West Coast Ultra Podcast

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...

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 Hi...

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 deci...

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 cur...

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 train...

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 FT...

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...

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...

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...

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 perso...

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 stres...

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 deci...

🎙️ 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’...

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 w...

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, an...

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 thro...

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 p...

Episode Summary: 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 f...

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...

🎙️  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: 🧠  Neurodiversity & ADHD in running  – what ADHD actually is, what the science says about exercise and focus, and insights from Dr. Josie Perry on how...

🎙️ 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, a...

🎙️ West Coast Ultra Podcast – S3 E17 Breaking Limits with Scott Brown: The Double West Highland Way Record 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...

🏃‍♂️ Episode Summary 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,...

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 he...

🧭 Episode Summary 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." 🗣️ What You'll Hear Why motivation fades — an...