Redemption on the West Highland Way with Melissa McLarnon - Season 15 Eps 17

In this powerful and emotional episode, we welcome Melissa McLarnon to the podcast.

After being timed out at Beinglas in the 2025 West HighlandWay Race and a subsequent battle with anxiety and mental health challenges, Melissa returned this year with a completely different mindset. What follows is a story of resilience, recovery, friendship, and ultimately crossing the finish line of Scotland's iconic 95-mile ultra.

Key Moments

From DNF to Finisher

Melissa shares the disappointment of missing the Beinglas cutoff by just 10 minutes in 2025 and the emotional toll it took in the months that followed.

Mental Health and Recovery

An open and honest discussion about anxiety, therapy, seeking support, and rebuilding confidence one small step at a time.

The Power of Community

From her husband Gordon, coach Karen, Wildheart Runners,Garscube Harriers and countless friends, Melissa reflects on the people who helped her get back to the start line.

A Different Approach in 2026

Armed with stronger mindset tools, visualisation practicesand more confidence, Melissa describes a race that felt entirely different from the year before.

Devil's Staircase Karaoke

One of the episode's funniest stories sees Melissa and friends tackling the Devil's Staircase while belting out Kylie Minogue classics in the middle of the night.

The Finish

The emotion of reaching Fort William, becoming the final official finisher, and receiving her goblet in one of the most cherished traditions in Scottish ultrarunning.

Enjoy the episode, and if you've ever faced a setback in running or life, this one's for you.

"This year wasn't about proving anything. It was a celebration of getting myself back to the start line." Melissa McLarnon, 2026

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