Going solo again and in this double-header episode of the West Coast Ultra Podcast, I dive into two hot (pun intended) topics iwhere i look at two of the most misunderstood—and underused—tools in ultramarathon training: heat adaptation and speed training.

Whether you're lining up for a summer ultra, training through a heatwave, or wondering why short fast intervals can help you go longer, this episode breaks down the science and the strategy behind both.

The aim is to provide some discussion on these topics and hopefully arm you with some ideas and tips to tanslate to your training.

What You'll Learn:

• Why heat training boosts endurance, plasma volume, and cooling efficiency
• How to acclimate using saunas, hot runs, or post-run baths
• Hydration mistakes to avoid in hot weather
• How speed training improves running economy, fatigue resistance & neuromuscular sharpness
• Practical workouts: strides, hill sprints, fartleks & tempo runs
• How to balance speed with ultra endurance

Connect with David:

📸 Instagram: @davidultrarunner

🏃‍♂️ Coaching & Plans: David Taylor – Glasgow Running Coach on Team RunRun

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In this solo episode, I delve into the quieter, often unspoken side of ultrarunning: what happens when motivation fades?

No injuries. No illness. Just a deep, unsettling disinterest in running. Right in the middle of peak racing season, this conversation is for anyone who's ever felt burnt out, disconnected, or unsure of their "why."

• Why motivation fades — and why it’s normal
• The emotional and physiological toll of training overload
• Life stress and post-race blues
• Losing your “why” and identity as a runner
• Personal reflections from my own journey
• Signs you might be in a slump
• What helps (and what doesn’t) when the spark disappears
• The science behind sustainable motivation

✅ Give yourself permission to pause

✅ Move without pressure or metrics

✅ Reframe your identity beyond running

✅ Talk to someone — vulnerability builds resilience

✅ Focus on intrinsic goals like joy, solitude, and connection to nature

❌ Don’t force it

❌ Avoid signing up for races out of guilt

❌ Stop comparing yourself to your past self

• Self-Determination Theory in sport psychology
• David’s reflections post-US 100 - Episodes 11 and 12
• Previous episodes on post-race recovery and identity

If this episode resonated with you, David would love to hear your story.

📸 Instagram: @davidultrarunner

💬 Share your burnout experience or how you found your way back

If this episode helped you, consider:

⭐ Leaving a review

📤 Sharing it with a friend

📩 Sending it to your past self as a reminder

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

This week, we will go back to the normal format with an interview with one of the local legends in Ayrshire.

Many of you will know Bert through the Fit Ayrshire Masses, but on this week's episode, we talk about:

• His fitness journey and early C25K ''ing'
• Realising that you don't have to run fast all the time and using running as a way of managing to lose over 6 stone
• Finding out what types of races and events he likes most
• Discovering the world of ultrarunning and, like many of u,s popping his ultra cherry on Run the Blades 50k
• Becoming a more confident runner and tweaking what he was doing through coaching
• Completing his biggest challenge to date - the Wall 70-mile ultramarathon
• and much more

Let's Connect/links

• You can follow Bert on Instagram here: @bert_runs.lifts.life_
• If for some reason you aren't already following me on Instagram, then you'll find me here: @davidultrarunner
• Like, subscribe, and rate the show so you don't miss an episode (and it would make me happy)

Do you want me to coach you?

Get in touch and see how I can help either here or by using the link in my bio: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach

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