Ever had a week where every run feels like a slog and you start wondering if you’ve lost all your fitness? You’re not alone—and it’s probably not your fitness that’s the problem. It’s your recovery.
In this episode of the Peak Endurance Podcast, Ron and I break down:
Why “feeling flat” doesn’t automatically mean you’re unfit
The key signs you’re dealing with fatigue, not a loss of fitness
How to tell when you should push through and when you should back off
Practical recovery strategies to get your energy and performance back
If you’ve been training hard but can’t seem to find your spark, this episode will help you reset, recover, and return stronger than ever.
🎧 Listen in, learn how to work with your body, and stop beating yourself up over a bad run.
Think your best running days are behind you?
Think again. In this episode, Ron and I dive deep into what it really takes to thrive—not just survive—as an ultrarunner over 50.We explore the key physiological shifts that come with age, including hormonal changes and slower recovery, and explain how smart training, targeted strength work, and a more thoughtful approach to rest can keep you performing at a high level for years to come.
We share powerful insights from both coaching and personal experience, and we unpack:
Why running less can sometimes lead to more progress after 50
How to adjust training loads for long-term consistency
The real reasons you feel flat—and how to fix it
Simple recovery strategies that actually work
Whether you're an experienced ultrarunner or just starting your endurance journey later in life, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to hit the trails with purpose.
Are you training hard but still not getting faster, stronger, or closer to your goals? You’re not alone—and chances are, it’s not your motivation that’s the problem. It’s your approach.
In this episode of the Peak Endurance Podcast, coaches Isobel and Ron Tait break down the top 5 training mistakes most runners make—and how to fix them with smarter, more strategic methods. From running too hard all the time to ignoring recovery, you’ll learn exactly what’s holding you back and what to do instead.
✅ You’ll discover:
Why more training doesn’t always equal more progress
How to structure your runs for long-term gains
The critical role of strength and recovery
Why personalised plans beat cookie-cutter programs every time
Whether you're training for your first ultra or trying to shave minutes off your marathon, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you train smarter—not harder.
👇 Ready to take your running to the next level? Book a free discovery call or learn more about coaching with Peak Endurance here:
🔗https://koalendar.com/e/peak-endurance-coaching-consultation
📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a running mate who needs to hear it!
Join Isobel and Ron as they dive deep into Isobel's recent experience at the Ultra Adelaide 100 Miler. In this candid and inspiring conversation, Isobel shares her journey through the grueling race, while Ron offers insights from his perspective as Isobel's dedicated crew.
🏃♂️ Highlights:
The highs: Moments of triumph and unexpected joys
The lows: Battling fatigue, doubt, and physical challenges
Crucial lessons learned from this epic adventure
The unique challenges and rewards of ultra running in your 50s
Ron's perspective: What it's like to crew for a 100-mile race
Whether you're an experienced ultra runner, a curious beginner, or simply intrigued by endurance sports, this episode offers valuable insights and motivation. Discover how age is just a number when it comes to pushing your limits and achieving extraordinary goals.
Don't miss this honest, humorous, and heartfelt discussion about what it really takes to conquer 100 miles on foot. Like, subscribe, and share to join our community of passionate runners and adventurers!
In this episode of the Peak Endurance Podcast, we’re back from our UK adventure and catching you up on all the running, travel, and turbulence (hello, jet lag!). We share insights from our runs abroad, the struggle of returning to routine, and the powerful reminder of just how crucial sleep is for performance and recovery. Plus, after rotating back into new running shoes, we felt the difference—big time. It’s your friendly nudge to check your shoes and keep your feet (and joints) happy. Tune in for stories, laughs, and real-world reminders to support your strongest running self.
Ron and I chat about our UK adventures so far...and some of the interesting town names here in England :)
In this episode of the Peak Endurance Coaching Podcast, we bring you updates from our whirlwind trip to Scotland and dive deep into the raw and honest recount of the Isle of Skye Ultra — where Isobel faced brutal conditions and made the tough call to DNF. 🌧️🌪️ With driving rain, gale-force winds, and zero visibility, it was a true test of grit and respect for the mountains.
Ron and Isobel unpack what it means to respect a race, how to stay grounded in your ‘why’, and why training in all conditions is essential — not just physically, but mentally too. Whether you're an ultra runner or just love the stories behind the miles, this one’s a powerful listen.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with a running mate who needs a dose of real talk and resilience!
In this episode, Izzy and Ron tackle a common but costly mistake many athletes make—racing their training. If you've ever pushed a session too hard to chase a Strava segment or beat your last effort, this one’s for you. We unpack the risks of turning workouts into unofficial races, from increased injury risk to arriving at race day already cooked. Learn how to train with purpose, keep your ego in check, and arrive at your start line fresh, fit, and ready to fire.
Aaron Crook is no stranger to extreme endurance, but his recent victory at the 6633 Arctic Ultra — a 620km foot race through brutal Arctic terrain — took his limits to an entirely new level.
In this episode, Isobel and Ron dive deep into Aaron’s preparation, mindset, nutrition, and the brutal realities of racing in temperatures that can drop below -30°C.He shares the highs, the hallucinations, the problem-solving, and the personal transformation that happened mile by frozen mile. Whether you're training for your first 50k or chasing your own wild ultra dreams, this conversation will light a fire in you.
Today, Ron and I give our updates then discuss the importance of training suffering. If you don't ever suffer in your training, when you start to suffer in a race it will be a big shock!
Ron and I give our running life updates, then we discuss using motivation vs discipline for running. Enjoy!
Isobel's daughter Elizabeth comes on the podcast to share her experience as crew at The Barkley Marathons.
The Runner's Fuel: Why Carbs are King.Carbohydrates are quickly converted to glucose, the body's primary energy sourceGlucose is stored in muscles and liver as glycogen, which fuels intense exerciseRunning depletes glycogen stores, making carb intake crucial for performanceThe Mental Game: How Carbs Affect Your Running Psychology.Carbs influence serotonin production, affecting mood and motivationProper fueling can prevent the dreaded "bonk" or "hitting the wall"Mental clarity and focus improve with adequate carb intake
Ron and I chat about my Barkley experience! And boy, was it an experience. This is a tale of trials and tribulations: enjoy!
In this episode, Ron and I sit down with Chris Harris, creator of GoNutrition, passionate ultra runner, and accomplished mountaineer fresh off his recent climb of Vinson Massif in Antarctica. We dive into his experiences on the mountain, his journey in ultra endurance sports, and how proper training powers performance in extreme conditions. Chris shares insights on what it takes to push the limits, both in high-altitude mountaineering and ultra running, along with practical tips for endurance athletes. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, adventure, and the power of adventure!
In this episode, we dive into the crucial aspect of training specificity for runners. Learn why and how to tailor your training runs to match your upcoming race conditions for optimal performance.
It is so important to listen to the messages your body is sending you. Your watch does not know everything :) The best feedback mechanism you have is yourself.
Ron and I give you our usual update, then discuss the top 8 things (that turn into 9) that runners over 50 should NOT do
Today, after a quick QuadSaw update, we're diving into a mineral that could be the game-changer in your training: magnesium. Whether you're preparing for your first 5K or your hundredth ultra, this often-overlooked nutrient might just be the key to unlocking your full potential. Watch, and you'll discover why magnesium deserves a prime spot in every runner's nutrition plan.
In this episode of the Peak Endurance podcast, join host Isobel and Ron Tait as they dive deep into the world of cross training for runners.
Forget what you think you know about cross training! We're not talking about yoga or strength work here. Instead, discover how activities like cycling and pool running can significantly improve your running performance.
Key topics covered: • What exactly is cross training for runners? • The benefits of cross training for injury prevention and recovery • How to incorporate cycling and pool running into your training plan • Real-world examples of us using cross training effectively Whether you're a seasoned ultra-runner or just starting your running journey, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you run stronger, faster, and longer. Don't miss out on these game-changing insights that could transform your training!
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Run strong!
