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 physical fatigue
• Recovery strategies beyond sleep
• Fueling and mindset tools
• How fatigue shows up in ultras—and how to manage it

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.

• What is the 13 Valleys Ultra?
• A breakdown of the event format, distances, and why it’s more than just a race.
• Why take on this challenge?
• Motivation and what makes this race harder than anything he’s done before.
• Training for the impossible:
• Shifting my approach—more hills, less speed—and why muscular endurance mattered.
• Logistics & strategy:
• From campervan accommodation to nutrition planning and kit essentials.
• Highs and lows on the trail:
• The moments that made me smile (and nearly cry), and how he managed the mental battles.
• Crossing the finish line:
• The emotion, the lessons, and what’s next —both on the trails and on the podcast.

• Why rate of perceived exertion (RPE) beats pace for ultra pacing.
• The importance of mental resilience and self-talk in ultra running.
• How to train your gut for long races and avoid GI issues.
• Why preparation is everything—even when the kit list feels like a holiday packing list.

• 👉 Like, follow, and rate the show—it really helps us reach more listeners!
• Looking for a running coach? Check out my coaching page: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/
• Learn more about the 13 Valleys Ultra @13valleysultra

Help the show grow

👉 AAAAAND Finally Like, follow, and rate the show—it really helps us grow!

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

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:

• What my training has actually looked like in the past few months.
• How self-doubt and weight gain have impacted my mindset.
• The role 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 going through 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’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.

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