosting this week and back to normal business next week for episode 12


    As always, if you are looking for run coaching, particularly if it is for your first ultra then get in touch at: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/


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

  • Just me this week, wittering on about what I have been doing for the past eight months to get ready for my 'A' race of the year:


    The Lakeland 100 on the 26th July 2024


    I cover:

    My initial thinking when selecting the race (and being a lucky so and so with the ballot)How I executed the training plan and how it was structuredStrength and conditioningHow I have built my race plan and some predictions (although dont hold me to it)My turn to choose the Instagram music

    I'm away to do a fly by and see you all on the other side of Consiton


    Fancy dot watching and seeing how I am going over the weekend? Yes? Then here’s the tracking link: https://live.opentracking.co.uk/24lakeland100/


    If you are looking for a coach then why don't you check out Team RunRun? I have heard this coach is pretty decent: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/



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

  • Another double accent whammy, this time with another of the world-famous Stewarton Ultrarunners (I know I know - I do get other folk on here).


    Billy and I were catching up and it was so much fun that I almost forgot to press record but when we did we talked about the following:

    His journey from rugby and being 'fit for sport' to finding ultraRecovering from a motorbike accident and how he manages the injury The 'I met someone and they talked about ultras' hook into the sportThe Scott Vs Billy rivalry - it doesn't take a lot to stir that one upWhat his 'go to' races are each yearHow you shouldn't copy Billy's advice on kit and in race nutrition (including his West Highland Way Race diet)Using normal routines to fit training inUsing others to avoid boredom on the long runs (or listening to this podcast :))

    If you want to see Billy taking on the West Highland Way Race you can see it here (with the aftermath from 11:45 - 12:15)


    If you are looking for a coach then you could do worse than checking out Team RunRun - yours truly is on there at https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/ (other brands are available)


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

  • This week we double up on accents as I talk all things ultra with Levi Charlton


    We wander through the conversation and cover topics such as:

    Dabbling in the odd run and seeing what else he could doDiscovering that ultras don't stop at 30 milesHow running longer turned into big adventures and days outMeeting his match on Ben NevisThe craziness of this year's plans where the 96-mile West Highland Way Race was just a warm-up (whaaaaaaaat!)Leki love and bean burritos for the winUsing early mornings to create enough space later in the day for family time

    I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did having the conversation. Feel free to drop me a follow on Instagram @davidultrarunner and to make sure that you don't miss an episode then hit make sure to subscribe. Reviews would be ace as well (unless you think its rubbish).


    I have also just joined Team RunRun as a coach, so if you are looking for coaching then why don't you check it out: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-irvine-scotland-running-coach/


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

  • Join me this week as I have a fantastic conversation with the Queen of the Largs hills, Jo Findlayson.


    As we meander through the conversation we talk about:

    How running was a way to keep fit - and then kept on going further and furtherGoing for a couple of loops round Millport as a longer run to helping a friend smash her Run the Blades personal best (I then worked out that was my first ultra).The slew of ultras that followed and how she recovers in betweenThe lack of privacy at Inversnaid (and her Fling experience)The rest of her year - funnily enough with a load more ultrasKit, food, balance and what kind of house to buy

    I hope you enjoy. As always, if you want to connect with me then I am @davidultrarunner on Instagram.



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

  • Another week and another of the Stewarton Ultrarunning legends takes to the mic.


    This time one of the guys that was there when it all began.


    In this episode, we talk to Scott about

    How he ended up 'Finding Ultra' (nod to Rick Roll and Dean Karnazes)The dramatic way that Stewarton Ultrarunners was formedHis progression through the distances in some of Scotland's most iconic racesHis favourite bits of kit and going against common wisdom (@injinji anyone???)How he thinks about his mileage and training and balancing this with the other areas of his lifeHis wife's energy balls

    Also, we get a toofur in this episode - 2 tips instead of just one. (time to look out for any of the spare COVID tests for that one)


    Here is Scott in action in the West Highland Way race in 2019: https://youtu.be/AipHIZ5T4NU?si=YOcGiIdA1ZoR2YHj


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

  • What a treat we have in store for you in our first guest episode on the West Coast Ultra Podcast.


    In this episode, we talk to Gordon about

    His journey to running, initially as a way to lose weight and then how he got hooked on the longer stuffFrom passing out on the Roon the Toon 10k to running 100 miles (102 actually)His favourite bits of kitHow changing his diet helped him recover better, increase his speed and reduce his heart rate, while losing SIX STONE in the process!!!How he found a balance between getting the miles in that he needed to and fitting in with family life.

    All that and a top tip not to be missed - in fact, it's vital you hear this. I promise that it'll make ALL of your runs that much more comfortable.


    Here are some links that were discussed:

    Stewarton Ultrarunners 100 mile round: https://stewartonultrarunners.wordpress.com/ and videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZF29okbBvg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZF29okbBvg


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

  • This episode might just be the one that you have been waiting for.


    After a short update on what I have been doing in my training for Lakeland 100 (basically lots of miles and hills) I cover:

    Planning and preparation - what you need to think about and how to choose the right race for youStructure of a training plan - some of the principles that will work and thinking long termTypes of workouts and why you should do them - if you don't know about VO2max and tempo then this section is for youTraining blocks and piecing the jigsaw together - now you know all about the principles this section tells you how to piece it all together in a way that you will be able to (probably) achieve your ultrarunning goal.

    there should be something in there for everyone whether you want to do it yourself or get a coach to help you.


    If you are looking for a coach then this can also help ask the right questions when you are speaking with them about what you need.


    Don't forget to connect on Instagram if you haven't already @davidultrarunner


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

  • Join me and my special guest co-host for chat about why you should do an ultramarathon.


    We won't be having any of that I can't or I don't want to chat here - it's all about how.


    We will all about:

    What actually is an ultramarathonHow had ultramarathon actually areThe different types of ultramarathonWhether I run with friends or am anti-socialDo I get bored running all the timeSome considerations for when you sign up for an ultra

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

  • Join me as I review me experience of the 2024 Highland Fling Race


    Once again, just my dulcet tones - my newly recruited cohost pulled out at the last minute. Hopefully it doesn't put you off too much - I'll try and get someone else for next time


    I cover

    Before the race prep and trainingFirst section Milngavie to RowardennanSecond Section Rowardennan to BeinglasThe end - Beinglass to the red carpet at the finish

    Also are some final thoughts in the aftermath and some lessons learned.


    A bit of a ramble but there be gold in thereof you look for it, I promise.


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

  • Join David as he talks about himself, a lot.


    In this opening episode, complete with all the amateur mistakes that a beginner pod can make we will get to know the man behind the mic a little bit more where he shares:

    A bit of background from the early days of not running, unless it was after a ball to his evolution into a passable runnerA quick canter through David's race historyThree top tips for ultrarunning happiness

    Cover photo courtesy of Michael Philp Photos


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

  • A little intro to my new podcast


    It's just me at the moment. So prepare for some properly amateur editing but I am hoping that the content will help you, learning from my mistakes and things that I have got right.


    I have a list of topics that I am going to cover, from mindset, to races that I have run to things that I have found out that are useful.


    Who knows, I might even get some guests no at some point.


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