Podcasts about west highland way race

JC and Stevie Boy welcome a fresh face to the Young Hearts Run Free mic this week: the enthusiastic ultra runner, coach, and host of the West Coast Ultra Podcast, David Taylor!Despite being (relatively) new to the ultra scene, David has already thrown himself headfirst into some of the UK's most iconic races, including the legendary Lakeland 100, the iconic West Highland Way Race, and the scenic Cateran Trail Ultra Marathon. Join us as David shares his inspiring journey into the world of long-distance running, revealing how it has become a truly transformative and positive force in his life.With the formidable Ultra Scotland 100 mile race just around the corner next month, we delve into David's training, his go-to kit that he raves about, and his passionately held beliefs on fuelling for those epic distances.Beyond the miles, David's love for connecting with and learning from fellow runners shines through. We chat about his own podcast and the joy he finds in the vibrant ultra running community.Tune in for an insightful and motivating conversation with a runner who is clearly living and breathing the ultra life and eager to push his boundaries. You won't want to miss this one!#YoungHeartsRunFree #UltraRunning #Podcast #DavidTaylor #WestCoastUltraPodcast #Lakeland100 #WestHighlandWayRace #CateranTrail #UltraScotland #RunningCommunity #TrailRunning #EnduranceRunning #RunningPodcast

In this engaging episode of the Mile 27 Podcast, hosts Cathy Duffy and Head Coach Andy Dubois explore the transformative journey from amateur runner to seasoned ultra-trail athlete. Cathy shares her personal story of stepping into the world of ultra-running, highlighting the challenges of adapting a road marathon program to fit the grueling demands of ultra-trail events. Together, they delve into the pivotal role of coaching and how it can elevate performance, prevent injuries, and help maintain a work-life balance. Andy reflects on his own athletic journey, from childhood races to conquering Ironman competitions and ultra-trail events like the West Highland Way and UTMB. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming setbacks and how these experiences have shaped his coaching philosophy. The episode also offers valuable insights into the art and science of coaching, the significance of personalized training plans, and the importance of mental resilience in ultra-running. Join Cathy and Andy as they discuss the origin story of Mile 27, the essence of finding the right coach, and how the Mile 27 team is dedicated to taking athletes the extra mile in their ultra-running pursuits.   Link to the Mile 27 Academy https://mile27.com.au/mile27-academy/ For coaching enquires https://mile27.com.au/contact/ West Highland Way Race report https://mile27.com.au/the-west-highland-way-2006/ UTMB Race report https://mile27.com.au/the-ultra-trail-du-mt-blanc-2007/ About Andy DuBois https://mile27.com.au/employees/andy-dubois/ About Cathy Duffy https://mile27.com.au/employees/cathy-duffy-2/  

Jarlath Mckenna had an absolute belter of a day this year on the West Highland Way Race. Snatching that coveted first place with aplomb. Yes...Jarlath entered the danger zone, but how did he react, how did he deal with it? We've got all of the answers and more as he joins us for a race debrief. We don't just speak about the WHW though, we cover Jarlath's early days of running and his transition to ultra marathons which followed a rather tasty period running marathon distance. It's in ultras though that Jarlath has made a real breakthrough in the last few years. From winning the Green Man Ultra in consecutive years (2016 & 2017), to setting a new course record on Lakes In A Day (record still stands) to winning 1st place at the Anglo Celtic Plate in 2023, his list of achievement keeps growing. We do get to talking about his experience on 22 June 2024 on the way, his pre-race tribulations and also how he's been since, and of course we talk about what's next for Jarlath. A fascinating chat with the humblest of fellas, Jarlath was a pleasure to talk to. This is the listen you've been waiting for. Enjoy.

Send us a Text Message.On this episode of the Running 44@60 podcast Colin Bathe returns to tell us how he got on in the 2024 West Highland Way Race On episode 148 we heard all about Colin's preparation - and Colin is a meticulous race planner. During the event Colin and Becca, who was one of his crew and his second half pacer, recorded snippets. For this episode we play the snippets and then Colin talks us through each snippet. It's the first time we've done something like this so I hope you like it! The West Highland Way Race got underway at 1am on Sunday June 22nd 2024 starting from Milngavie which is about 10 miles north of Glasgow.The 95 mile route with 15,000 feet of elevation makes it way to Fort William300 runners entered and 217 made the start line. Throughout you will hear Colin giving himself a score out of 5 in terms of how he was feeling. You will hear first hand how Colin's race unfolded. And not all races end as you hope they might.What happened? Listen in to find out! This is episode 150 of the Running 44@60 podcast. To celebrate that I'm offering listers the chance to win one of six copies of 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Simple leave a rating / review for the show and then use the 'send us a text message' link at the top of these notes to say you've left a review, that you would like a copy of the book and where you want it sending. You can access and download the previous 149 episodes via your usual podcast app or on the Running 44@60 podcast page. Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Each sale generates £5 for Childrens Hospice South West. Trevor's big running goal is now the Arc of Attrition 50 in January 2025. The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60 It now has over 140 episodes and is aimed at those thinking about and committing to their first ever ultra.Trevor wrote a book : 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West

A follow-on chat from last week! Quick update from the West Highland Way Race (and special guest appearance)! Paul returns to a past episode and the problem for athletes of not fuelling properly. Despite all the planning, so many struggle to adhere to their nutrition plan as the race progresses. Paul believes that this is more than just a bad stomach. There is a psychological resistance to eating.  After some additional research Paul provides a summary of his finding / theories. - Sensory fatigue - Mental fatigue - Emotional and Motivational Factors - Perceived Effort and Discomfort If you'd like to spend a weekend with Paul and some of the other Pyllon coaches you can sign up to our next Pyllon Experience event - Friday 20th September. Find out more. Discount code: PODCASTXP You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com  Pyllon is at @pyllonultra Paul is on Twitter and instagram @Pyllon

Welcome to season 11 episode 1, welcome to the Danger Zone! Let's talk iconic Scottish trail races, let's talk Scottish running icons, let's talks West Highland Way race, let's talk to Fiona Rennie. Fiona started running in the early 1980's and has covered a fair few miles since! 103 ultra marathons...so far! Fiona's first ultramarathon was the Speyside Way and her results from that race were posted to her with a wee note from race director Don Ritchie. How times have changed! Proud to wear the Carnegie Harriers (Fiona was the first female member) vest, it's a familiar sight at many iconic race across the land, none more so than the West Highland Way Race, which Fiona has completed 17 (SEVENTEEN) times. Also an ever present at both the Glenmore 24 and Loch Ness Marathon events, the miles have been racked up...and then some! Fiona's first experience of the West Highland Way Race was supporting her twin sister Pauline, and somewhere along the way (in 2002 specifically) Fiona felt inspired to give it a go herself in 2003. We hear openly from Fiona about health issues and treatments which she has suffered and recovered from, explains how messages and support the ultrarunning community meant so much to her and what inspired her to get back out running again. They make 'em tough in Fife ye know! Fiona wakes up with a smile every day, and shares her inspirational story of 'getting back to being me' after major surgery. Maybe grab a wee hanky for this bit! Where would you keep 17 (SEVENTEEN) West Highland Way Race goblets? We find out about that, and a decanter too, and they aren't just for display, which we love! And another decanter for running over a 1,000 miles around the course at Glenmore, jeezy peeps man. Fiona posts a message each year on the Facebook West Highland Way Race Family page, we discuss this and so many other glorious memories and inspirational messages from a woman who lights up Scottish Ultra Running by simply being who she is without compromise. To quote Fiona, running is an 'enjoyable celebration of being alive' There are tips aplenty for both runners and support crews in this episode, and who better to deliver them than our pal and yours Fiona Rennie. Young Hearts Run Free YouTube Channel subscribe ken --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youngheartsrunfree/message

Mike Samuels - combining Powerlifting and Ultra RunningIn this episode of the Running 44@60 podcast I'm talking to Mike Samuels about how he combines Powerlifting with Ultra Running We talk about how he got into both sports and how he combines them to get the benefits of one for the other.In Powerlifting Mike focuses on Back Squats, BenchPress and Dead Lift.For Ultra Running Mike has run six 100 mile races including the 2024 Arc Of Attrition 100 which he completed in 23:00:24 thus gaining the much sought after sub-24 hours black buckle and taking a remarkable three and a half hours off his time from 2023Mike suggests that any runner seriously considers doing some strength work but advises on starting off small so that they achieve good form before hiking up the weightsDuring the episode Mike mentioned two challenges he's going to undertake in 2024:The South Downs Way in JuneAnd the Race Across Scotland in AugustI also mention the West Highland Way Race which listener and previous guest Colin Bathe is running in June. And Richard Asquith's great book The Race Against Time If you've done something interesting, ideally that we haven't covered in previous episodes, and would like to be a guest on the show please drop me a line to podcast@trevorleemedia.co.ukThis is episode 141 of the Running 44@60 podcast. You can access and download the previous 140 episodes via your usual podcast app or on the Running 44@60 podcast page. Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Each sale generates £5 for Childrens Hospice South West. Trevor's big running goal is now the Arc of Attrition 50 in January 2025. The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60 It now has over 100 episodes and is aimed at those thinking about and committing to their first ever ultra.Trevor wrote a book : 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West

Alison McGill has made history this year, not only did Al win the 2023 Women's West Highland Way Race in 19:02:41, she is also the very first guest to record a full episode with the Young Hearts Run Free hairy toy! There is some background noise to this episode, it's real authentic and quite magnificent. The North Inch in Perth was the setting for our meet-up and chat for over an hour about everything really, all of the lessons learned and preparation for this years West Highland Way Race. We speak a wee bit about Als experiences representing Scotland at three Anglo Celtic Plate events, and what these experiences have brought to Als running toolbox. We often use the term 'golden nuggets' here at YHRF, and Al delivers those nuggets big time in this episode. Mindset features a lot in the chat, and how we can pick up 'one little thing' from a variety of sources, and all of these 'one little things' can turn into an unstoppable force. How many of us actually listen to our body? You might listen a wee bit more after this episode. Did we mention the power of smiling? We're sure there's loads more to come from Al, but for now, let's embrace the opportunity to listen in to what Al put in place to travel on foot from Milngavie to Fort William, and how it feels to be the winner of the West Highland Way Race 2023 Some reading resources Al mentions in this episode: Training Essentials for Ultrarunning by Jason Koop Rebound by Cindy Kuzma and Carrie Jackson Cheadle

This week's guest is winner of the West Highland Way Race 2023 Stuart Johnston. You all know our fondness of the iconic route, that's no surprise, Stuart though brings an altogether different view of his memorable day to the table and deliver he most certainly does. Before Stu rocks up we've some exciting intro chat revealing your chance to get your mitts on our brand spanking new Summer 2023 LeBuffBuff! be quick Stuart, who only flipped the switch for him to start dabbling in the world of ultramarathons relatively recently, then joins the fray. Running his first ultra in 2019, and just 4 short years later, in his debut at the West Highland Way Race, crossed the finish line in 1st place to win the coveted first prize in a time of 16 hours 35 mins 31 secs. Pre-lockdown (remember that?) Stuart confesses to cramming in too many ultras, it was around the same time he made contact with running coach Gary House and together they hatched a plan that had paid massive dividends. There are golden nuggets aplenty in this episode as Stuart gives us access into his running toolbox, providing us with information around his nutrition, hydration, building mental strength, finding his breaking point and understanding his body. Oh...and ice lollies! We speak about how Stuart trained specifically for the West Highland Way Race, how he planned to combat the heat, and in his own words, how he left 'no stone unturned', thoroughness seems one of his many talents. Stuart also gave us a heads up about the work being done by Bruce Smith around exercise and type 1 diabetes as well as recommending a book by Patrick Wilson 'The Athlete's Gut' (see links at bottom of shoe notes) In what is a superbly insightful episode into the immediate post race thoughts of Stuart we are treated to an hour and a half of diamond content. There's learning here for us all, tons of takeaways, ye might even need a few listens. Bruce Smith around exercise and type 1 diabetes Patrick Wilson 'The Athlete's Gut'

Just the two of us.....we can make it if we try. That's right it's one of those delightful week's we know you all, errrm, long for. John and Stevie Boy chewin' the fat. And we've plenty to pore over in this shorter than normal episode. First up, if you can make yourself comfortable for our West Highland Way Race 2023 Race Review. John takes the lead here, filling in Steven on happenings on the Way last weekend. Lots of well kent faces were out running, supporting, and volunteering. It's a race that's already under our skin, this year's edition just strengthened that. We also take a trip down south where we find out how our Yorkshire correspondent Mel Sykes got on in her on the Spine Challenger South, her biggest endeavour to date, spoiler alert......she did no bad! Then we shift over to the states where our insatiable appetite for watching dots move across maps is fed by the staging of the Western States 100. We've even a friend of the show over enjoying the occasion! With a return of our semi regular feature 'Race or Not? and a surprise reveal of some new merch this might be a trimmed down episode but it packs its usual punch. So buckle up because 'Here Comes the Hotsteppers'

5 years ago never did we think we would record 200 episodes of TRS but here we are still creating content and pushing out interviews thanks to you guys. It's been a blast and here's to 200 more! After Tommy and Kyle talks about our pits and peaks since the start of the pod we dive straight into Kyle's West Highland Way Race. We are also joined by a Kyle's crew chief, Fit Like Joggers and Brewdog Run founder David Scott! Strap yourselves in as it's one bumpy ride! Enjoy!

We have another great episode this week and Tommy and Kyle are joined by UK Athletics Chair and West Highland Way Race Director, Ian Beattie to talk all things WHW! If Kyle wasn't already nervous and excited about running 96 miles on Saturday morning, he sure is now! WHW Tracking link is here: https://www.geotracks.co.uk/live/1596 We also ramble about world records including a wee rant from Tommy and sum up Scottish performances at the World Trail and Mountain Champs!

What does it take to hold the West Highland Way Race course record? In this week's episode we're joined by ultra-running royalty and current female WHW record holder Lucy Colquhoun to find out. It's fair to say that Lucy considers her racing days well behind her and joins us in reflective mood. Her spirit and passion though are evident throughout our chat. Lucy confesses to falling out of love with running and ultra-running.  A normal episode this is most definitely not. There's a lack of rah rah motivational and inspirational moments, it's a candid eye raising honest assessment of how Lucy's mindset has been flipped on its head. It's a deeply authentic chat with Lucy who now doesn't train with any structure and finds enjoyment in just moving, often with company, likely with her dogs. Of course, that doesn't hold us back getting to the nitty gritty of Lucy's running story and career highlights. By the time she discovered ultra-marathon she was already a very accomplished road runner and owner of an impressive marathon time. We spend most time fondly recalling Lucy's epic day out in 2007 on the world-famous West Highland Way trail when she wrestled the course record from its previous holder. It was her one and only appearance in the race and one she made the very most of. It's not doom and gloom by a far stretch, most of it is fantastically relatable and the marmite nature of the sport is discussed with a lorra laughs along the way. ‘It's YHRF, Jim, but not as we know it'.  Enjoy gettin' yir lugs roond this!!

Defying Science: Inspiring Stories and Lessons in MovementGuests: Steve Cairns and Crispin BarkerBio: Steve Cairns and Crispin Barker work together on the Movement Project, in where they volunteertheir time to provide weekly movement training sessions for people around the world to help themregain their movement skills after brain injuriesCrispin:Crispin Barker is a physiotherapist who graduated from Brunel University and worked at UCLhospitals in London until 2007. He and his wife then moved to Bristol and he started work in a PainManagement Service and Chronic Fatigue Service using a biopsychosocial and cognitive behavioralapproach. He continues to work within the service comprising of occupational therapists,psychologists and physiotherapists. Crispin has also studied and taught tai chi for over 30 years, aswell as being a level 3 AIDA free diver.Steve:Steve Cairns has several accomplishments to his credit.As an ultra-marathoner, he completed races including the 100-mile West Highland Way Race, the 50-Mile Cabalo Blanco Ultra (the race featured in the best-selling book Born to Run), and the 50-mile Taff Trail, all twice each, as well as the 80 mile Ridgeway Challenge and the Marathon D'Sable (150 Mile across the Sahara Desert carrying all kit and equipment)He also spent 14 Years in the British Military with 2 years Airborne and 12 years Special Forces (23 SAS)In 2017 suffered catastrophic stroke as a result of a brain hemorrhage and required 10.5 hours of surgery on my brainstem which is the most fragile and eloquent part of the brain. Lost all movement skills and prognosis was a 2-3 year recovery with permanent deficits and a possible need for a walker or cane. Disagreed with the doctors and signed himself out of hospital in a wheelchair, rehabbed himself and smashed his prognosis targets inside 10 weeks.Steve is also is member of the External Advisory Medical Board for the Hypertrophic Olivary Degeneration Association (HODA). HOD is a degenerative ataxic condition that can present in individuals who are post Brain InjuryLinks:www.ResetRehab.com@Steve Cairns and @Crispin Barker on FacebookSteve's Story:https://www.facebook.com/100003604268413/videos/1331858516944278/

We've no guest this week so you've an hour of your host team chewin' the fat to see you through our penultimate episode of season 6! First up, John makes a sensationally big reveal on his 2023 plans. It's gonnae provide us some really riveting content, what's more it's running related!! After settling down from the fall-out of that we get to some of this week's talking points as the West Highland Way Race 2023 entry window slams closed. We discuss too the news of the Highland Fling having a year off in 2023 and get excited already about it's triumphant return in 2024. We've got a couple of new running rants to get yir heckles up, car drivers AND other runners beware, you're both in our sights this week. Even the usually mild-mannered John is raging! We also introduce our Young Hearts Run Free 2023 awards! We are looking for category ideas with a little YHRF twist to them, head on over our insta and twitter to contribute to that one! Last weekends sad news with the passing of Doddie Weir brings our recent episode with Greg Lee into sharp focus, whilst the fantastic accomplishment of the Pylon Endeavour 192 in aid of The British Heart Foundation triggers an emotional memory. Also it's December, for many of us that means only one thing, no not the visit of Auld Sandy Claus it's Marcothon month…..time to lace up and get in aboot it! And lastly, a message to never travel without a saltire is raised with big friend of the show Adrian Stott reminding us of the importance of always being in the right place, at the right time with the right flag! Oh we've also some merch news, there's defo going to be more about that magic over on our social channels very very soon

The Triple Crown. All 3 footraces run on Scotland's iconic West Highland Way. All in the same year. A halcyon objective for many an Ultra Runner. This week's guest not only completed this year's Triple Crown, she smashed it out of the park. Jacqueline MacIntyre joins us to recount her epic 2022 Ultra Running season. The 53-mile Highland Fling, the 43-mile Devil of the Highlands and the famed 96-mile West Highland Way Race, all within 4 months. We start with a longer than usual introduction segment as we cover Tor Des Geants, European 24-Hour running championships and review last weekends Auchterarder Running Festival. There might be (there defo is) mention of pies. Jac then blows us away with our favourite ever response to our standard first question, ‘so Jac, what got you into running?' We'll let the guest batter on from here, another talent from the never-ending pool of ultra-runners Fife manages to produce. We aren't sure what they put in the water there? But, we want (need) some of it! Jac leads us threw her running story and takes us along on that West Highland Way adventure she's so enjoyed this year. From bursting an arm in training to crossing the finish lines in Fort William, it's quite the journey. It's obvious how much talent Jac possesses (and it's growing by the year!) but even more obvious is how much others inspire her, and she's plenty inspiration to call on from her running pals. So come on in and find out how you too could complete 192 miles in 35 hours, yip, that quick! John and Steven spoke about the up and coming 10K Chilli Trail Race in the intro – ENTER HERE NOW!

Hello Season 6, we've been expecting you. And we are off to a flyer, quite literally, with this week's guest Robbie Dunlop. Robbie has enjoyed a remarkable 2022 so far and we were super keen to get the lowdown from the man himself. We start with a look at happenings over in California as our gal Debbie Martin-Consani mastered the conditions at the Badwater 135 AND we've a competition for all you to enter!! And it is well worth winning, we've a place at the Run with Pyllon event on 13 August up for grabs! Listen to find out how you can join Debbie and James Stewart in Aviemore! With two outstanding outings under the belt this year bringing 2nd place finishes at the Highland Fling and West Highland Way Race our guest Robbie is enjoying the time of his life out on the trails. His year-on-year improvement since a debut marathon in 2016 has been astonishing. Robbie gives us the story of his running journey. From a footballing background to finding running. Learning his craft from some of the best, understanding the importance of structured training and consistency along the way. We then home in on those 2 recent great outings on the West Highland Way. In Robbie's own words they both ‘couldn't have gone much better'. We get under the skin of all that though, a 16 hour and some loose change West Highland Way doesn't just happen after all right? We have our first shwank discussion of the season (quell surprise!) as well as find out Robbie's nutrition/hydration fav choices. Robbie unveils how his own motivation and inspiration was super-powered by his daughter Maisie. A real personal reason for stoking the fire. Robbie offers us an honest and refreshing take on his own progression into the world of ultra-marathons, a super talented athlete with a super humble outlook. We know fine well there is plenty more to come from Robbie, his dedication to learning and improving is meticulous, he's only getting started! So, grab your ear buds, give Alexa a shout or whatever you do and settle down for our amazing season opener with Robbie Dunlop. Find out more about Run with Pyllon event here RUN WITH PYLLON

Welcome to another episode of YHRF, it's our 99th, it's our penultimate of season 5 and needless to say….it's a belter. Joining us this week is none other than the incredible Lynne Allen. Hot off the heels of her magnificent West Highland Way Race victory we were stoked to get the chance to catch up with Lynne. We cover her superb day on the Way, but we discover much much more too. We start tho with our pre-guest amble through the latest weeks happenings including a look back at the Moray Way Ultra, Race 2 the Towers, Lairig Ghru Hill Race and of course the Western States Endurance Race, some brill action to keep our agenda packed! We then pose the questions to Lynne who offers us her take on all sorts. We cover her journey into running as Lynne reveals part of her why and her unearthing ultra-running as her ‘thing'. We find out about the critical role that the friends she has found along the way have played as she was embraced by the always supportive community. Lynne then leads us through how her planning and execution of her West Highland Way Race went as well as she could have hoped for. Race management was nailed, and Lynne is happy to let us in on what that looked like and how she stayed in control of her day as the battle for the win heightened. Crucially Lynne also speaks about what she ate, spoiler alert pot noodles and chips are to the fore! With many running honours already under her belt Lynne lets us know what it felt like to pull on the Scotland vest, she's had the privilege of a two-time appearance at the 100k Anglo Celtic Plate in Perth. What shines through though is quite how humble Lynne is. Despite being at the sharp end of her sport she speaks more passionately about the importance of human connection and what being part of the running family means to her. Tipping her hat firmly towards the people who help both her and the sport blossom. Lynne has big plans remaining for 2022 and even bigger ones for 2023, the mountains are calling, and she must go. With a massive list of golden nuggets for you to pick up along the way Lynne brings an honest and refreshing angle to the chat, we hope you enjoy this one as much we enjoyed speaking to Lynne.

You might've heard of Stranger Things but have ye heard of Hairy Things? No? Well step on in. Last weekend was a busy one, this weekend is a busy one, in this episode we do our best to unpack it all. From West Highland Ways to Western States with plenty stops along the way. With John undertaking his support duties for Gillian McGale (Team 67) and Steven managing a flying visit to Bridge of Orchy the West Highland Way Race unsurprisingly dominates our agenda. The iconic race was back, and back with a bang. We even managed a half successful outing of the hairy toy so expect some unprecedented snippets from out on the Way. We've shed loads more to discuss too. Summer Spine Races, , LEJOGs, Belfast 24, and a LeBuffBuff travelling all the way to the summit of Kilimanjaro. We also take a quick look ahead at what's coming up, are you getting Twatted in Orkney, will you be glued to the Western States this weekend? We even managed a quick trip over to the Dolomites for the Laveredo Ultra Trail. It's all happening and we've not even got to John's lengthy waterproof trousers kit review yet. Oh, and there's even some hint of new YHRF merch on the horizon, form an orderly queue! Roll up to the show, and get your lugs roond this……

And just like that we've been at this podcast caper for 2 years…..time for a brief interlude. This week you have the veritable treat of a hour long chat between your hosts. In a poll of our listeners at least 5% of you expressed such episodes as their very fav, and we aim to please as many folk as we can. Thankfully we've got more than just mangled feet pictures and the latest state of John's under-carriage on the episode agenda! On the eve of the return of the iconic West Highland Way Race it's fitting that we include a wee chat on what lies ahead this weekend, including John's own support role. The Pork Pie Keeper is the most important role in any crew ain't it? John quizzes Steven on his own support crew duties last weekend as he got an insight into triathlon at the Stafford 70.3 Ironman event, and we thought obsessing over shoes was peak shwanker-ism! We chat through some magnificent racing that took place last weekend across Scotland with the Mhor Half Mara and the Strathearn Marathon topping the bill. And we give a wee reminder about September's Auchterarder Running Festival, it is your chance to hear John live on the mic, entry fee worthy on its own. Oh, and we give plenty of airtime to one of our fav guests ever, the legend that is Alan Cormack has been off doing epic things, again. We then turn to the serious stuff. Favourite ever drop bag items in an ultra-marathon. A two-pronged question for your hosts who enter a heated yet sentimental discussion about the topic. We are also looking for your best ever drop bag scran, get over to our socials to contribute to that hot debate! With tons more covered including our new pride logo, current running sock favourites and of course the latest biscuit trends our 97th episode will keep you ticking over nicely on your weekend long run. Enjoy everyone and good luck to all those doing amazing stuff this coming week! Sign up for this years Auchterarder Running Festival HERE

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 12 of the Young Hearts Run Free Podcast! We are coming at ya this week with a quadruple strength episode! First up John n Steven have their customary weekly blether, it's unscripted ya know! Then joining us for a brilliant chinwag we welcome ultra-runner Dave Andrews. Proud Northern Irishman Dave has been a regular at the sharp end of ultra-marathons for nigh on a decade. We've eventually managed to catch up with him to get his running story! We find out what started as something to keep Dave fit when a promising football career was halted through injury went from 5k, to 10k and soon progressed to ultra-marathons. Dave realised that he had the ingredients needed for ultra-marathon the ability to run slower for a long time PLUS the ability to eat like a horse! From taking part in D33 egged on by running mates Dave has not looked back, he's being doing very epic shit since. Throw in the ups and downs of the days where all goes perfect along with the days where you just want to chuck running and you've quite the story. We find out about Dave's relationship with running, there is more to that than meets the eye. Let's just say Dave keeps it simple, running is simple after all, right?! 24-hour races are simple, right?! With regular wins and podium places along the way it's clear to see that Dave is a man of ability, a sparkling day out on the West Highland Way Race in 2018, repping his country at the Anglo Celtic Plate (twice) amongst the many career highlights. Trips to France and Italy for 24 hour races bringing opposite kinda results, both positive and not, and Dave is open to tell all. He's also a fella who has a lot to share from his running experience, has many lessons he's learned to pass on to you all and 100% is a kindred spirit with the YHRF hosts eating habits…..30 jaffa cakes in one sitting, welcome to the club!! He might consider himself to be average, we don't agree, we don't think you will either. You don't represent your country being average after all.

Rob Sinclair joins the boys to talk about his return to winning ways at the Ultra Trail Costa Blanca 75K race and reflect on his storied running career so far. This episode is packed full of insights from one of the best mountain and ultra trail runners in the UK as he moves into a new phase of his career. Rob talks about the challenges of balancing the training of an elite performer with long working weeks of up to 80 hours, compared to the relative freedom he enjoyed in the build-up to UTCB from becoming self-employed. Inevitably, Chris fanboys about Rob's tear on the Triple Crown of Scottish ultra running in 2017 - winning and setting still-standing course records on the Highland Fling, the West Highland Way Race, and the Devil o' the Highlands. Fortunately, this makes for a good discussion about how Rob's approach to training and racing has evolved over the years, and what he's looking to do in 2022. To get in touch, email: thepod@run4it.com. 

Episode 3, Season 4 coming at ya! And we've managed to bag another inspirational guest to catch up with. We start, as has become customary, with a quick weekly update. How's John's diet going? What are you up to on Saturday 6 November? AND in a world first a live shwank off (we kid you not!) Then we're joined by our guest Sophie Mullins, Sophie's running CV speaks for itself. She's repped both Scotland and GB, crowned 2019 by winning the British 100k Championships and competed at the sharp end in some iconic ultra-marathons in the UK and on the continent. Recently Sophie has made some big changes, moving to Spain as well as launching her new coaching initiative Ultra Potential (see bottom of show notes for exclusive discount). We enjoy chatting through recent race experiences, revisit Sophie's poignant encounter with the West Highland Way Race, Anglo Celtic Plate antics in Perth, training approaches and Sophie shares some valuable insights into her own training routines and mindset. We do touch on a few topics we've never been able to discuss before now. First, 'why do womens jeans have tiny pockets?' and secondly, but much more importantly, 'what effect does the menstrual cycle have on training and performance?'. A conversation that is hardly discussed nor researched, something that many of us guys are ignorant of or afraid to talk about (it's uncomfortable....but it shouldn't be). We're blessed to have Sophie allow us to open the door to get the conversation started and have some amazing insight into this important topic. We also hear about Sophie's BIG plans for 2022 as she surges back into full on race mode! The future looks both exciting and adventurous for her and we can't wait to watch her progress back to the very top of her game. Oh and please hang on to the end for this weeks dialect dictionary, it's a belter! Visit Sophie's newly launched coaching website here ULTRA POTENTIAL Sophie is offering listeners a generous 15% discount site-wide with the code ANIMO (also applies to the first month of subscriptions)

If you've listened to any previous episodes of Young Hearts Run Free you'll have at some point heard us mention the West Highland Way Race.   It's a trail that is very dear to us both. Well, we were honoured to be joined by West Highland Way Race Director Ian Beattie and seasoned WHW race finisher (as well as race crew extraordinaire!) Lorna Macmillan for our latest episode. We find out all about the impending 2021 Virtual West Highland Way which starts on Friday June 11 (entries open now!).  It's not the race we all know and cherish but it's a unique way to be part of the humungously welcoming West Highland Way Race Family. With vast expereince of delivering the most iconic ultra in Scotland under their belt there's not much Ian and Lorna don't know about the West Highland Way Race so we spend the chat finding out all about it. Some of the cherished characters of the race, some fab memories and how electrician goggles & bracken should be in your essential kit!! We also have a MASSIVE reveal of a brand new race AND updates on plans already afoot for the return of the race proper in 2022.................this is exciting stuff...........as you'll be able to tell by John's reaction!! Enter this years virtual WHW Race here SI Entries Virtual WHW 2022 entries avail right up until Mon 14 June Donate to the Virtual WHW fundraising efforts in memory of the late John Kynsaton here Just Giving - Play for Change Find out more about the WHW Race and all past results, future plans and race info here WHW Race Website

Chris and Will are joined by Romain Borgeal to talk all things trail shoes.  Romain is the Assistant Manager at our Dundee store and the content writer for The Run4It Journal. He is also a passionate and experienced trail runner, with completions at races including the Ring of Steall and the West Highland Way Race. Cue a lively conversation on what got them into trail running, the perils of trying to run on the hills in a pair of racing flats against their current trail shoe line-ups, and Romain's upcoming personal project: his 'Door to Aviemore' challenge - a 130-kilometre trail run from his front door, taking in the Cateran Trail and the Lairig Ghru - all with the usual above average banter regular listeners have come to expect. Will recounts a torrid recent outing on the Highland Fling route and swoons over Romain's brief modelling career...To get in touch, email: thepod@run4it.com

"Focus on what you have not what you have lost..." Former British Army Officer, Chris Moon has survived being taken prisoner in Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge (one of the most brutal terror groups in history) and managed to negotiate his release and that of two colleagues from threatened execution.He left the Army to work for a charity clearing landmines in Asia & Africa.In 1995 Chris was blown up in a supposedly safe area of a minefield in remote East Africa, losing an arm and a leg. He survived initially because he treated himself. About fourteen hours after the injury he arrived in South Africa where doctors said they'd never seen anyone live with such a small amount of blood.In 1997 he completed the gruelling Marathon De Sables and inspired many to follow in his footsteps. Since then he's run the world's toughest ultra- marathons, including the Badwater Death Valley 135 mile ultra and the 95 mile West Highland Way Race. He's run numerous ultra-distance events and several one thousand mile events.Chris was awarded an MBE for his work in demining and in recognition of his humanitarian work and he was given the honour of carrying the Olympic Flame into the stadium at the opening ceremony of the Nagano Winter Olympics.Throughout all that Chris has endured never gave up, he went one step beyond…Tune in to hear his amazing story.Contacts / links: ChrisWebsite: www.chrismoon.co.ukLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chrismoonspeakerThe Crux CrewWebsite: www.consultcrux.comLinkedIn: Eric DoyleLinkedIn: CruxLinkedIn: Crux CastTwitter: @eric_crux

In this episode John talks about the virtual event he is currently taking part in, the Virtual Great Glen Ultra. Steven introduces a couple of new regular slots.......Drop Bag Dreams & Race or Not? John also poses some questions to Steven about his next virtual event, the Lakeland 50. We've created an Instagram account please give us a follow and say hello https://www.instagram.com/youngheartsrunfreepodcast/ or @youngheartsrunfreepodcast Some links we promised on the podcast.... Virtual Great Glen Way https://www.runyarocket.net/#/ West Highland Way Race https://westhighlandwayrace.org/ Lakeland 50 / 100 https://lakeland100.com/

Episode 107 is brought to you by our friends at Windswept Brewing, and we are drinking Tornado and Lighthouse tonight! This week we bring you the second installment of Scottish Olympian and Scottish Marathon record holder Steph Twell! She talks about her journey to that fantastic Scottish marathon record and where her future goals lie along with some fantastic golden nuggets for you all! This is another interview not to be missed folks! Chairman of Scottish Athletics Ian Beattie jumps on to talk about the virtual West Highland Way Race that starts this week and Kyle & Tom go back in time to talk about the highlights of the 1988 London Marathon. Available now http://hyperurl.co/lba26u To enter the Virtual WHW Race head over to: https://westhighlandwayrace.org

Louise is a Dundee based person trainer and endurance athlete. She has spent her career focusing on improving the mental and physical health of women, utilising her expansive knowledge to adapt recommendations to allow each individual to strive for an improvement in their health.   Louise has struggled with depression throughout her life. This in turn has been the driving motivation for the fundraising Louise has undertaken over several years. To give an example of the extent of her running ability, one of the races she ran in 2016 was the Marathon des Sables, raising over £5,000 for Dundee Association for Mental Health, covering 154 miles over 6 days in gruelling conditions.    Louise describes herself as a ‘middle to back of the pack’ runner, loving to chat with fellow runners along the way, to hear their stories and what has brought them to take on their current challenge.   Louise is passionate about raising the profile of mental health, holding talks in schools and businesses as well as the general public. 2017 saw the launch of Dundee mental health awareness week – Heart Tay Heart, started by Louise herself.   2020 will see Louise take on her biggest challenge to date #2020RunNorthSea it involves 7 countries, 2 feet and over 3,000 miles in approximately 100 days.   Show notes Who is Louise and what she does Her passion for rugby and running Deciding to become a personal trainer Sports and self esteem Sharing more about her journey of mental health Managing her own mental health Taking photos while out running Having alternatives to manage your mental health apart from exercise Needed to get out of her own head Continuing to learn about herself and what works Having a gratitude journal - A positivity journal The 100 Day Run in the Cotswolds  Having her eyes opened to a whole new world of people and challenges Starting to do fundraising Running the Marathon des Sables in 2016 Going back to university while working full time The MDS - “Being brilliant and awful in equal measures” Having too much time in her own head Rolling her ankle on the first day of MDS  The horrific sandstorm on the 1st day Having a good cry and letting it all out Growing into the challenge Wanting to go back and do the challenge again 2017 - The West Highland Way Race - 95 miles in 35 hrs Dealing with some of the worst weather in Scotland How having a 20 min power sleep made all the difference Finishing the race in 30 hrs with thanks to her support crew Key lessons learned from extreme endurance events Having physical fitness and being able to go to the next level mentally  2017 - Launching Dundee mental health awareness week – Heart Tay Heart Focusing on the services that are being provided to help support mental health #2020RunNorthSea Starting the run from her home town in Dundee Aiming to do 100 days - approx 40 miles per day - with a rest day every 7 days Key aims and objectives from doing this challenge Hopping that people will come and join her on the route Getting support from so many people in the local community Deciding to do this challenge… Doing the challenge solo Dealing with other peoples fears and concerns Don’t let other people limit you and your dreams How to fund and pay for the challenge - Feed Me Days - £25 The challenge of female hormones on training and day to day life Working with your monthly cycle Follow Louise on Social Media Final words of advice   Social Media   Instagram @silverfoxm3h Facebook @louisejohnstoneOCR

Audrey in her own words..   In November 2013, I made a bit of running history when I became the first Scot (and second British woman) to complete my Antarctic Odyssey — the Antarctic Ice Marathon and Antarctic 100km double — in the space of three days, and this is one of my greatest achievement.   Crossing that 100k finish line marked both the end of a journey and the beginning of a new one...   In 2015, I completed the North Pole Marathon and became the first Scot to complete all 3 polar races. I also added the West Highland Way Race and West Highland Way Triple Crown and 100 miles in 24 hours at the Glenmore 24 hour trail race to my tally of achievements.   In January 2017 I became the first person to complete the double extreme marathon event of the Namibian Sand Marathon and Genghis Khan Ice Marathon: 36 degrees to minus 32 degrees.   During this podcast we will be focused on what Audrey has been up to since 2017. Audrey will share more details about the double extreme marathon event of the Namibian Sand Marathon and Genghis Khan Ice Marathon. Audrey will share more about the challenging races and what she has learned on the way, she will also share more about the global odyssey and how her dreams and goals have evolved over time.    If you are a passionate runner and enjoy hearing tales of adventure and challenge, then this is the perfect episode for you! Enjoy!   The Global Odyssey story so far: Antarctica - 2013, The Antarctic Ice 100k and The Antarctic Ice Marathon.  Europe - 2017, Grand Raid Des Bogomiles 100k. I have run a number of marathons in Europe. Asia - 2018, The Gobi Desert Global Odyssey 100k and 2017 The Mongolian Ice Marathon Africa - 2019 The Moroccan Global Odyssey 100k and 2017 The Namibian Sand Marathon. South America -  2019 The Patagonian Global Odyssey 100k and 2014 The Volcano Marathon. Oceania - 2020 The New Zealand Global Odyssey 100k and the Global Odyssey New Zealand Marathon.   Show notes Who is Audrey How she got into running Trying an ultra! Reflecting back on 2017 Her goal to run an ultra on all 7 continents and having someone else do it first How it change her ultimate goal Needing a different dream Taking the sense of urgency and time out of the goal Dealing with the extreme heat and extreme cold of running challenges David Scott from Sandbaggers  Menstruation and menopause and impact on training The Global Odyssey  Failing the first challenge Getting some of the basics wrong from hydration to taking salt tablets Dealing with the aftermath of failure  Going to the Gobi desert in August Starting to run without headphones What a normal training week looks like 3rd time lucky with running in Africa Heading to Argentina in April 2019 Losing her mum and not being able to run Deciding to head to New Zealand for the next ultra and marathon race Quick Fire Questions Final words of advice to motivate and inspire you   Social Media   Website www.audreymcintosh.co.uk.   Instagram - @aa_mcintosh   Facebook - Audrey McIntosh   Twitter - @audreymcintosh 

Meet Elspeth Berry. I know Elspeth through the Scottish running community and she has certainly pushed herself to run over the past decade. Elspeth is a talented freelance musician and athlete living in the west of Scotland. Over the past 7 years she’s taken her drive to run and explore to another level of endurance, fuelled by a love of the outdoors and motivated to raise funds by tragic diagnoses in her family. Elspeth has run the 95-mile West Highland Way Race and many other ultras, and completed some monster self-styled adventures such as the Watershed, where she ran the entire 1,100km spine of Scotland's watershed, across over 40 munros and brutally unsociable terrain. This summer, she also ran the 450km Kungsleden trail through Swedish Lapland - a wild environment of bog, bridges, lake crossings and mosquitoes. Elspeth’s family have been through a lot since 2012, experiencing a stroke and Parkinson’s disease and all the changes in autonomy and caring roles that come with these devastating conditions. We dive into the detail of Elspeth's experiences with change, acceptance, anxiety, self-belief and adventure, and reflect on how such difficult times can also build momentum for more positive changes in life.

This episode features my good friend Lucy Colquhoun. Many in the UK running community will know Lucy or have seen her name next to course records in ultramarathons. She is still the female record holder on the 95-mile long West Highland Way Race in Scotland, with a time of 17:16 which has stood for well over a decade. Lucy is most certainly not defined by her running though and this was a fascinating opportunity to learn more about her mindset on running and racing, what drives her in life, her mental health struggles, experience with counselling and our views on the tricky and all-consuming dynamics of friendships. We do also talk about what her record-breaking West Highland Way Race felt like and her daily life and training schedule at the peak of her racing. Lucy is an incredible woman and I am grateful for her openness and honesty. Check out the blog post and show notes on ofmountainsandminds.com.

This “supplemental” is a fun one! I was recently a guest on the West Highland Way Race podcast, and they’ve agreed to let us repost that interview here! The West Highland Way is a 95 mile footpath in Scotland, with about 13,000’ of vert, that runs from just outside of Glasgow, north and west to […]

On this episode Joel and Shakk talk to Hardmoors Race Director and Ultrarunner Jon Steele. Our podcasts are also available on iTunes and Soundcloud, the links are below. iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/g... Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-729442870 Hardmoors Race Director Jon Steele is an ultrarunner who regularly competes in ultra events such as the West Highland Way Race, Ultratrail du Mont-Blanc, Lakeland 100, Glenmore 24, Highland Fling, Lyke Wake Race, Viking Way, Sandstone Way 200k, C2C, Fellsman to name a few as well as completing the Hardmoors 110, 55 and 30 several times. Jon works as a Personal Trainer based in the York region. In 2012 Jon Steele ran 53 Ultras in 52 weeks http://jsteeles50in52.blogspot.co.uk/ In December of 2013 Jon Steele won and was the only finisher of ‘The Hill’ a 160 mile race up and down ‘Shining Tor’ in the Peak District for 47 plus hours. http://www.thehillultra.com

Sophie Mullins is an Edinburgh-based and plant-powered software engineer and runner. She was good enough to sit down with me just a few days after the 95-mile West Highland Way Race in June, with an impressive array of bumps and bruises, and tell me the story of some pretty sizeable life challenges she’s been through over the past few years. Sophie has a rare disease called Mastocytosis, where the body’s mast cells (a kind of white blood cell) become too active, increasing the risk of life-threatening allergic reactions through anaphylaxis. Sophie talks about her journey from diagnosis and being told she couldn’t run again to treatment and discovering how she could be active whilst managing the disease – a pretty unprecedented move in the community of sufferers. Since then, Sophie has become Scottish champion at the 100k distance – on punishing road no less – run sub 3 hour marathons and won 5km races outright. But more importantly to Sophie, she’s been able to just keep active and moving in the outdoors and it was so interesting getting an insight into the strength of mind that helped her prove doctors wrong. Enjoy this conversation! It’s about dealing with the unexpected roadblocks life throws at us, self-belief and the huge role of outdoor activity.

Debbie is an inspirational ultra-runner, Mum and fulltime marketing professional. Debbie became a part of the Montane athlete team in 2011 and has represented Scotland and Great Britain in 100K and 24-hour races. In 2014 Debbie Won the 2014 Montane Lakeland 100 and in 2015 placed 2nd in the shorter, and perhaps harder, Lakeland 50. Her 10-year journey with over 40 ultra-races includes classics such as the West Highland Way Race, GUCR, Transgrancanaria and Spartathlon. Following these successes, she finished the Montane Tour Des Géants in 2017, saying; “I doubt I will do many things in life that could possibly compare to TDG. I unearthed layers of myself I didn't know I had. There were moments I felt I was just torturing myself, but I never wanted to stop. The drive to finish overpowered everything” A massive leap into the unknown, she finished in 127 hours; an outstanding achievement considering the TDG is classed as one of the 5 “hardest runs” in the world. Containing 24,000m / 78,700ft of ascent (the equivalent of climbing Everest nearly three times) within its 205 miles / 330km, competitors need to be at the peak of their physical ability and mentally agile enough to cope with up to seven days of unpredictable and changeable mountain weather across an entire region of the Italian Alps. Add to this sleep deprivation, altitude acclimatisation and a cut-off time of only 150 hours. Little wonder only 50% of competitors complete the race. Debbie’s previous performance – and goals – are indicative of an athlete with the highest levels of physical and mental strength and will inspire you to get out in the mountains.

Today we meet Giles Ruck. Giles has some incredible stories to share. He’s an accomplished mountaineer, ski mountaineer, endurance runner and International Mountain Leader, and if that doesn’t make you tired then his day job heading up a community foundation might, through which he travels all over Scotland. In 2011 he summited Everest and has also climbed Ama Dablam, Aconcagua, Mont Blanc and the highest active volcano in the world, Ojos del Salado in the Andes. Sometimes he runs – he’s finished the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, the West Highland Way Race and last year completed the Bob Graham Round, a circumnavigation of 42 peaks in the Lake District in under 24 hours. In this our conversation we talk about his experiences in the big mountains: on Everest and other expeditions; the struggles of daily life at altitude; the psychological and physical preparation; what’s it like being responsible for leading an expedition; going through the loss of a parent early in life; and his strategies around staying healthy and working on performance as you get older.