The Pyllon Ultra Pod

In this episode, Paul reconnects with long-time Pyllon athlete, coach and former podcast co-host James Stewart for the first conversation in a new series, People Make Pyllon - where we explore the lives, work and wider stories of runners in the Pyllon community. James has represented Great Britain, broken records, and worked at the sharp end of competitive ultrarunning, but this conversation is less about racing and more about life. They discuss what happens when running takes a step back, and how it still supports James's full-time leadership role, family life, and creative interests. They talk about injury, consistency, integrity, and why showing up matters more than chasing medals. James shares his evolving mindset as he begins doctoral research on the future of AI and work, and how he’s learning to value running not just for performance, but for what it gives back to the rest of life. Topics covered include: Returning from injury and rethinking goals Balancing work, family, running and personal growth Running at 4am, wherever you are in the world The "equilateral triangle" model of life Why self-integrity matters more than motivation Creativity, well-being and letting go of outcome The power and responsibility of AI in a changing world This is a thoughtful conversation about adapting, growing, and redefining what progress really means, both in running and in life. Links and extras Subscribe to The Ultra Life for weekly reflections from Paul: 👉 https://youtube.com/pyllon Follow along on Instagram: 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllon 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllonultra Explore coaching and more at: 👉 https://www.pyllonultra.com/

Show Notes: In this bonus episode, we sit down with Pyllon athlete Gus Irvine, who just won the 2025 West Highland Way Race — one of the most iconic ultramarathons in the UK. But this conversation isn’t just about race day. It’s about what led there. Gus opens up about the years of quiet, committed training that made this win possible. We talk about his emotional relationship with running, the structure and belief that coaching has brought him, and how consistency, community, and sacrifice shaped his path to victory. He shares post-race reflections, including the moment it nearly unravelled, the deep significance of the race in his life, and what it feels like to finally win an event that once felt out of reach. At the end of the episode, we’re joined briefly by his coach, John Connolly, who offers his perspective on Gus’s development — and what it takes to build a performance like this over time. This is a conversation about more than just running. It’s about self-belief, quiet progress, and the power of simply showing up. Topics covered: The emotional aftermath of a WHW victory Why talent is never enough — and what really matters How coaching and community shaped Gus’s mindset The power of reflection, structure, and long-term commitment A look behind the scenes with coach John Connolly Sign-off: If you’d like to know more about working with us at Pyllon, head over to pyllonultra.com. I also share weekly reflections and thoughts on endurance, training, and life in my newsletter at @pyllon and @pyllonultra.

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod — and to a new direction for the show. In this episode, we explore the emotional side of endurance. Why do ultra races move us to tears? What do they unlock deep inside that other pursuits can’t reach? And how does that emotional depth become part of why we keep coming back? Our guest is Jeevendra, an ultra runner, thinker, and long-time Pyllon athlete with a deeply spiritual approach to running. He opens up about the emotional layers of training and racing — from mantras and meditation to moments of surrender and soul-level clarity during events like Spartathlon and the Bob Graham Round. Together, Paul and Jeev talk about: What it means to run with emotion — not against it Why endurance can become a spiritual practice The role of grief, purpose, and memory in running long distances How emotional breakthroughs can become physical turning points Tools like mantras, visualisation, and surrender And what it means to truly live a purpose-driven life If you’ve ever felt changed by a run — or wondered why this sport hits so deep — this one is for you. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🌍 Mentioned: The Green Runners 🔁 Keep Going with Pyllon: Subscribe to the Pyllon newsletter: pyllon.substack.com Follow on Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra Watch films on YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Learn more or get in touch: pyllonultra.com Thanks for listening — and for being part of the journey. Keep living the ultra life. #theultralife | #pyllon

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod. In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most curious and compelling corners of ultra endurance: the 24-hour track race. Joining Paul today are two people with intimate knowledge of this format. Grant MacDonald, a former GB international and coach at Pyllon, was due to compete at Crawley this year before injury struck — instead, he stepped into the crew role. On the other side of the table is Alice, a Pyllon athlete who not only took on the challenge but hit the qualifying mark to represent Romania at the upcoming World Championships in Albi, France. This conversation explores far more than race splits and lap counts. Together, we unpack: The strange appeal of running in circles for 24 hours The invisible ingredients that make up a great race How training, mindset, and support differ from other formats The emotional rollercoaster of racing — and missing a race What it takes to crew well and how that impacts performance Reflections on identity, setbacks, and why people keep coming back And what the future holds for both Alice and Grant Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or simply intrigued by what drives people to circle a track for a day and a night, this is an honest, reflective, and insightful discussion that offers much more than race results. 🎬 You can also watch The Loop, a short film about Alice’s race, on the Pyllon YouTube channel — it captures the rhythm and reality of the 24-hour format in a way words alone can't. 🔁 Keep Going with Pyllon: Subscribe to the Pyllon newsletter: pyllon.substack.com Follow us on Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra Watch our films on YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Learn more or get in touch: pyllonultra.com Thanks as always for being part of the journey. Keep living the ultra life. #theultralife | #pyllon

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod. In this short episode, we explore a tension many athletes and coaches feel but rarely voice: why does branding and polished packaging often outshine hard-won experience in today’s coaching world? I reflect on what real coaching value looks like — not the spreadsheets or the slogans, but the deep, often unseen work of understanding athletes, recognising patterns, and building trust over years, not months. We also unpack how we’re wired for novelty — from chasing the latest training trends to jumping on shiny new advice, even when the wisdom we need has been quietly standing beside us all along. This is an honest, generous look at the deeper layers of coaching, endurance, and commitment, with stories from my own journey and reflections on what really shapes an enduring athlete-coach relationship. 🎧 Tune in now, and share with someone who needs it. 🔁 Keep Going with Pyllon Subscribe to the Pyllon newsletter: pyllon.substack.com Follow us on Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra Watch our films on YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Learn more or get in touch: pyllonultra.com Thanks for being part of the journey. #theultralife | #pyllon

In this deeply honest episode of the Pyllon Ultra podcast, we’re joined by Pyllon coach John Connolly and long-time athlete Rachel Normand — a fierce competitor, thoughtful human, and now, a mother expecting her second child. We talk openly about what it means to navigate training, identity, and life as a female athlete, especially during and after pregnancy. Topics include: What training looks like (and feels like) during pregnancy How Rachel’s mindset and body have changed the second time around Her plan to return to running after birth The emotional and practical challenges of staying connected to your identity as a runner Support systems, useful resources, and advice for other female athletes This isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about adapting with purpose, building trust in your own body, and redefining what endurance really means. Whether you’re training through pregnancy, coaching women through these seasons, or just curious to listen — this is a conversation we all need to hear. 🎧 Tune in now, and share with someone who needs it. 🔗 Resources from the Episode 📘 ROAR by Dr. Stacy Sims – www.drstacysims.com/roar 📙 Go Ahead, Stop and Pee – View on AbeBooks 🎙️ Active Mom Podcast – carriepagliano.com 📄 NHS Return to Running Guidance – Download the PDF 🔁 Keep Going with Pyllon Subscribe to the Pyllon newsletter: pyllon.substack.com Follow us on Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra Watch our films on YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Learn more or get in touch: pyllonultra.com Thanks for being part of the journey. #theultralife | #pyllon

✍️ Show Notes (Description): Most people don’t think of ultra-running as creative. It’s numbers. It’s structure. It’s repetition. But the best runners — the ones who stay in it for the long haul — often aren’t just tough. They’re imaginative. Flexible. Quietly inventive. In this episode, I explore why creativity is a powerful tool in training, racing, and staying in the game when things don’t go to plan. From reframing long runs to adapting goals mid-race, to how we coach and train when life gets messy — this is about the art of movement, not just the metrics. You’ll hear a few personal stories, a bit of coaching insight, and a quiet reminder that sometimes, improvisation is the real superpower. 🎧 Listen if you’ve ever had to reimagine your plan mid-run — or if you're looking for a little freedom in how you move forward. 📬 Read the full written version at: pyllonultra.com/ember 🖤 Stay Connected: Thanks for being here — and for being part of this community. If this resonated, feel free to share it with someone who might need it too. You can follow or reach out via: 📬 Newsletter: @pyllonultra 🖤 Personal IG: @pyllon ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon See you out there.

In this special episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, I sit down with Pyllon coach John Connolly and long-time creative collaborator (and pal) Gavin Bussey, just ahead of the release of A Run Through Darkness — the film documenting my 3,000km run across New Zealand. We talk about the discomfort of putting something so personal out into the world, the role of Alice’s energy in keeping the whole thing moving, and the quiet moments of vulnerability that came not just during the run, but in shaping the story afterward. There’s plenty of west coast banter, swearing, some honesty about fear, doubt and storytelling — and the formal proposal of a new XP ritual involving frostbitten toes and Yukon tradition that you probably just have to hear to believe. This one’s real. It’s not polished. And I’m proud of that. 🎥 A Run Through Darkness is now live on The Running Channel. 👉 Read more reflections here: Ultra Life 👉 Watch the film here: The Run Show   Links & Mentions: 🎥 Film: A Run Through Darkness — Watch it on The Running Channel 🌍 More episodes & coaching: pyllonultra.com 📸 Instagram: @pyllonultra // @pyllon 📝 Substack: The Ultra Life  

What happens after the race is done, the film is released, or the effort is over? In this solo reflection, Paul explores the quiet space between doing the work and discovering what it meant. Drawing from his own experience at the Yukon Arctic Ultra — and a story from Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert — this episode is about stillness, identity, and trusting the process, even when the result isn’t clear. In This Episode: The silence that follows big efforts Why we shouldn’t tie our identity to outcomes What runners and creatives have in common Jack Gilbert and the pursuit of meaning beyond applause A quiet reminder for anyone still waiting for the meaning to catch up Links & Mentions: Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert More episodes & coaching: pyllonultra.com Instagram: @pyllonultra @pyllon Substack: The Ultra Life

In this episode of the Pyllon Ultra Podcast, Paul Giblin dives deep into the art of race planning. As you finalise your 2025 race schedule, it’s essential to choose events that align with your goals, capacity, and long-term ambitions. Paul challenges the belief that more races equal better preparation and shares practical advice on how to build a thoughtful, intentional race calendar. You’ll hear insights from expert coaches, real-life lessons, and tips to help you stay focused on what matters most. Whether you’re aiming for a major ultra, balancing training demands, or feeling the pressures of social influence, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable takeaways for runners of all levels. 🎧 Listen now and take your race planning to the next level! 🔗 Links & Resources: Website: www.pyllonultra.com Watch the podcast on YouTube: Pyllon Ultra YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram: @pyllonultra Connect with us on Facebook: Pyllon Ultra Contact Paul directly: Instagram Collaborate with Paul: support@pyllonultra.com Share & Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your running friends and leave a review—it helps us reach more runners like you!

In this episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, host Paul dives deep into a topic that resonates with every ultrarunner—failure. While success stories often take the spotlight, it's the moments of failure that truly shape us as athletes and individuals. Paul discusses the reality of failure in ultrarunning, shares personal stories of setbacks, and explores how embracing failure can lead to growth and resilience. Whether you've faced a tough race or struggled through a challenging training block, this episode will remind you that failure is not the opposite of success—it's a crucial part of the journey. Join us as we turn failures into stepping stones toward greater achievements. Join Us: Don’t forget to join us on the 20th of September for the unmissable Pyllon XP7! Contact Information: Social Media: @pyllon @pyllonultra YouTube Channel, with video podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/pyllon Website: Pyllon Ultra

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod, where we dive deep into the real issues faced by ultrarunners and endurance athletes. I'm Paul, and today, we're exploring a concept that extends far beyond running—attention. Inspired by the work of psychologist Timothy Wilson and other thought-provoking books, we discuss how our focus shapes our training, racing, and ultimately, our lives. Key Segments: The Distraction Dilemma:How modern distractions are costing us more than we realise. The impact of distractions on our running and training. Personal anecdotes about the cost of distractions in our daily lives. Attention and Training:The importance of being present during training sessions. Stories of how losing focus can derail your running goals. The Cost of Misplaced Attention:If you’re focusing on things you don’t truly value, you’re paying with your life. Engaging directly with experiences versus being distracted. Making Better Use of Your Attention:Practical questions to help align your attention with your values. The significance of being mindful and present in everyday activities. Quotes: "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." - Simone Weil "To be everywhere is to be nowhere." - Seneca Book Recommendations: "Strangers to Ourselves: Discovering the Adaptive Unconscious" by Timothy D. Wilson "4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver Burkeman Join Us: Don’t forget to join us on the 20th of September for the unmissable Pyllon Contact Information: Social Media: @pyllon @pyllonultra Website: Pyllon Ultra  

In this episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, host Paul delves into the often-overlooked topic of resistance and its impact on ultra-running. Rather than focusing on conventional training tips, Paul explores the deeper, more existential aspects of why we run and how resistance shapes our journey. Drawing inspiration from Steven Pressfield's "The War of Art," this episode discusses the dissonance between our desire to train hard and race well and the actual actions we take. Paul shares personal anecdotes, research insights, and practical advice on how to recognise and overcome resistance to find true passion in ultra-running. Key Topics Discussed: Understanding the concept of resistance and its forms: procrastination, self-doubt, fear, and distraction. The importance of acknowledging resistance as a natural part of any endeavour. Insights from "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield. Practical tips for finding joy in the struggle, seeking passion over perfection, and being present in your runs. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Follow us on social media @pyllon for more updates and join the discussion. Don't forget about Pyllon XP happening in September in the Highlands. It's a weekend filled with running, learning, and laughter. Join us for the best weekend of the year! Contact Information: Social Media: @pyllon Website: Pyllon Ultra

In this episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, host Paul dives into the importance of celebrating individuality in ultrarunning and endurance sports. Reflecting on recent races and personal experiences, Paul discusses why athletes often strive to conform and how embracing one’s unique preferences can lead to greater joy and success. This short episode encourages listeners to find their own path and highlights the benefits of authenticity. Show Notes: Highlights: Discussion on the tendency to mimic others in ultrarunning and the value of individuality. Quote from Oscar Wilde: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Insights into human instincts to fit in and the importance of personal journeys in sports. Personal stories about runners who improved by embracing their unique preferences. Study from the "Journal of Sports Sciences" showing better performance and satisfaction when training is tailored to individual strengths. Practical tips for embracing uniqueness: Identify your preferences. Tailor your training. Celebrate small wins. Ignore the noise. Seek inspiration, not imitation. Call to Action: Please subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast. Join the next Pyllon Experience event in September in Glenshee. Social Media: Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Join our community discussions and share your unique running stories If you'd like to spend a weekend with Paul and some of the other Pyllon coaches you can sign up to our next Pyllon Experience event - Friday 20th September. Find out more.  You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com  Pyllon is at @pyllonultra Paul is on X and instagram @Pyllon

A follow-on chat from last week! Quick update from the West Highland Way Race (and special guest appearance)! Paul returns to a past episode and the problem for athletes of not fuelling properly. Despite all the planning, so many struggle to adhere to their nutrition plan as the race progresses. Paul believes that this is more than just a bad stomach. There is a psychological resistance to eating.  After some additional research Paul provides a summary of his finding / theories. - Sensory fatigue - Mental fatigue - Emotional and Motivational Factors - Perceived Effort and Discomfort If you'd like to spend a weekend with Paul and some of the other Pyllon coaches you can sign up to our next Pyllon Experience event - Friday 20th September. Find out more. Discount code: PODCASTXP You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com  Pyllon is at @pyllonultra Paul is on Twitter and instagram @Pyllon

Paul is officially off-the-rails now (come back James Stewart!!) and takes the opportunity to talk to Alice before the start of the West Highland Way race early Saturday morning. Alice has a unique energy for sure :D This was recorded in the van on the way down to Glasgow - so please excuse the sound quality!  - What has Alice learned from her past WHW experience? - How does running help her work better? - What was it like crewing Paul on his run Across New Zealand! If you'd like to spend a weekend with Paul and some of the other Pyllon coaches you can sign up to our next Pyllon Experience event - Friday 20th September. Find out more. Discount code: PODCASTXP You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com  Pyllon is at @pyllonultra Paul is on Twitter and instagram @Pyllon

Pyllon Ultra Podcast.  Another short episode with some thoughts from Paul after a busy 10 days back in Scotland. Paul covers his thoughts on the importance of putting some time and effort into the planning of your race / event. He also covers the issue with nutrition that's seldom talked about. If you'd like to spend a weekend with Paul and some of the other Pyllon coaches you can sign up to our next Pyllon Experience event - Friday 20th September. Find out more. Discount code: PODCASTXP You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com  Pyllon is at @pyllonultra Paul is on Twitter and instagram @Pyllon

In this episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, Paul dives into the challenges of perfectionism in ultrarunning and life. Why do we chase the perfect training plan, race, or outcome? Paul reflects on his personal struggles with perfectionism, shares lessons from his own failures, and offers practical advice on how to let go of overthinking to embrace progress. What You’ll Learn: The psychological roots of perfectionism and its impact on performance. Personal stories of navigating imperfect races and projects. How to apply the principles of "progress over perfection" to ultrarunning. Why sharing your imperfect work can inspire others and strengthen your own journey. Quotes & References: “Mistakes aren’t detours. They’re the path.” Brené Brown: “Perfectionism is a shield.” Seth Godin: “Ship your work—even if it’s not perfect.” Links & Resources: Books: "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield, "Essentialism" by Greg McKeown, "4,000 weeks" by Oliver Burkeman

In this episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, host Paul dives into the concept of minimalism in ultrarunning and its broader application to life. Instead of just focusing on gear and packing light for races, Paul explores how a minimalist mindset can simplify our training, streamline our daily routines, and help us focus on what truly matters. Through personal stories and practical advice, Paul shares how embracing less can lead to more—more efficiency, more fulfillment, and more freedom both on the trails and in life. Key Topics Discussed: The essence of minimalism in ultrarunning and life. How to prioritise and make intentional choices in training and daily life. Personal anecdotes on the challenges and rewards of living with less. Practical steps to embrace minimalism in your running and everyday routines. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Follow us on social media @pyllon for more updates and join the discussion.  Join Us: Don’t forget to join us on the 20th of September for the unmissable Pyllon XP7! Contact Information: Social Media: @pyllon @pyllonultra YouTube Channel, with video podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/pyllon Website: Pyllon Ultra

Final Sprint of Series 8 already! This is the last in the series - it’s been us giving you our Top 6 training (and life) mistakes! For Number 6, it’s a cracker - it’s something that we are all prone to: Self-Deception. In this episode, we talk about the main dangers of self-deception and how you might combat them: Injury and Burnout Stunted Growth Unrealistic Expectations Missed Opportunities Mental Health James then goes on to talk about how those same dangers exist in our everyday lives and how it’s not all doom and gloom, providing us with the opportunity to be more vulnerable and ultimately live happier lives. If you liked the pod give us a 5* review below and drop us a line. The best feedback is hearing from you. We love to get your insight as to what the episodes and sprints spark in you. Follow us on socials @pyllonultra. To check out our Winter Base Training Plan visit the website You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms at at https://www.youtube.com/pyllon and James is on 'X' @james_stewart13 and instagram as @jamesstewart13 To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com