This week, I talked with Peter O'Brien, a Doctor living in Ayrshire whom I met when I was in the Lakes for a training weekend.

After I hashed out a very crude science lesson on training (apologies, you may want to skip that bit) we talked about:

What we talked about:

• How covid became the time that he started running and looked to just stay fit and functional
• How he found enjoyment in entering events (and the slippy slope that followed)
• Taking to the hills with events like the King and most recently the OMM
• Some of the different skills and thinking when you hit the high hills and wilder events
• How the boundaries to the weekly training allows for flexibility for individual sessions (a theme that we have talked about before)
• What's up next

Key Takeaways:

• Use events to give you the focus to train, and depending on the event, to train specifically
• Find the type of events that you enjoy - you don't always have to be pushing yourself to breaking point in each race
• Think about what skills you might need in future events and practice early (e.g. navigation)

Resources Mentioned:

• Asics and Salomon shoes, features and merino socks, Ultiate Direction race pack
• gels/fuelling: my fave - voom bars plus tailwind with some chia power bars thrown in

Connect with Us:

• If you are not already, follow me @davidultrarunner on Instagram for running-related content, chat, and discussion about the pod.
• Also, if you enjoy the pod the PLEASE leave a review - it really helps others find it and if you know of folk that would enjoy/benefit from a listen then share away :)

Are you looking for an ultramarathon coach?

While I now have a few athletes on board there is room for a few more so if you want to know how I can help then get in touch here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

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

This week, I talk with Ayrshire local Steve Daye. Steve has recently burst onto the ultra scene, but his 2022 debut ultra was years in the making.

What we talked about:

• Steve's background and how he has built his (very speedy) running base up over the years
• How he thinks about and selects future races
• How he combines a busy, physical job with training
• What he has learned from being at the sharp end of races
• How he is continuing to learn how to translate his excellent running to longer ultra-distance events

Key Takeaways:

• Speed is a really useful component to any runner, regardless or the distance that you are planning to run
• Creating predictability in some of the core events you race, and your training allows for flexibility elsewhere
• Rest is critical performing your best

Resources Mentioned:

• Follow Steve on Instagram @ultra.running.bear
• gels/fuelling: @maurten @salomon speedcross @ronhill (for the shades) @talwind for liquid carbs
• 
  

Connect with Us:

• If you are not already then follow me @davidultrarunner on Instagram for running related content, have a chat and talk about the pod
• I'd appreciate it if you could leave us a review on whatever platform you are listening on and share with people you might think would like to hear what we say. It does help (and I would be very grateful :)

Do you want me to be your ultramarathon coach?

I have a few athletes coming on board but still have space for a few more. Want to see how I can help? Just go to this link, complete the contact form here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and one of the team will get back to you. Plus, if you mention the podcast, I have a little discount waiting for you.

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

Scottish Queen of the Backyard Ultra and co-founder of the Wildheart Runners, Karen Nicol spends some time with us this week.

Her bio on the Wildheart Runners page says it all:

"Karen has been competing in ultra-distance races for over 10 years and loves (and sometimes loathes) a Backyard Ultra. With 40 yards under her belt, the former GB female record holder is passionate about encouraging females to participate in the lapped format. Karen has won the Crawley 12-hour and 6-hour races and stood on the podium in many other ultra races, including Edinburgh 24, Glenmore 24, and Devil of the Highlands.

She is also the Founder and Race Director of her local Junior Parkrun, she is a guide runner, journaling advocate, and ultra-running coach specialising in female health and menopause.

Her passion is supporting others to overcome barriers and use running as a vessel for a better life.

UESCA Certified Ultra Running Coach and Certified Female Athlete and Menopause Coach. "

What we talked about:

• Karen's background is from being a non-runner and signing up for a charity 10k to representing her country at the Back Yard Ultra World Championships
• Her thoughts and campaigning for better, more equitable representation of females in endurance sports
• We explore some of the barriers to females in ultra running
• How the Wildheart Runners started and how you can get involved

Key Takeaways:

• The unique challenges that females are faced with
• How the support of others, like the Wildheart Runners community can help build your confidence
• How getting the right people around you is so important to being able to fulfil your potential sich as getting the right coach (and a supportive partner)

Resources Mentioned:

• Follow Karen on Instagram @ultrakazy and the Wildheart Runners on @wildheartrunners
• You can find out all about the Wildheart Runners at their website here:wildheartrunners.com

Connect with Us:

• Follow @davidultrarunner on Instagram for some running-related content, engage with the podcast and find out when the next one is available
• Subscribe to our podcast on all good podcast platforms including apple, spotify and amazon
• Leave us a review on whatever platform you are listening on and share with people you might think would like to hear what we have to say. It really does help

Do you want me to be your ultramarathon coach?

All you have to do is fill in a simple form, and then we can set up a time to see how I can help you. The link is here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and one of the team will get back to you. Plus, if you mention the podcast, I have a little discount waiting for you.

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