Trails, Tales, and Fails - An Ultra Running Podcast

Fresh from completing the Montane Summer Spine Race, today's guest joins us to unpack an incredible 275-mile journey along the Pennine Way.Finishing in around 150 hours, he battled challenging underfoot conditions, sleep deprivation, changing weather, and the mental and physical demands that come with one of Britain's toughest ultramarathons. Along the way, he shared conversations with some legendary names, including Nicky Spinks and Andy Glaze, while learning plenty about himself in the process.Having previously raced mainly over 50 to 100-mile distances, this was by far his longest event to date and a huge leap into the unknown. With another major challenge just four and a half weeks away, we discuss what worked well, what he'd change next time, how he managed the lows, and some of the unexpected and humorous moments that happened during nearly a week on the trail.If you're curious about the realities of racing beyond 200 miles, the mindset required to keep moving when everything hurts, and the lessons learned from one of the UK's most iconic endurance events, this is an episode you won't want to miss.If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a rating, follow the show, and share the episode with your friends. Every share helps us reach more runners, inspire new adventures, and grow the trail and ultra running community.⁠Coaching enquiries⁠⁠ Support the show via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and buy us a coffee.We’re proud to be supported by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Protein Rebel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — get 15% off with code TTF15⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Beta Outdoor Sports⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, where you can get 10% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BV Sports⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ compression and apparel, plus 10% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Näak Nutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ products to fuel your adventures using TTF10.⁠⁠Trailskin⁠⁠ get 20% off with TTFS_20Don’t forget to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to join our Strava club to connect with fellow trail lovers and celebrate your own achievements.👉 Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trails, Tales, and Fails Facebook Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to continue the conversation and connect with fellow trail and ultra runners.If you enjoy the episode, please leave us a rating and share it with your running buddies.

In this week’s Ultra Tip Tuesday, I'm diving into one of the most overlooked keys to endurance success: fuelling early and often. Whether you’re training for your first ultra or your fiftieth, timing your nutrition is just as important as what you eat.I’ll break down why waiting until you’re hungry is too late, how to keep your energy steady with small, frequent fuel hits, and how to train your gut to handle fuel on the move. From gels to real food, this episode is all about keeping your engine running strong — and avoiding the dreaded bonk.

Max and Sarah sit down with elite ultra runner and passionate coach Chris Kelly. From his jaw-dropping 273km win at Albi 24hr to course records and podiums across the UK, Chris shares the mindset, training, and grit behind his success — including his selection for Team GB’s 24-hour squad and prep for the upcoming World Championships in Albi. We dive into coaching insights, play our usual games, and explore what it really takes to go the distance.👉 Join our ⁠Trails, Tales, and Fails Facebook Community⁠ to continue the conversation and connect with fellow trail and ultra runners.💚 If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what we do, check out our ⁠Patreon ⁠— every bit helps us keep sharing stories from the trails.Use code TTF15 at Protein Rebel for your 15% discount.

268 miles. 155 hours. A few wrong turns. One bull. And a whole lot of grit and resilience.In this episode of Trails, Tales & Fails, we sit down with an inspiring ultra runner who took on the Summer Spine and came out the other side with blisters, stories, and a finish line moment to remember. From getting lost in the forest, to stubborn livestock, and the mental rollercoaster of non-stop movement — this conversation is raw, funny, and extremely inspiring.We talk feet, planning, hallucinations, sleep strategy, and how belief — both from within and from others — can get you to the end of even the longest trail.An inspiring reminder that you don’t need to be at the front of the pack to have an epic story to tell.⁠Join our brand-new Facebook community group

In this episode, we’re joined by local legend and friend of the pod Dave Harvey — ultra runner, metal guitarist, mental health champion, and co-host of our favourite local show: The Portsmouth Running Podcast.From shredding riffs in Belligerence to shredding trails at UTMB, TDS, Lakeland 100, Western States, and every Centurion race going, Dave’s journey is nothing short of epic.We dive into:Winning Cardiff to London and The TunnelLogging 200-milers on Strava as “Morning run” 😎His love of posh coffee and hatred for ColdplayThe crossover between music, mindset, and mental healthBehind the scenes of SMOGATHON — the greatest unofficial race you’ve never heard ofAnd plenty of tales from the trails, riffs, and aid stationsSo lace up, plug in, and get ready to step inside the mind of a man who lives loud, runs long, and lifts others along the way.🔥 Like the pod? Leave a review and share it with your crew — especially your local running mates in Portsmouth and beyond!

In this episode, we sit down with UK ultra talent Becky Perrett, fresh off a phenomenal 5th place finish at the UTS 100 miler — one of the toughest mountain ultras in the UK, with over 31,000ft (9,500m) of elevation gain.We chat about:What it takes to train for massive mountain ultrasRacing the UTS 100K vs the 100MBeing coached by Jack ScottHer biggest lessons, fails, and moments of grit along the wayIf you love mountains, mud, and relentless climbs — this one’s for you.🎙️ Follow, share, and leave a review to keep the pod growing!