Debbie Martin Consani does Western States - Young Hearts Run Free Podcast - Season 13 Eps 14

In this episode we welcome back Debbie Martin Consani, a living legend of ultra-running and multi-time GB/Scotland international.

Debbie’s impressive career, includes wins at races like the Montane Winter Spine Race, Lakeland 100, and Thames Path 100.

Debbie’s most recent race finish was at at the 2025 Western States 100 – a legendary 100-mile endurance run, finishing in 27:16:48, 155th overall and 27th female, and 2nd in her age category.

We speak about Debbie’s motivation for Western States and how her training differed to other ultras. We hear about specific training for heat acclimation and quad-bashing descents, balancing training with her full-time job and coaching and about the key workouts or long runs that gave her confidence.

Did Debbie go in with a specific time goal or a more process-oriented approach? What were her plans for pacing, nutrition, and hydration? How did those plans work out…or not?

How did she prepare for the inevitable highs and lows of a 100-mile race, particularly one as demanding as Western States?

How did she cope with the extreme temperatures? We discuss the challenging sections like the canyons and some of the biggest difficulties to overcome.

How important were the aid stations to her race? What did Debbie focus on consuming?

The Final Miles: We hear all about what was going through Debbie’s mind as she approached Auburn and the track.

Crossing that Finish Line…Debbie describes the feeling of earning that buckle, and what was the immediate aftermath like?

Who inspires Debbie Martin Consani…listen in to find out!