To kick off 2025 we have the man, the myth, the legend of John Cassidy from the Young Hearts Run Free Podcast sharing his running journey with us.

Many of you will have heard him (and Steven) talking with guests over the past few years and I have been listening and being inspired through his podcast since I started doing the longer stuff. But John has a great story to tell from where he started on his journey in 2012 to where he is now.

What we talked about:

• Couch to 5k, Ronhill tracksters, the Celtic cagoule and that one friend
• The descent (or ascent) into ultramarathon
• His love for big days out in remote places but also the love of the trail and ultra-running community
• Kit and of course food
• The big reveal and West Coast Ultra Exclusive - John's 2025 race calendar

Key Takeaways:

• Always be you, true to yourself as comparison is the thief of joy
• Celebrate EVERY win - that is, the things that feel good to you, a great run, getting out for your workout when you do not want to or doing well at an event
• Don't stress about things that are out of your control
• This too will pass - good or bad, know that things will move on. If you're going through a tough spot in a race, it'll pass, just keep moving

Resources Mentioned:

• @voom @ronhill @petzl @scienceinsport @prescisionfandh

Connect with Us:

• You can follow John on Instagram @j0hncassidy and of course @youngheartsrunfreepodcast
• Connect with me on Instagram @davidultrarunner
• Like, subscribe and rate the show so you don't miss an episode (and it would make me really happy)

Are you looking for a running coach?

I talk about coaching a lot on the show as this is something that I believe in. If you are looking for a coach then why not get in touch and see how I can help you using this link: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/

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

Something a little bit different for your Christmas episode.

I take you with me this week on the Stewarton Ultrarunners 100k run on the 14th of December 2024 with some heavy breathing, plodding steps and interviews with the guys along the way.

We'll return to normal service next week but why waste an opportunity to tray something different :)

Heres some of the key learning points:

1. Big days out with friends are ace
2. Doing the hard things teaches you about yourself - it's why I do ultras
3. Summary of my hydration and fuelling
4. Running tall

Let's connect:

• If you are not already, follow me @davidultrarunner on Instagram for running-related content, chat, and discussion about the pod.
• Why don't you give someone the gift of this podcast and share it with friends Wanna give me a gift? A review would be ace :)

Are you looking for a running coach?

Give yourself or someone you know the gift of coaching - get in touch to see how I can help you wth your training: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/

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

Kayleigh Webster is another legend who made it to the snowy edition of the Wildheart Runners birthday bash. What a story she has to tell, including her first ultramarathon win in the Back Yard Ultra format.

What we talked about:

• Lockdown running and Couch to 5K
• Learning lessons on the way to going long
• The impact of moving to a plant-based and alcohol-free lifestyle and how 'The Happy Diet' was born
• Working up through the distances, finding backyard ultras and other challenges
• Coaching and finding her own way
• Her next big challenge

Key Takeaways:

• Be bold in what you challenge yourself with and tell others about - then do the work to make it happen
• Think about what you are eating and drinking - is it working for you? Good time of year to check
• Coaching has its place, but then again so does going it alone if you listen to what your body (and mind) tells you.

Resources Mentioned:

• @injinji and hunners of bananas

Connect with Us:

• Kayleigh has come off Instagram but there's still some great content @the_happydiet but check out her website: thehappydiet.co.uk
• The Golspie BYU article we spoke about: https://thehappydiet.co.uk/golspie-backyard-ultra/
• If you are not already, follow me @davidultrarunner on Instagram for running-related content, chat, and discussion about the pod.
• Why don't you give someone the gift of this podcast and share it with friends Wanna give me a gift, a review would be ace :)

Are you looking for a running coach?

Then why not get in touch and see if I can help you - fill in the contact form here: https://teamrunrun.com/coach/david-taylor-glasgow-running-coach/, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

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