From hockey goalkeeper to 100-mile ultra-runner.

This week, Nats joins the podcast to talk about her journey into running, the role fitness has played in shaping her life, and how the support and community found through Curves helped build the confidence to tackle some huge endurance goals.

We dive into her experience at Glenmore 24, the realities of running through the night, dealing with the inevitable low points, race hallucinations, nutrition challenges and why having a clear sense of purpose is essential when things get tough.

A brilliant conversation about discipline, community, stubbornness and discovering what you're truly capable of.

In this episode:

• From hockey to ultra-running

• Life and coaching at Curves

• Training for Glenmore 24

• Surviving the night shift

• The mental battle of 100 miles

• Hallucinations, caffeine and race nutrition

• Why purpose matters

Words of the week:

Strength and Purpose

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/

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

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

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and share it with a fellow runner.

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

This 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

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