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Andy Darling back for the threepeat
01:10:42|In this episode of the West Coast Ultra Podcast, I welcome back Andy Darling for his third appearance on the show.Since we last spoke, Andy's transition from road running to ultra running has continued at pace, culminating in a breakthrough victory at the Glenmore 24, where he not only secured his first ultra race win but also joined the prestigious 100 Mile Club.We dive into the training, mindset and problem-solving that helped Andy navigate 24 hours of racing around the trails of Glenmore Forest. From managing fatigue and overcoming low points in the middle of the night to making the decisive tactical move that ultimately secured victory, Andy shares an honest account of one of the biggest performances of his running career.Along the way, we also discuss the value of racing frequently, how resilience is built through experience, and why the pursuit of personal limits continues to drive him forward.In this episode we discuss:• Winning the Glenmore 24 and surpassing 100 miles• The journey from road marathons to competitive ultra running• Why plyometric training matters for trail and ultra runners• Osmolality and why gut health can make or break race day• The role of mindset during long endurance events• Racing through fatigue and solving problems under pressure• The final-hour gamble that secured the Glenmore 24 win• Building confidence through a busy racing calendar• Future plans including a potential Triple Crown attempt• The attraction of Backyard Ultras and discovering personal limitsWe also have a new section: Words of the WeekPlyometricsExplosive movements involving rapid muscle lengthening followed by shortening. Andy explains why trail running is inherently plyometric and how exercises such as broad jumps, high knees and single-leg pogos can improve running economy and resilience.OsmolalityThe concentration of dissolved particles, such as carbohydrates and electrolytes, within a fluid. Understanding osmolality can help runners avoid stomach issues and improve fluid absorption during long races.Andy's 2026 Racing SeasonMarch | Hillbilly Ultra | 1st PlaceApril | Chester 50 | Finished on his 40th birthdayMay | Arran Ultra | 2nd Place OverallJune | Isle of Skye Ultra | 7th PlaceAugust | Ochils 50k | Key return race after illnessSeptember | Glenmore 24 | 1st Place and 100 Mile ClubSome special mentions in Andy's journey:Andy also discusses the importance of his support network, including his wife Alison, coaches Scott and Kev Brown, and the McKinnon family, whose crewing and encouragement played a major role throughout Glenmore 24.CoachingIf you're looking to improve your ultra running, trail running or race performance, I offer personalised coaching for runners of all abilities.To find out more about coaching with me, connect via:Instagram: @davidultrarunner or find me at https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/Podcast: West Coast Ultra PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and share it with a fellow runner.
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2. Emily Jackson (Emily in the outdoors)
01:32:26||Season 5, Ep. 2This week I’m joined by Emily Jackson, better know as Emily in the outdoors (@emily_intheoutdoors) — a Paisley‑based runner, yoga teacher, community organiser (and influencer) whose 20‑year running journey has taken her from early 5Ks to marathons, ultras and building two of the most welcoming running communities in the west of Scotland. We talk about her progression into endurance, the importance of safe spaces for women, and the lessons she’s taken from races like the Highland Fling, Devil o’ the Highlands and Málaga Marathon. Emily also shares how she balances training with real‑life demands and why sustainable, confidence‑building running matters more than chasing perfection.Before the conversation, I give a quick review of my day at the River Ayr Way Ultra — including pacing across the 5‑mile blocks, managing accumulated fatigue, and staying composed through the technical middle section. A huge congratulations to former guest Steve Daye for taking the win. RAW once again proved why it’s one of Scotland’s most deceptively tough point‑to‑point ultras.If you’re in Paisley, check out Barshaw Runbirds @barshawrunbirds (women‑only, 7:30pm Wednesdays) and Seventy Seven Run Club @77runclub.paisley on Sunday mornings at 8am.And if you’re looking for structured, sustainable coaching for ultras, marathons or building consistency around a busy life, you can get in touch via DM Instagram or through my page on the Team RunRun website: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/.#ultrarunning #scottishrunning #trailrunning #westcoastultra #emilyintheoutdoors #barshawrunbirds #seventysevenrunclub #wildheartrunners #runningcommunity #womenwhorun #scottishultras #riverayrway #highlandfling #devilofthehighlands #malagamarathon #yogaforrunners #endurancecoaching
1. Lee Fawkes: Ultra Scotland, Kinloss and the making of a backyard winner
01:37:27||Season 5, Ep. 1As 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.
20. The Taper: Fresh Legs, Sharp Mind, Strong Finish
27:36||Season 4, Ep. 20This 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.
19. Running through the hard stuff
22:09||Season 4, Ep. 19In 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.
18. Kayleigh Webster's hat-trick and the Beecraigs Backyard Ultra
01:06:12||Season 4, Ep. 18Kayleigh 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 KayleighQuick 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
17. The Kaim Kickstart
18:38||Season 4, Ep. 17In 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 PBsFiona & Paul — completing the Devil O’ The Highlands in under 9 hours on a rocky, rugged Scottish mountain courseSheila — finishing the London Marathon in a rapid 3:33All 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.