Scottish Queen of the Backyard Ultra and co-founder of the Wildheart Runners, Karen Nicol spends some time with us this week.

Her bio on the Wildheart Runners page says it all:

"Karen has been competing in ultra-distance races for over 10 years and loves (and sometimes loathes) a Backyard Ultra. With 40 yards under her belt, the former GB female record holder is passionate about encouraging females to participate in the lapped format. Karen has won the Crawley 12-hour and 6-hour races and stood on the podium in many other ultra races, including Edinburgh 24, Glenmore 24, and Devil of the Highlands.

She is also the Founder and Race Director of her local Junior Parkrun, she is a guide runner, journaling advocate, and ultra-running coach specialising in female health and menopause.

Her passion is supporting others to overcome barriers and use running as a vessel for a better life.

UESCA Certified Ultra Running Coach and Certified Female Athlete and Menopause Coach. "

What we talked about:

• Karen's background is from being a non-runner and signing up for a charity 10k to representing her country at the Back Yard Ultra World Championships
• Her thoughts and campaigning for better, more equitable representation of females in endurance sports
• We explore some of the barriers to females in ultra running
• How the Wildheart Runners started and how you can get involved

Key Takeaways:

• The unique challenges that females are faced with
• How the support of others, like the Wildheart Runners community can help build your confidence
• How getting the right people around you is so important to being able to fulfil your potential sich as getting the right coach (and a supportive partner)

Resources Mentioned:

• Follow Karen on Instagram @ultrakazy and the Wildheart Runners on @wildheartrunners
• You can find out all about the Wildheart Runners at their website here:wildheartrunners.com

Connect with Us:

• Follow @davidultrarunner on Instagram for some running-related content, engage with the podcast and find out when the next one is available
• Subscribe to our podcast on all good podcast platforms including apple, spotify and amazon
• Leave us a review on whatever platform you are listening on and share with people you might think would like to hear what we have to say. It really does help

Do you want me to be your ultramarathon coach?

All you have to do is fill in a simple form, and then we can set up a time to see how I can help you. The link is here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and one of the team will get back to you. Plus, if you mention the podcast, I have a little discount waiting for you.

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

Once again we have came up trumps with a long-run feature length episode.

This time we will hear from Scott Brown. not only is Scott my coach but he is the owner of SBF (Scott Brown Fitness) and a serial winner in both OCR and ultra-endurance events

The conversation is filled with inspiration throughout. I hope you enjoy.

Topics Discussed:

• Scott's background, from school to the military, to close protection work to the business that he has built
• How he has evolved as an athlete and how he finds new and exciting challenges#
• We talk about some massive races from the worlds toughest mudder to the the West Highland Way Race, to the GB Ultras Scotland events and the Spine.
• The way that he surrounds himself with the right people and how in turn he is also able to help and support others great team and people
• How mindset can overcome obstacles regardless of whether you are an elite athlete like Scott or more average (like me)
• His future challenges (we will come back to Scott after he has smashed this one)

Key Takeaways:

• Mindset is key to achieving what you set out to do, and it is something that you can work on and develop
• The environment that you are in is important, what kind of culture do you want to be in?
• Getting the right people and team around you will accelerate your success, but where can you also give something back?

Resources Mentioned:

• Follow Scott on Instagram @sbf_scottbrown and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/scottbrownfitness
• You can find out all about his gym here: https://www.facebook.com/scottbrownfitness

Connect with Us:

• Follow @davidultrarunner on Instagram for some running-related content, engage with the podcast and find out when the next one is available
• Subscribe to our podcast on all good podcast platforms including apple, spotify and amazon
• Leave us a review on whatever platform you are listening on and share with people you might think would like to hear what we have to say. It really does help

Do you want me to be your ultramarathon coach?

All you have to do is fill in a simple form, and then we can set up a time to see how I can help you. The link is here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and one of the team will get back to you. Plus, if you mention the podcast, I have a little discount waiting for you.

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

We have another long-run/feature-length episode this week with Paul Manson aka The Random Runner.

Paul is the dynamic personality behind the YouTube channel 'The Random Runner'.

Join us as he shares his journey from a casual runner to an epic adventure conquering social media sensation, known for his fun and quirky challenges that bring joy to the running community.

Topics Discussed:

• Paul’s background, what inspired him to start running and when he got 'the bug'.
• The concept behind the Random Runner and his positivity in facing challenges
• How he uses social media to connect with and motivate others
• How he chooses his races and challenges like the West Highland Way Race, Lakeland 100 and the Tor de Geants
• Tips for anyone looking to make running more fun and engaging

Key Takeaways:

• Frame ultras as adventures
• Choosing your path and focusing on the joy that running can give you
• Finding what it is that inspires you - then go and do it

Resources Mentioned:

• Follow Paul on YouTube @therandomrunner
• @salomon s/lab genesis as his 'go to' shoe

Connect with Us:

• Follow @davidultrarunner on Instagram for some running-related content, engage with the podcast and find out when the next one is available
• Subscribe to our podcast on [Platforms]
• Leave us a review on whatever platform you are listening on and share where you can

Do you want me to be your ultramarathon coach?

All you have to do is fill in a simple form and then we can set up some time to see how I can help you. The link is here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/ and one of the team will get back to you. Plus, if you mention the podcast I have a little discount waiting for you.

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