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 limits

We also have a new section: Words of the Week

Plyometrics

Explosive 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.

Osmolality

The 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 Season

March | Hillbilly Ultra | 1st Place

April | Chester 50 | Finished on his 40th birthday

May | Arran Ultra | 2nd Place Overall

June | Isle of Skye Ultra | 7th Place

August | Ochils 50k | Key return race after illness

September | Glenmore 24 | 1st Place and 100 Mile Club

Some 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.

Coaching

If 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 Podcast

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