The California Fall Classic Comeback with Caroline McKay - Season 14 Eps 11

In this incredibly open and honest episode, we sit down with guest Caroline McKay for a chat that spans her roots on the Isle of Mull, and the profound emotional journey that led her to ultra running. Caroline shares her recent success at the California Fall Classic and the powerful motivation she carries with her on the trails.

Caroline reveals she "hated running" early in life and discusses her upbringing on the Isle of Mull, living an outdoors lifestyle with her marine biologist parents and working on their shellfish farm. Caroline recounts moving to Manchester at 17 to work in a nightclub and also work in fashion, and how she went down a "disruptive path" involving heavy smoking, drinking, and substance use.

Caroline talks about moving back to Edinburgh, being a major milestone for her health. A friend planting the seed about the 53-mile Highland Fling race introduced her to ultra running.

Caroline speaks about getting into ultra running podcasts like Trail Runner Nation, Ultra Runner podcast, and Talk Ultra. She mentions being inspired by Ellie Greenwood and the empowering feeling of seeing women like her succeed. There is a brief mention of Caroline's own podcast, Of Mountains and Minds, and her experience interviewing the incredible Jasmin Paris.

An impulsive, wild story about a trip to the US to support a record-breaking trans-American run attempt which ended in a mess, a pulled sponsorship, and an NDA.

We discuss running the West Highland Way and getting into the Western States 100 lottery for 2013. She talks about her training and preparation, including running the Great Wilderness Challenge (23 miles).

We have a deep dive into Carolines fuelling strategy, including using Huma Chia gels, salted potatoes, and salt tabs.

Caroline shares her motivation, including the goal of not having another DNF (mentioning the Georgia Death Race and UTMB) and drawing strength from her kids.

Caroline shares her pride in her recent California Fall Classic race, hitting her goal of going sub-16 hours with a time of 15:48