In this solo episode, I dive into one of the most important but overlooked aspects of ultramarathon training: the difference between meaningful challenge and pointless suffering.

Inspired by the Excellence, Actually podcast episode “The Art of Doing Hard Things”, this show explores how we can train smarter—not just harder—by avoiding “Zombie Burnout,” reframing our approach to stress, and aligning our effort with purpose.

I also break down what this looks like inside a 12–16 week ultramarathon training block, and the biggest mistakes I see runners make when chasing big goals.

• Why “hard” doesn’t always mean “helpful” in endurance training
• How to recognise and avoid Zombie Burnout
• A breakdown of a realistic and purposeful ultra training cycle
• Common traps runners fall into (comparison, overtraining, under-recovering)
• How to build a long-term mindset that supports both performance and joy

1. Training with Purpose, Not Just Pain
2. Ask better questions. Train with intent. Stop following hype.
3. Avoiding Zombie Burnout
4. How to recognise when you’ve lost the emotional connection to your training—and how to reset.
5. Applying the Excellence Framework in Your Training Plan
6. A step-by-step look at what a meaningful 12–16 week ultra plan should actually look like.
7. Common Pitfalls to Watch For
8. Mistakes I’ve made—and you can avoid—to stay healthy, consistent, and motivated.
9. Coaching & Community
10. Details on my 1:1 run coaching and how to get in touch.

Instagram: @davidultrarunner

1:1 Coaching Enquiries:

👉 David Taylor – Glasgow Running Coach | Team RunRun

If you’re working toward a big ultra or need help avoiding burnout while still pushing your limits, I’d love to work with you.

If this episode hit home for you:

• Share it with a friend or your running group
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Follow or subscribe so you never miss what’s next

Next week, I’ll be back to the usual interview format with a previous guest and friend of the show that's just smashed a long standing FKT so stay tuned and keep those legs—and your mindset—moving forward.

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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

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

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.