The Pyllon Ultra Pod: Recent Episodes
Paul Giblin
Conversations on living the ultra life.
Inspired by ultra running we discuss the people, the places, the culture and the training behind our everyday running lives.
Hosted by Paul Giblin and / or James Stewart.
Another episode of our Long Run Conversations with John Connolly.
Ultra running has always moved in waves. One year it's barefoot shoes. Then maximal cushioning. Heat training. Carbon plates. Heat suits. Weighted vests. High-carb fuelling.
Some of those ideas genuinely move the sport forward.
Some quietly disappear.
In this conversation we explore why we're so drawn to the next big thing, how social media and marketing influence the way we train, and why it's often the unglamorous basics that make the biggest difference over time.
Along the way we chat about:
- Heat suits and weighted vest training
- Barefoot shoes, maximal cushioning and carbon plates
- High-carb fuelling and the rising cost of race nutrition
- Why elite athletes aren't always the best models to copy
- How to think more critically about new training ideas
- The difference between genuine innovation and clever marketing
- Why consistency still beats novelty
As always, this isn't about dismissing new ideas. It's about asking better questions before changing the way you train.
If you enjoy these conversations, we'd love to hear from you. Let us know what topics you'd like us to explore next.
Find Pyllon Ultra:
š https://pyllon.substack.com
Winning is the part everyone sees.
The pressure beforehand, the difficult decisions, the quiet conversations between crew members, the volunteers standing in the rain, and the moments when an athlete is wondering whether they can keep going are much easier to miss.
After spending the weekend crewing for Gus as he defended his West Highland Way Race title, Paul and John sat down to compare notes. The conversation begins with the race itself but soon broadens into something much bigger.
They discuss how defending a title feels very different from chasing one, the responsibility that comes with supporting an athlete through difficult moments, and the fine line between coaching, crewing and simply being a friend.
Along the way they reflect on what makes the ultrarunning community so special, why races can bring out both the best and worst in people, and the stories that rarely make it onto social media.
This is the first of what we hope will become a regular series of conversations between two friends, coaches and long-time observers of the ultra running world.
In this episode* How this year's West Highland Way Race felt different from last year * The pressure of defending a race title * Crewing Gus through a difficult day * The differences between coaching and crewing * What spectators and social media rarely see * The role of volunteers and support crews * Community, belonging and friendship in ultrarunning * Why racing often reveals more than finishing times
Paul Giblin is an ultra runner, coach and founder of Pyllon Ultra.
You can connect with Paul here:
Website:
https://pyllonultra.com
Substack:
https://pyllon.substack.com
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/pyllon
Pyllon Ultra:
https://instagram.com/pyllonultra
YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@pyllon
There are some things in life that we carry alone.
Not because we don't have supportive friends or family, but because nobody else can quite carry the weight of something that matters deeply to us.
In this solo episode, I explore the quieter side of commitment. The emotional cost of caring deeply about a race, a business, a creative project, or simply the person we're trying to become.
Drawing on experiences from racing around the world, building Pyllon, creating films and writing, I reflect on why pursuing meaningful things can sometimes feel surprisingly lonely, and why perhaps that's not something to fear, but something to understand.
This isn't really an episode about running.
It's about what running, and other long pursuits, reveal about the way we live.
I hope it resonates.
If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
You can find me here:
Substack: https://pyllon.substack.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pyllon
Pyllon Ultra: https://www.instagram.com/pyllonultra
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pyllon
Website: https://www.pyllonultra.com
You can also find The Pyllon Ultra Pod wherever you listen to podcasts.
If you're enjoying the podcast, sharing it with a friend or leaving a rating and review really does help more people discover it.
Thanks for listening.
In this episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, Paul sits down with Pyllon coach John Connolly for a more informal conversation about training, racing and the things that often sit beneath the surface for endurance athletes.
This is not a polished lecture or a neat list of training tips. It is more of a coach-to-coach conversation about what we notice in athletes, what people often struggle with, and how easy it can be to overthink the process when training starts to feel uncertain.
We talk about the messy middle of training, the gap between what athletes think they should be feeling and what they are actually experiencing, and why honesty is such an important part of long-term development.
A quick note on the audio: we had some technical issues during the recording, so Paulās side of the conversation is not quite where we would normally want it to be. We have cleaned it up as best we can, and decided to share the episode because the conversation felt worth putting out.
In this episode we cover:
- The uncertainty athletes often carry into race season
- The value of honest conversations between coach and athlete
- The importance of staying connected to the bigger picture
- What we are noticing in runners at this point in the year
This one is a little more relaxed, a little less polished, and hopefully useful if you are somewhere in the middle of your own training process.
Thanks for listening.
You can find more from Pyllon here:
Substack: https://pyllon.substack.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pyllon and https://www.instagram.com/pyllonultra
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/pyllon
Website: https://www.pyllonultra.com
Show NotesAt this point in the season, a lot of runners start to question themselves.
Races are getting closer. Training suddenly feels more exposed. Sessions that felt perfectly normal in winter now feel loaded with meaning. A flat run becomes evidence that something is wrong. A bad session suddenly feels significant.
And yet, objectively, many runners are actually in a very good place.
In this solo episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, I explore the strange gap between whatās actually happening in trainingā¦ and what it feels like is happening emotionally. Why confidence often lags behind fitness. Why uncertainty never fully disappears, even for experienced athletes. And why learning to tolerate that uncertainty might be one of the most important skills in endurance sport.
I also reflect on my own training, conversations with athletes, old experiences in Chamonix, and the subtle psychological effects of comparison culture and social media.
This episode is about trust.
Trusting consistency.
Trusting the process.
And trusting that progress often feels far less dramatic than we expect it to.
In this episode:* Why runners often feel behind even when training is going well * The difference between objective progress and subjective feeling * Why confidence reacts faster than fitness * The hidden psychological cost of comparison and constant visibility * Why endurance sport demands commitment before certainty * How experienced athletes learn to tolerate ambiguity rather than eliminate it * Why patience and emotional steadiness matter more than most people realise
And maybe most importantly:
How to keep moving forward even when you donāt fully trust where you are yet.
Coaching & PyllonIf this episode resonates and youāre interested in coaching, you can find out more at:
pyllonultra.com
Pyllon is about more than training plans. Itās about building something sustainable and meaningful around running and life.
I also write regularly on Substack:
pyllon.substack.com
And you can follow along here:
YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon
Instagram: @pyllon and @pyllonultra
If you enjoyed the episode, subscribing or sharing it genuinely helps support what weāre building.
Thanks for listening.
āI just donāt have enough time.ā
Itās something I hear constantly from runners.
From parents. From professionals. From people trying to hold a lot together.
But what if time isnāt the real problem?
In this solo episode, I explore a pattern I see again and again in the athletes I coach. The tension that builds when ambition doesnāt match the season of life youāre in. The stress of trying to run a professional-level training schedule inside a very non-professional reality.
This isnāt an episode about waking up earlier.
Or squeezing more into your week.
Or optimising your life.
Itās about alignment.
About recognising the season youāre in.
About training honestly within your constraints.
And about the maturity it takes to adapt your identity without lowering your standards.
I also share a few reflections from my own recent season, from steady progress in training to the uncertainty of building a new running project, and how showing up consistently, even without immediate feedback, is not that different from good training.
In this episode:* Why ānot enough timeā is often a misdiagnosis * The friction created when ambition and reality donāt align * The hidden stress of pretending youāre in a different life season * Why adapting your training is a sign of strength, not decline * How clarity and acceptance often lead to better consistency and performance
If this resonates, take a moment this week to ask yourself a different question:
Are you training for the life you actually have?
Support the ProjectIām currently working on a big running project that means a great deal to me. If youāre a brand, business, or individual who feels aligned with Pyllon and would be interested in supporting or getting involved, Iād love to hear from you. You can get in touch through the website.
Coaching, Writing & MoreIf youāre interested in coaching, you can find all the details at:
pyllonultra.com
I write regularly on Substack, sharing longer reflections on running, training, and living the ultra life:
pyllon.substack.com
You can also follow and subscribe here:
YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon
Instagram: @pyllon and @pyllonultra
If you found this episode helpful, subscribing or sharing the podcast genuinely helps support the show.
Thanks for listening.
Easy training is meant to feel restorative.
So why does it so often leave us feeling uneasy?
In this solo episode, I explore a feeling many runners carry quietly: guilt when training feels easy. The sense that if a run doesnāt hurt, it doesnāt quite count. That we havenāt earned it.
We unpack where that belief comes from, how endurance culture and comparison shape our relationship with effort, and why ease can feel undeserved even when we know itās essential.
I also share personal reflections from my time training in Chamonix as a full-time athlete, and a moment on an easy run that turned into something else entirely, driven by ego and the need to prove commitment.
This episode isnāt about justifying easy days.
Itās about questioning why discomfort has become our proof of worth, and what it might mean to let training be enough without suffering.
In this episode:* Why easy training can feel emotionally uncomfortable * How guilt creeps into rest and recovery * The influence of comparison and endurance culture * When effort becomes a measure of self-worth * Reframing easy training as a skill, not a weakness
If this episode resonates, take a moment on your next easy run to notice what comes up. Sometimes the most important work isnāt visible.
Coaching, Writing & MoreIf youāre interested in coaching, you can find out more at:
pyllonultra.com
I also write regularly on Substack, sharing longer-form reflections on running, training, and the wider ultra life:
pyllon.substack.com
You can follow along and subscribe here:
YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon
Instagram: @pyllon and @pyllonultra
If you found this episode useful, subscribing or sharing the podcast really helps support the show.
Thanks for listening.
Episode DescriptionIn this episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, Paul sits down with Rebecca Hormann for a conversation that goes beyond results and race reports.
Rebecca had a remarkable year in 2025. A win at the West Highland Way Race. A recent victory over 200 miles in Portugal. But this conversation isnāt about splits, podiums, or outcomes.
Instead, it explores what happens underneath performance.
Rebecca talks openly about uncertainty, patience, learning to trust the work, and how her relationship with running has evolved as the distances have grown longer. We discuss decision-making under fatigue, how she approaches fear and doubt, and what it means to commit to a long-term process rather than chasing short-term validation.
This is a conversation about becoming - as an athlete and as a person - and about the quiet inner work that sustains endurance over time.
Topics Covered* Finding identity beyond results * Learning to sit with uncertainty before and during big races * The mental demands of very long formats * What a 200-mile race reveals when thereās nowhere to hide * Trusting process over outcomes * How coaching can create freedom, not dependence * Redefining success beyond podiums
Listen & FollowSubscribe to the Pyllon Ultra Pod for thoughtful conversations about endurance, identity, and the inner life of training and racing.
Links
- Substack: pyllon.substack.com
- Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra
- YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon
- Website: pyllonultra.com
In this final part of our series with James Stewart, we return to the deeper questions that sit beneath every long run, every hard session, and every season of training: how do we stay connected to what matters, and how do we keep going when things get tough?
This episode picks up where the last one left off - covering points six to ten from our list of ideas that influence long-term performance. From self-efficacy to community, identity to joy, we explore how these concepts shape how we train, how we lead, and how we show up in life.
Itās a conversation about real resilience, the value of play, and how success so often depends on what you believe about yourself when things arenāt going to plan.
If youāve ever felt stuck, disconnected, or unsure where your motivation went, this oneās for you.
In this episode:ā¢ Why confidence builds through small wins
ā¢ How identity keeps you steady in hard times
ā¢ Why community fuels long-term consistency
ā¢ The role of fun in reframing pressure
ā¢ How to balance play, purpose and progress
ā¢ Advice for anyone feeling flat or lost in training
š Stay connectedSubscribe to The Ultra Life - weekly reflections from Paul on running, life and everything in between:
š https://pyllon.substack.com
Watch short films, interviews and more:
š https://youtube.com/pyllon
Follow on Instagram:
š https://instagram.com/pyllon
š https://instagram.com/pyllonultra
Interested in coaching in 2026? Spaces are limited. Reach out early:
š https://pyllonultra.com
There are only 52 weeks in a year.
In this quiet, reflective solo episode, I explore what that really means.
Not in terms of productivity, discipline, or becoming a better version of yourself, but in how we live inside our weeks. How many pass unnoticed. How many blur together. How often we tell ourselves we will get to the things that matter later.
This episode is an invitation to pause at the edge of a new year and ask a gentler, more honest question:
What will you choose to remember?
A meditative reflection on time, running, attention, and the small choices that shape a life, one week at a time.
Listen. Read. Connect.š§ Pyllon Ultra Podcast
Thoughtful conversations and reflections on running, life, and what it means to live the ultra life.
š Substack
Long-form writing and quieter reflections.
https://pyllon.substack.com
š· Instagram
Personal: https://pyllonultra.com
In this episode of People Make Pyllon, Paul speaks with Douglas Emslie, a runner, entrepreneur and long-time coaching client who spent over 25 years building a global events business before selling it for over $1 billion.
But this conversation is about more than business. It's about what it takes to build something that lasts, and how running can reflect that process. Douglas shares the lessons he's learned from a career lived at scale, the importance of consistency during turbulent times, and why people and purpose matter more than pace.
They also explore Douglasās personal path through grief, change and reinvention. That includes the launch of TrailCon, a new event designed to bring the trail running world together in a more open, collaborative way.
Whether you're building a business, a coaching practice or a life in motion, this one is full of ideas worth holding on to.
In this episode* What building a billion dollar business teaches you about endurance * How running supported Douglas through grief, travel and transition * The story and vision behind TrailCon * The value of long term thinking in business, sport and life * What the trail world needs next * How purpose and people build resilience
š Stay connectedSubscribe to The Ultra Life, Paul's weekly letter:
š https://pyllon.substack.com
Watch films and episodes on YouTube:
š https://youtube.com/pyllon
Follow on Instagram:
š https://instagram.com/pyllon
š https://instagram.com/pyllonultra
Interested in coaching or collaboration?
š https://pyllonultra.com
In this episode of People Make Pyllon, Paul speaks with Alex Copley - a passionate runner and geologist who helps us see the ground beneath our feet in an entirely new way.
From tectonic collisions to ancient mountain belts, Alex explains how the UK was shaped over hundreds of millions of years, and why understanding that history can change the way we run through the land today. They also talk about Greenland, recovery from toe surgery, and what it means to move through wild places with curiosity and care.
Whether you love the science or just the trails, this one might make you look at your next run a little differently.
In this episode* How the UK and Scotland were formed * What geology teaches us about time and perspective * Why knowledge of the land can deepen your experience * Thoughts on creativity, risk, and Arctic solitude * Bonus: toenail removal, and why it was totally worth it
š Stay connectedSubscribe to The Ultra Life - weekly thoughts on running, life and everything in between:
š https://pyllon.substack.com
Watch our latest films and conversations:
š https://youtube.com/pyllon
Follow us on Instagram:
š https://instagram.com/pyllon
š https://instagram.com/pyllonultra
Thinking about coaching in 2026? Spaces are limited. Reach out early:
š https://pyllonultra.com
What if the life you imagine - the one with more freedom, more courage, more meaning isnāt somewhere else, but just waiting beneath the surface of the one you already live?
This short reflection invites you to pause, breathe, and consider what your āsecond lifeā might look likeā¦ and how much of it you could begin living now.
Itās not a story about running, but it carries the same heartbeat - small steps, quiet change, and the courage to begin.
A meditation for anyone standing at the edge of whatās next.
Listen. Reflect. Begin.
See you out there.
pyllonultra.com | instagram.com/pyllon | youtube.com/pyllon | pyllon.substack.com
In the third instalment of our People Make Pyllon series with James Stewart, we explore the deeper forces that drive motivation, consistency and performance - and why fun, identity, and agency are often overlooked in training and coaching.
We talk about joy as a performance enhancer, the neuroscience of fun, and how ownership and self-identity play a crucial role in how we train, recover and stick with it over time. This is a reflective and practical conversation for anyone rethinking how they show up in sport, life and work - and how to bring more meaning to the process.
We only made it through the first five of ten planned themes - so look out for part four soon.
š§ Show NotesIn this episode, Paul and James dig into the real drivers of long-term performance and engagement: joy, identity and agency.
Itās not about race results or training blocks: itās about how we see ourselves, what we choose for ourselves, and how we make it all feel worth it.
They cover five key ideas:
- Joy as a performance enhancer - Why joy improves consistency and psychological resilience
- The neuroscience of fun - How novelty, play and reward reinforce habit and learning
- Agency in training - Why taking ownership leads to better engagement and motivation
- Identity as a hidden driver - How seeing yourself as a runner influences daily choices
- Fun as protection against burnout - Why intentional variety and social connection matter
Throughout the episode, they draw from coaching experiences, athlete stories, and personal shifts, reflecting on how and why we stick with the things we care about.
This is for anyone trying to reconnect with the reason they started in the first place.
š Links and extrasSubscribe to The Ultra Life ā Paul's weekly reflections on running, endurance and life:
š https://pyllon.substack.com
Watch our latest short film Space to Return on YouTube:
š https://youtube.com/pyllon
Follow us on Instagram:
š https://instagram.com/pyllon
š https://instagram.com/pyllonultra
Explore coaching, community and more:
š https://pyllonultra.com
Show Notes:In this follow-up episode of People Make Pyllon, Paul reconnects with long-time athlete and coach James Stewart for another rich and honest conversation.
From managing global travel and family life to balancing doctoral study, work, training and writing, James brings his usual clarity and candor to the table. They dive into how he structures his day, why routine matters more than motivation, and how AI might reshape the future of coaching, work, and even creativity.
Thereās a bigger conversation about what it means to stay engaged with the process in running, in work, and in life.
This is a thoughtful, practical episode for anyone whoās juggling multiple commitments and still trying to find meaning in their running.
In this episode:* How James uses structure and self-discipline to keep life on track * The fine balance between routine and experimentation * Why AI wonāt replace coaches, and how it could actually make them better * The joy of music and creativity outside of outcomes * Why personal ownership is at the heart of leadership * Running as a mirror for how we live, lead and adapt
If you enjoy the conversation, please share it with someone else who might relate or leave a short review to help others find the show.
More from Pyllon:Subscribe to The Ultra Life ā weekly reflections from Paul on running, life and endurance:
š https://youtube.com/pyllon
Follow along on Instagram:
š https://instagram.com/pyllon
š https://instagram.com/pyllonultra
Explore coaching, community and more at:
š https://pyllonultra.com
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 heās 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:
š https://youtube.com/pyllon
Follow along on Instagram:
š https://instagram.com/pyllon
š https://instagram.com/pyllonultra
Explore coaching and more at:
š https://www.pyllonultra.com/
In this solo episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, Paul takes a slow, reflective journey into the deeper layers of endurance ā not as sport, but as a human experience.
Building on recent conversations with Jeev, Gus, and Alan, and echoing themes from his latest Substack essay āWhen the Race Strips Us Back,ā this episode explores the emotional costs of going all in, the relationship between mind and body, and the quiet revelations that emerge through long efforts.
Drawing on his own experiences; from winning the West Highland Way Race to breaking down in the New Zealand backcountry, Paul opens up about what it means to truly endure, and how suffering, presence, and stillness all play a part in uncovering who we really are.
This isnāt a pep talk. Itās a pause.
An invitation to feel more. To listen more.
And to remember that the long run is more than training ā itās a way home.
šļø In This Episode* Reflections from three powerful podcast guests - Jeev, Gus, and Alan, and what they revealed about vulnerability, calm, and transformation * A behind-the-scenes look at Paulās mindset during his WHW victory, and what real mental work means * Honest stories from his Te Araroa journey across New Zealand - exhaustion, grief, and breakthrough * The emotional cost of caring deeply and racing with your whole self * Why endurance helps us build a true mindābody relationship * The spiritual dimension of long efforts ā and how they can reconnect us to what matters * 5 powerful lessons endurance has taught over the years * A challenge for your next long run: to listen, not chase
āØ Quote from the EpisodeāLongevity isnāt built on punishment. Itās built on partnership.ā
š Links & Resources* Substack essay: When the Race Strips Us Back * Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra * YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon * Website: pyllonultra.com
In this special bonus episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, Paul speaks with Pyllon athlete Alan Hewitt, fresh from completing the gruelling Summer Spine Race ā a 268-mile journey up the Pennine Way. But this isnāt just a race recap.
Together, they explore what it means to commit fully, to endure the dark miles, and to discover a version of yourself you didnāt know existed. Alan opens up about foot pain, hallucinations, and emotional highs, but also the magic of watching the sunrise on Hadrianās Wall ā and what it truly means to go beyond potential.
Whether you're deep in your own training or just curious what happens inside a challenge this big, this episode is about more than racing ā itās about becoming.
Topics covered:
- Why the Summer Spine drew Alan in
- Training with purpose ā and a pack
- Managing pain, panic, and perseverance
- The joy of sunrise on Hadrianās Wall
- What personal growth really looks like
- Reflections on identity, commitment, and future goals
Mentioned:
- The Pennine Way
- West Highland Way Race
- Cocodona 250 (future goal?)
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow Pyllon:
š @pyllon | @pyllonultra
š„ YouTube.com/pyllon
š 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 ā one of the most iconic ultramarathons in the UK.
But this conversation isnāt just about race day. Itās 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, weāre joined briefly by his coach, John Connolly, who offers his perspective on Gusās development ā and what it takes to build a performance like this over time.
This is a conversation about more than just running. Itās 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 ā and what really matters * How coaching and community shaped Gusās mindset * The power of reflection, structure, and long-term commitment * A look behind the scenes with coach John Connolly
Sign-off:If youād 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 ā 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 canāt 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 ā 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 ā 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 youāve ever felt changed by a run ā or wondered why this sport hits so deep ā this one is for you.
š§ Listen wherever you get your podcasts
š Mentioned: The Green Runners
š 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 ā 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 ā 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 ā 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.
š¬ You can also watch The Loop, a short film about Aliceās race, on the Pyllon YouTube channel ā it captures the rhythm and reality of the 24-hour format in a way words alone can't.
š 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 todayās coaching world? I reflect on what real coaching value looks like ā 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 weāre wired for novelty ā 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.
š§ Tune in now, and share with someone who needs it.
š 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, weāre joined by Pyllon coach John Connolly and long-time athlete Rachel Normand ā 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 Rachelās 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 isnāt about ticking boxes ā itās about adapting with purpose, building trust in your own body, and redefining what endurance really means.
Whether youāre training through pregnancy, coaching women through these seasons, or just curious to listen ā this is a conversation we all need to hear.
š§ Tune in now, and share with someone who needs it.
š Resources from the Episodeš ROAR by Dr. Stacy Sims ā www.drstacysims.com/roar
š Go Ahead, Stop and Pee ā View on AbeBooks
šļø Active Mom Podcast ā carriepagliano.com
š NHS Return to Running Guidance ā Download the PDF
š 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
āļø Show Notes (Description):Most people donāt think of ultra-running as creative.
Itās numbers. Itās structure. Itās repetition.
But the best runners ā the ones who stay in it for the long haul ā often arenāt just tough.
Theyāre 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 donāt go to plan.
From reframing long runs to adapting goals mid-race, to how we coach and train when life gets messy ā this is about the art of movement, not just the metrics.
Youāll hear a few personal stories, a bit of coaching insight, and a quiet reminder that sometimes, improvisation is the real superpower.
š§ Listen if youāve ever had to reimagine your plan mid-run ā or if you're looking for a little freedom in how you move forward.
š¬ Read the full written version at: pyllonultra.com/ember
š¤ Stay Connected:Thanks for being here ā 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:
š¬ Newsletter: @pyllonultra
š¤ Personal IG: @pyllon
ā¶ļø 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 ā 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 Aliceās 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.
Thereās plenty of west coast banter, swearing, some honesty about fear, doubt and storytelling ā 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 oneās real. Itās not polished. And Iām proud of that.
š„ A Run Through Darkness is now live on The Running Channel.
š Read more reflections here: Ultra Life
š Watch the film here: The Run Show
Links & Mentions:
- š„ Film: A Run Through Darkness ā Watch it on The Running Channel
- š More episodes & coaching: pyllonultra.com
- šø Instagram: @pyllonultra // @pyllon
- š 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 ā and a story from Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert ā this episode is about stillness, identity, and trusting the process, even when the result isnāt clear.
In This Episode:
- The silence that follows big efforts
- Why we shouldnāt 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
This episode is a little different from our usual structured approach. Itās a raw and honest conversation between two friendsāPyllon coach Paul Giblin and fellow coach John Connolly.
Paul shares the repercussions of his Yukon Arctic Ultra experience, including the frostbite he suffered during the race and the long road to recovery. Itās not all serious, thoughāexpect plenty of laughs, some swearing, and an inside look at what really happened when he hit the SOS button in the middle of one of the worldās toughest races.
Hear about:
ā
How the frostbite happened
ā
What went down when the rescue was activated
ā
The treatment Paul has received so far
ā
How this experience has changed his perspective
This is an unscripted, casual conversation between two Pyllon coachesāsomething different from our usual episodes but packed with real stories, real consequences, and real lessons from the ultra world. There are some sweary words!
ā” Follow Pyllon for coaching, training insights, and more:
š Website: www.pyllonultra.com
šø Instagram: @pyllonultra
š§ More Podcasts: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms
ā¶ļø YouTube: YouTube.com/pyllon
ā” Follow Paul @pyllon
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, itās 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. Youāll hear insights from expert coaches, real-life lessons, and tips to help you stay focused on what matters most.
Whether youāre 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.
š§ Listen now and take your race planning to the next level!
š 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 reviewāit helps us reach more runners like you!
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 Youāll 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:
- āMistakes arenāt detours. Theyāre the path.ā
- BrenĆ© Brown: āPerfectionism is a shield.ā
- Seth Godin: āShip your workāeven if itās not perfect.ā
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 moreāmore 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:
- Donāt 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
In this episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, host Paul dives deep into a topic that resonates with every ultrarunnerāfailure. 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 successāit's a crucial part of the journey. Join us as we turn failures into stepping stones toward greater achievements.
Join Us:
- Donāt 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 runningāattention. 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 youāre focusing on things you donāt truly value, youāre 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:
- Donāt 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 oneās 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: āBe yourself; everyone else is already taken.ā
- 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
Pyllon Ultra Podcast.
AN IN-BETWEEN EPISODE.
Just a short update from Paul and quick observation from the world of Formula 1 racing. Is this is a major shift from ultra running for the bearded trail runner? :)
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
This is a special post-completion edition of the Te Araroa episodes. Paul is done. He's back in the UK but these Q&As were done in the immediate days after the run. So much of what you hear is raw and without the benefit of distance from the event.
You will hear Paul talk about his experience, the trail, the learning, the emotions, how it feel to come so close and how hard it was to push for that. And what is next.
This is not to be missed. Grab a cuppa and listen to what is an epic journey laid bare for your ears.
If you liked the pod give us a 5* review below and drop us a line. The best feedback is hearing from 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 - if you have a question to submit get James at any of these handles.
The 3rd report from the trail is here
Paul's epic 50 day journey continues. He is tackling the FKT on Te Araroa in New Zealand. A 3,000km journey across the entire country, water crosses, sea crossings and everything in between. To find out more about the journey visit the website here:
In this 3rd episode Paul talks about the adventure of getting to the south island, the highs and lows of that milestone, the terrain, sleeping under mattresses in remote huts and battling pain, fatigue and the enormity of the trail.
We have listener questions from Nikki, Gary & Greg on his trail confidence, nutrition, mindset and equipment. Paul also looks ahead to the final push, of over a week!
We plan to record these around weekly whilst Paul is on the trail. You can follow in near real-time and get a feel for the journey Paul is on. And you can also submit questions to James (see below) to ask Paul in future episodes.
Paul is thriving off of the interaction and contact while out there on the 10-14 hour days. Drop him a message and let him know how you are following and spread the love.
If you liked the pod give us a 5* review below and drop us a line. The best feedback is hearing from 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 - if you have a question to submit get James at any of these handles.
The 2nd report from the trail is here
Paul's epic 50 day+ journey continues. It will last 50 days. He is tackling the FKT on Te Araroa in New Zealand. A 3,000km journey across the entire country, water crosses, sea crossings and everything in between. To find out more about the journey visit the website here:
In this 2nd episode James sent Paul a few questions to get answers to and Paul responds "live" from the trail. But this time we have some listener questions. As before, you will hear birdsong, cars passing and Paul's footsteps as he runs and chats with us. And some breathless hill work!
You will get a sense of the why, the journey so far, the joy, the highs, the lows and just how he keeps fed and clean on the trail. His trusty companions, Alice and Mya, are there supporting and their role is key. Hear more about that in the pod.
We plan to record these around weekly whilst Paul is on the trail. You can follow in near real-time and get a feel for the journey Paul is on. And you can also submit questions to James (see below) to ask Paul in future episodes.
Paul is thriving off of the interaction and contact while out there on the 10-14 hour days. Drop him a message and let him know how you are following and spread the love.
If you liked the pod give us a 5* review below and drop us a line. The best feedback is hearing from 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 - if you have a question to submit get James at any of these handles.
The first in a special series of pods
Paul Giblin is on an epic journey. It will last 50 days. He is tackling the FKT on Te Araroa in New Zealand. A 3,000km journey across the entire country, water crosses, sea crossings and everything in between. To find out more about the journey visit the website here:
In the 1st special episode you will get a very different Pyllon podcast experience. James sent Paul 8 questions to get answers to and Paul responds "live" from the trail. It's not a conversation but an interview. You will hear birdsong, cars passing and Paul's footsteps as he runs and chats with us.
Recording to place as Paul was on day 10. You will get a sense of the why, the journey so far, the joy, the highs, the lows and just how he keeps fed and clean on the trail. His trusty companions, Alice and Mya, are there supporting and their role is key. Hear more about that in the pod.
We plan to record these around weekly whilst Paul is on the trail. You can follow in near real-time and get a feel for the journey Paul is on. And you can also submit questions to James (see below) to ask Paul in future episodes.
Paul is thriving off of the interaction and contact while out there on the 10-14 hour days. Drop him a message and let him know how you are following and spread the love.
If you liked the pod give us a 5* review below and drop us a line. The best feedback is hearing from 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 - if you have a question to submit get James at any of these handles.
Final Sprint of Series 8 already!
This is the last in the series - itās been us giving you our Top 6 training (and life) mistakes! For Number 6, itās a cracker - itās 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 itās 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
Series 8 continues, and it's another Sprint Pod. James is back in this episode as the series on training mistakes continues.
In Episode 5, you'll hear about the troubles of expectations not meeting reality. We'll talk about:
- Using data and inputs to set better goals
- Why your expectations should be anchored by reality
- How low expectation levels can stop you reaching your best performances
- The impact on our day-to-day 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
Series 8 continues, and it's another Sprint Pod. You're stuck with just Paul in this episode as the series on training mistakes continues.
In Episode 4, you'll hear about 'the struggle of sticking to the plan'. We'll ask:
- Even when really motivated to reach your goal, why do so many people go off-plan?
- What do you need to be aware of in order to mitigate the risks?
- Have you ever found yourself in a continuous cycle of excitement > impatience > discouragement > abandonment?
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
Series 8 continues, and it's another Sprint Pod. Slightly bigger than bite-sized this time as we had a lot to talk about!
This series we thought we'd give you the benefit of 15 years of run coaching experience and cover what we currently see as the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to training, and also how those mistakes turn up in your 'normal' life too.
In Episode 3, you'll hear about 'the absence of passion'.
- What happens when you have enough motivation to train for something (like a race) or commit to a race calendar for the year ahead but youāre actually not all that passionate about it?
- What do you do about a lack of passion?
- How do you deal with the unhelpful suggestion of "just find your passion"?
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.
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
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
Series 8 continues, and it's another bite-sized Sprint Pod.
This series we thought we'd give you the benefit of 15 years of run coaching experience and cover what we currently see as the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to training, and also how those mistakes turn up in your 'normal' life too.
In Episode 2, you'll hear about 'Short-cuts'. Instead of just doing the necessary work we seem to invest a lot of time looking for short-cuts to get us where we want to go - quicker and more easily. But by doing that we end up being less engaged in the process, and looking for further short-cuts when we hit the next block.
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.
You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James is on 'X' @james_stewart13
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
We are back with Series 8, and it's another set of bit-sized Sprint Pods.
These short podcasts around the 10 minute mark to give you something to think about as you move through your training and racing.
This series we thought we'd give you the benefit of 15 years of run coaching experience and cover what we currently see as the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to training, and also how those mistakes turn up in your 'normal' life too.
In Episode 1, you'll hear about 'Comparison'. We seem to be driven to making comparison in a lot of areas, and whilst it's a useful check-in for making progress it can be damaging too. You'll hesr from Paul on training, and James on life. Enjoy.
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.
You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James is on Twitter @james_stewart13
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
Next session will be diving deeper into AWARENESS!
In the last episode James and Paul talked through the last part of their ATAK approach to challenging situations. They shared some detail on how theyāve made the approach work and when they havenāt had the awareness or control to turn a hard time into a good experience.
So the theory is good, but it can be really easy to stall at any step.
In this, the final episode of the series - #TeamPyllon runner Ally McColl talks about his own views on ATAK. Ally has a few specific races in mind to illustrate the benefits and the potential blockers - both examples having very different outcomes!
If youād like to join the team, work with a Pyllon Coach or buy a Pyllon training programme please check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com.
If you would like to collaborate with us please get in touch: support@pyllonultra.com----more----
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.
You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James is on Twitter @james_stewart13
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
A to the motherfunkin' K homeboy!
We are busting our way towards the end of this series on our ATAK model for dealing with challenges in racing, training and life.
If you haven't already listened to the intro episode please start there!
In this episode we break the 12 min structure and have both James and Paul discussing the final piece of the jigsaw. In this episode they'll talk about:
- Why 'Kick Ass' is not an instruction but a state of mind
- What they will take into their own training and racing
- What to look out for in terms of traps along the way
We'll do one more episode and be joined by one of our TeamPyllon athletes to discuss learnings and alternative approcahes.
If youād like to join the team, work with a Pyllon Coach or buy a Pyllon training programme please check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com.
If you would like to collaborate with us please get in touch: support@pyllonultra.com----more----
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.
You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James is on Twitter @james_stewart13
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
As we continue with Series 7 of the Sprint Pods, James Stewart is back, and he's taking ACTION!
This is a follow-on from the last episode where Paul tackled 'Thinking', on our journey through our ATAK model for dealing with challenges in racing, training and life.
If you haven't already listened to the intro episode please start there!
In this episode James talks specifically about:
- The importance of acting on the awareness and thinking
- Tactical and strategic differences
- How in-action could have lost him one of his finest race performances
We'll finish up the final part of ATAK in the next episode :)
If youād like to join the team, work with a Pyllon Coach or buy a Pyllon training programme please check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com.
If you would like to collaborate with us please get in touch: support@pyllonultra.com----more----
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.
You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James is on Twitter @james_stewart13
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
Next session will be diving deeper into KICKING ASS!!!
As we continue with Series 7 of the Sprint Pods, Pyllon Head Coach Paul Giblin returns to talk about the 'thinking mind' in racing - when things arenāt going as planned.
This is a follow-on from the last episode where James tackled Awareness, on our journey through our ATAK model for dealing with challenges.
If you haven't already listened to the intro episode please start there!
In this episode Paul talks specifically about:
- Decision-making and strategy
- Problem-solving
- Re-focusing
- Enjoyment
Some of these might end up as separate longer-form conversations, but provide some areas to be aware of in the heat and emotions of racing.
If youād like to join the team, work with a Pyllon Coach or buy a Pyllon training programme please check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com.
If you would like to collaborate with us please get in touch: support@pyllonultra.com----more----
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.
You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James is on Twitter @james_stewart13
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
Next session will be diving deeper into ACTION!
We are back! Series 7 of the Sprint Pods is underway.
These are short podcasts around the 10 minute mark to give you something to think about as you move through your training and racing.
If you haven't already listened to the intro episode please start there! We'll be talking about an approach to dealing with tough times in racing, and developing an approach to take your race craft to a new level. We call it ATAK.
In the first main episode James tackles AWARENESS. You can't begin to sort an issue if you don't know exactly what you are facing and accepting that there is indeed a problem. It's a key stage in improving your situation and weighting up options - which we'll talk about in the next episode.
As always, our thinking is always adaptable to normal life outside of running too. So please dig out those headphones and let us know what you think.Ā
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.
You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James is on Twitter @james_stewart13
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
Next session will be diving deeper into THINKING!
We are back! Series 7 of the Sprint Pods is on its way.
Short podcasts around the 10 minute mark to give you something to think about as you move through your training and racing.
In this introduction James will introduce a Pyllon-specific approach to overcoming challenges when you are out there in the heat of racing or just trying to work through a tough training plan or session.
As always, our thinking is always adaptable to normal life outside of running too. So please dig out those headphones and let us know what you think.Ā
James talks ATAK!! :)
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.
You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James is on Twitter @james_stewart13
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
Next session will be diving deeper into AWARENESS!
Pyllon Ultra Podcast.Ā
BONUS EPISODE.
This isnāt the start of the next series of our shorter sprint pods. We just couldnāt miss the opportunity to talk about a pretty special run from one of our Pyllon athletes - Romy Beard.
Running a West Highland Way is a big under-taking for anyone. But Romy decided to tackle the High Route, which like the trail, finishes in Fort William.Ā It just has significantly more ascent, covers some seriously rough ground and is a navigation challenge all of its own!
Romy was kind enough to share some of her adventure with Paul, and John (her coach at Pyllon).Ā
Not to be missed! :)
You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.comĀ
Paul is on Twitter and instagram @Pyllon
John is on instagram @johnconnolly
We are ready to wrap up this Sprint series of pods on the subject of belief and confidence.Ā
Paul and James finally get together again to chat through any thoughts and learnings from the last series. Some useful discussion including:
-
How James has built his confidence ahead of his race this coming weekend
-
How you can buy into believing more of the positive self-talk
-
Why self integrity is crucial
-
Some useful tools for building confidence
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. Pyllon is on socials as @pyllonulotra.
You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James is on Twitter @james_stewart13
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
We will shortly be recording the summary of the last series of Sprint Pods, and we'd love to hear from you, as we can then discuss any observations and comments.Ā
This is a medley of the sprint series as a reminder of what we discussed. It's all 5 episodes in one handy podcast - it's centred on confidence and identifying how and where you can sharpen up your mind so that you can train better and race more effectively.
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. You can find us @pyllonultra and can reach Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James @james_stewart13
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
Welcome back to the Pyllon ultra Pod.Ā
If you've listened to the last few episodes you will already be aware that we are focusing on confidence and self belief in this series of short podcasts.Ā
This is the last of the short episodes in this series. Paul takes back the mic to talk about the threats to our self-belief and why it's important to improve your own awareness so that you can better handle these threats when they come knocking.
In the series finale - James and Paul will get together to spend a bit more time reviewing the series and asking some of the questions we know you have. Please feel free to get involved and send us any of your questions or observations and we'll try and cover them off in the next week.Ā
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.
Join us on instagram: @pyllonultra
Join our Team Pyllon Facebook group
You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James is on Twitter @james_stewart13
If you listened to Episode 3, there's some further reading on the Pyllon Ultra website.
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
Thanks for listening.
Welcome back to the Pyllon ultra Pod.Ā
If you've listened to the last few episodes you will already be aware that we are focusing on confidence and self belief in this series of short podcasts.Ā
In the last episode Paul cut straight to the point on positive self-talk. It's pretty easy to say to yourself you are doing great or you can run better than anyone in the race - but it's much more difficult to start to believe it!
In this episode James talks less about confidence and much more about how you can get better at embracing discomfort.
Q. How does the thought of discomfort feel to you?
- Negative
- Postive
- Neutral
Your own comfort-zone isn't static. How you feel today isn't necessarily how you will feel in week's time and James compares it to an elastic. It needs to be stretched in order for it to handle a greater load. But you also can't push it too far, too quickly.
Finally, James challenges you to identify where your ambitions lie and what discomfort you will have to accept and embrace. It's s super-helpful podcast workshop!! :)
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.
Join us on instagram: @pyllonultra
Join our Team Pyllon Facebook group
You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James is on Twitter @james_stewart13
If you listened to Episode 2, there's some further reading on the Pyllon Ultra website.
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
Thanks for listening.
Welcome back to the Pyllon ultra Pod.Ā
If you've listened to the last few episodes you will already be aware that we are focusing on confidence and self belief in this series of short podcasts.Ā
In the last episode James talked about how our own self-talk can hold us back before weāve even started in training, racing and our wider work and family lives. He also urged us to have some realism when setting goals if we want our self-belief to grow with our confidence.Ā
This week Paul talks about how we might start buying in to that positive self talk:
- How do we identify, and strengthen the right words, thoughts and feelings?
- Can you really choose which voices youāre going to believe in?
- How can past experiences help you to be more confident in the future?
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.
Join us on instagram: @pyllonultra
Join our Team Pyllon Facebook group
You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James is on Twitter @james_stewart13
If you listened to Episode 1, there's some further reading on the Pyllon Ultra website.
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
In the next episode James will talk about the threats to our confidence.
Thanks for listening.
Episodes are coming weekly now for the next 4-5 weeks.
In Episode 2 James moves things on by talking about the importance of 'conscious' self-talk. It's another 10 minutes to get you thinking.
James gives us some really great practical examples of how self-talk can make a difference in your life - whether you're a runner or not. There's a fine line between delusion, realism and negativity when it comes to how we speak to ourselves.Ā
James touches on the power of the mind and gives some really interesting examples - including the recent research into the placebo effect.Ā
How can you flip your mindset from "How can I achieve this" to "How I can achieve this is....." a subtle but important move from being defensive to actively engaging solution mode.
Lots of great nuggets in this short episode. James motivates as an athlete, coach and business learning specialist - and it's clear in how he talks that he always aims high. He encourages us to do the same - be aware, be realistic, be prepared to change, commit to it, and be consistent!
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. You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James is on Twitter @james_stewart13
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
Next week Paul will talk about believing and buying into the Self-Talk.Ā
Thanks for listening.
We are back! With belief and confidence. No, not us. The pod. Wait. We are the pod.
Paul and James are masters of their own pace. Itās been a busy few months with world splitting travel but they are here with the second series of sprints. In 2022 they talked about Thought Biases across 6 episodes. This is not long form podcasting. It is 10 minutes to get you thinking.
In the first episode in this series Paul gives you some things to chew on when it comes to confidence over belief. He asks you not to shy away from negative thoughts but also to recognise the differences between confidence and belief. He tells you how your anxieties and nerves are just the same as the best in the business, be it life, work or running. Thereās also some chat on sources of confidence to help you build that critical mind muscle and an action for you to ponder on in this first episode.
Itās short but impactful. Like 800 metre repeats on a cold, dreary morning.
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. You can get Paul on @pyllon on all social media platforms and James is on Twitter @james_stewart13
To find out more about the support and coaching Pyllon offers go to www.pyllonultra.com
Next week James will move the subject onto Self-Talk and explore how to make use of this tool in your armoury.
Pyllon Ultra Podcast. An Endeavour 192 Special BONUS EPISODE.
PYLLON ENDEAVOUR 192 - THE WHYUltra running has enriched our lives in so many ways and we hoped that more people might get involved in the sport or at least better understand our purpose.
In the following years, Endeavour continued, with our boldest event being our Scottish National Trail FKT - with the team running continuously across the country for 5 days, in winter. We tackled some of Scotlandās toughest terrain, and even now, still feel the fear of running in some of those areas! The hardship was worthwhile. We connected with the whole ultra community in Scotland and beyond, and had many conversations about mental health - conversations that would never have happened. Since our first Endeavour we also raised over Ā£35,000 for SAMH.
This November, Pyllon Endeavour will return! And we are going back to where it all started. The West Highland Way. Weāll run from Milngavie, to Fort William and back home again - some 192 miles.
This is your chance to hear about the project and why we're so passionate about it.
If you want to support us, please:
FOLLOW: We will have live GPS trackers when we start and it will be with us throughout the challenge. You will also be able to follow our live updates on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook on the @PyllonUltra and @Pyllon accounts. Please follow for updates.
SUPPORT: Itās a challenging event to organise and support - so weād really welcome any support out on the course during the event. Please get in touch if thereās any way you can help! Contact us
SHARE: We are trying to reach as many people as possible, and weād love to get #PyllonEndeavour trending, so please help us out by sharing, retweeting, following and commenting!
DONATE: We are raising funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) for the vital research they do into heart and circulatory diseases. The BHF are working towards preventing these conditions from developing and helping those with existing conditions to have better, longer lives. We all know someone whoās life has been cut short - and the important role exercise plays in health and longevity. If you can spare any money please show your support by making a donation.
MOVE: Exercise has so many positive effects and if more of us had the time, support and encouragement to make it an essential part of everyday life, weād live happier and healthier lives. We hope that our own endurance efforts will encourage other people to get outside and walk / run more.
You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com
Paul is on Twitter and instagram @Pyllon
Pyllon Ultra Podcast. A Badwater Special with Pyllon Coach - Debbie Consani.
BONUS EPISODE.
This isnāt as you likely expected the start of the next series of our shorter sprint pods. We just couldnāt miss the opportunity to talk about another one of the iconic American ultra races - (Badwater) and to one of the most accomplished, consistent and 'hard as nails' long distance ultra runners in the UK - Pyllon Coach: Debbie Consani.
Badwaterās claim is that itās the āWorldās Toughest Foot Raceā. Thatās obviously up for debate so we take the chance to ask Debbie just how challenging she found it, having already raced some of the other toughest races in the world.
Badwater covers 135 miles (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, California. The race starts in Badwater Basin, Death Valley, which also marks the lowest elevation in North America at over 85m below sea level. The race runs through Death Valley and some of the most extreme temperatures and it then finishes at the trailhead of Whitney Portal which sits at 2500m. So, from the lowest point in the US to the foot of the highest point - Mt. Whitney.
Debbie didn't have the easiest peak training cycle due to a shocking family accident and she opened up about it all - really putting everything in context. The whole Consani family had to pull together and make some difficult decisions. Debbie kindly shared how they dealt with the blow and took the right steps to ensure the family unit remained the priority.
Debbie and James will be leading the 1-day Run with Pyllon training event, where athletes will learn how to race better and run longer from some of the best in the business. Check out http://www.pyllonultra.com/run-with-pyllon for more details or contact us at the socials below.
You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com
Paul is on Twitter and instagram @Pyllon
James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
Pyllon Ultra Podcast. A WS100 Special with Pyllon Coach - John Connolly.
BONUS EPISODE.
Before we launch into a new Sprint Pod series we took the chance to hear more about this year's Western States 100 race, as Pyllon Coach John Connolly found himself on a mission to reach Auburn, California.
John has crewed for Pyllon's very own Paul Giblin 3 x times at Western States and it was a dream come true for John to secure a spot on the most coveted start-line in ultra running.
In this episode James asks all the questions you've dying to ask (and others you hadn't even thought of), as the roles were reversed with John racing and Paul crewing. John gave a really open and honest account of his difficult 100-mile history and then how he tackled the oldest and most prestigious 100-miler in the world.
And, at the end you get to hear about the 1-day Run with Pyllon training event, where athletes will learn how to race better and run longer from some of the best in the business - Debbie Consani and James Stewart. Check out http://www.pyllonultra.com/run-with-pyllon for more details or contact us at the socials below.
You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com
Paul is on Twitter and instagram @Pyllon
James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
*There is some swearing in this episode (it is John Connolly after all)*
Series finale already. They've been Sprints up until this point and in this episode Paul and James get together to talk in-depth about 'thought biases'. We have covered a lot already in a short space of time, and you can catch up now on all episodes.
After the 5 thoughts biases we covered across the Sprints series we promised to do a longer episode where we would chat through in more detail how these distortions affect us, and using some of your feedback - how they affect you too. So learning from each other and hopefully germinating some new ways to tackle the daily challenges that we all face.
In this episode Paul and James talk about:
- Self-awareness - how it's the backbone of understanding
- Mind-reading and egotism
- generalisation
- How to use a new understanding to improve relationships and help other people
Huge thanks to everyone who contributed to this episode.
If you like what you hear rate it, share it and use it. Weād be blessed to hear from you too and especially in how these pods are useful to you. You can get us in many a place and your feedback will influence our future direction. So please reach out on social media @pyllonultra
You can connect with Paul on Twitter and Instagram @pyllon
James is on Insta as @jamesstewart13 or Twitter as @james_Stewart13
You can find out more about our mission to create more athletes on the website: at www.pyllonultra.com
We have also created a new #TeamPyllon Facebook Group. See you there!
Peace.
Hey hey! It is Sprint 5 of our latest series. The overarching topic is 'thought biases' and we finish this off with "All-or-Nothing" thinking. We have covered a lot already in a short space of time, so you can catch up now on all episodes in under 50 mins!
In this sprint episode Paul will talk about:
- What all-or-nothing thinking is
- Where you'll spot it
- Why it is harmful
- How to make positive changes
- Get involved and be part of the next episode
In simple terms all or nothing thinking refers to thinking in extremes. What you do is either a success or a failure. If you don't hit perfection then it's a complete disaster. You missed a run, or didn't stick to your diet over the weekend and it's like the end of the world - any good work before that is entirely un-done. Do you recognise any of those feelings? Well, listen up!
These podcasts are intended to be resources you can go back to over and over again. We are keeping them short with the aim of sparking thoughts and actions that you can immediately put in place.
If you like what you hear rate it, share it and use it. Weād be blessed to hear from you too and especially in how these pods are useful to you. You can get us in many a place and your feedback will influence our future direction. So please reach out on social media @pyllonultra
You can connect with Paul on Twitter and Instagram @pyllon
James is on Insta as @jamesstewart13 or Twitter as @james_Stewart13
You can find out more about our mission to create more athletes on the website: at www.pyllonultra.com
Peace.
Well, hello! It is episode 4 of our 5 sprints. The overarching topic is thought biases and we explore MUSTS AND SHOULDS in this one.
We are back to James chatting this one through. So, buckle up and listen to under 10 mins of thoughts on the subject.
In this sprint episode James will talk about:
- The binary nature of the thinking
- How to recognise it
- What it looks like
- Strategies for managing
This is a gnarly topic at times. We are all prone to this kind of thinking. It is human nature amplified by societal pressure. Have a listen and take time to think about it in your context.
These podcasts are intended to be resources you can go back to over and over again. We are keeping the short with the aim of sparking thoughts and actions that you can immediately put in place.
If you like what you hear rate it, share it and use it. Weād be blessed to hear from you too. You can get us in many a place and your feedback will influence our future direction. So please reach out.
You can connect with Paul on Twitter and Instagram @pyllon
James is on Insta as @jamesstewart13 or Twitter as @james_Stewart13
And the Pyllon Ultra is about on them platforms as @pyllonultra and you can find out more about our mission to create more athletes on the website at www.pyllonultra.com
Peace and Love.
Hey hey! It is Sprint 3 of our latest series. The overarching topic is 'thought biases' and Paul talks about egocentric thinking in this one. We have covered a lot already in a short space of time, so check out the first few episodes after this.Ā
In this sprint episode Paul will talk about:
- What egocentric thinking is
- Some examples in your life
- Why it matters to recognise it
- How you can reduce its impact
We are all guilty of getting caught up in our 'own world' thinking, and fail to consider that not everyone holds the same values, rules and beliefs as we do. It's egocentric thinking, and a thought bias to be very aware of. Listen in and let us know how egocentric thinking has affected you.
These podcasts are intended to be resources you can go back to over and over again. We are keeping them short with the aim of sparking thoughts and actions that you can immediately put in place.
If you like what you hear rate it, share it and use it. Weād be blessed to hear from you too and especially in how these pods are useful to you. You can get us in many a place and your feedback will influence our future direction. So please reach out.
You can connect with Paul on Twitter and Instagram @pyllon
James is on Insta as @jamesstewart13 or Twitter as @james_Stewart13
And the Pyllon Ultra is about on them platforms as @pyllonultra and you can find out more about our mission to create more athletes on the website atwww.pyllonultra.com
Peace.
Hey hey! It is sprint 2 of our 5 sprint series. The overarching topic is 'thought biases' and we explore overgeneralisation in this one. Although James does describe it as having a Z for our American viewers.
And it is James taking the baton from Paul this week.
In this sprint episode James will talk about:
- What overgeneralisation is
- How it shows up
- How to recognise it
- Strategies for dealing with it
We can overgeneralise up and downs and they can be equally impactful. Listen in and take some time to reflect on what it may mean to you.
These podcasts are intended to be resources you can go back to over and over again. We are keeping them short with the aim of sparking thoughts and actions that you can immediately put in place.
If you like what you hear rate it, share it and use it. Weād be blessed to hear from you too and especially in how these pods are useful to you. You can get us in many a place and your feedback will influence our future direction. So please reach out.
You can connect with Paul on Twitter and Instagram @pyllon
James is on Insta as @jamesstewart13 or Twitter as @james_Stewart13
And the Pyllon Ultra is about on them platforms as @pyllonultra and you can find out more about our mission to create more athletes on the website atwww.pyllonultra.com
Love to you all.
Yo! We are back with a new series. This is the first of our bite-sized Sprint pods - where we talk about a specific topic related to the theme of the series - and we do that in under 10 mins. There will be 5 Sprints and a longer Ultra pod after that.
We are going to talk about thought biases over the next few weeks. We have 5 to talk about. James and I will split these between us and then get together on week 6 and discuss in more detail how these can help us to be better and live better lives.
First up is 'Mind Reading'. Paul will cover:
- What it means and why we do it
- How to recognise it
- How it affects us
- And some thoughts on how to spot it
James will be talking next about "Over Generalisation."
Please give us a shout on social media if youāre enjoying these conversations. It helps a lot to keep us motivated do more. And it helps to shape the content plans for future episodes.
All episodes of the Pyllon Ultra pod are available now. Let us know what you think!
You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com
Paul is on Twitter and instagram @pyllon
James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
This is not a full episode, as weāve decided to do things a little differently for the next series and beyond.
This is just an update on what we are planning to do and hopefully youāll join us for this next series.
We will create a theme for the series, and weāll do 5 x short and sharp episodes on a particular topic. So, itāll either be me or James talking about something useful or challenging to you in less than 10 minutes. And we'll publish these weekly.
Each topic will build towards a longer conversation that weāll have on week 6, where we have the chance to debate and expand on the topics we covered in the short sprint-pods. We hope that by distilling the content these snap-shots will provide some really useful thinking and actions in just 10 minutes or less of listening time.
So, the first series we are going to talk about thought biases and hopefully illustrate potential positive outcomes with just a little bit more awareness and applying some effort and thinking.
Please give us a shout on social media if youāre enjoying these conversations. It helps a lot to keep us motivated do more. And it helps to shape the content plans for future episodes.
All episodes of the Pyllon Ultra pod are available now. Let us know what you think!
You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com
Paul is on Twitter and instagram @pyllon
James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
Happy New Year!
Time to get moving with your training. But how do you make the most of winter and set yourself up for a great Spring and Summer season?
We thought youād maybe heard enough of just James and I, so we invited someone to join us for this discussion. Someone who is well versed in training and racing through winter - Debbie Consani.
Debbie is currently training for the Spine race which sheāll be tackling again for the second time, so knows a thing or two about maintaining momentum in training when itās more difficult to get out there and train with bad weather, limited daylight and trails that arenāt half as fun as they are in summertime.
Debbie recently joined the Pyllon Coaching team too and has a few spaces for athletes!
Please give us a shout on social media if youāre enjoying these conversations. It helps a lot to keep us motivated do more. And it helps to shape the content plans for future episodes.
All episodes of the Pyllon Ultra pod are available now. Let us know what you think!
You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com
Paul is on Twitter and instagram @pyllon
James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
Debbie can be found @ultrarundmc
We continue where we left off in Episode 1 Series 4 of the Pyllon Ultra Pod. Listen to that first if you like.
What do you do next when you know what you want to achieve?
How do you best manage the initial spark and burst of energy that always comes when you initially take on a new challenge - and how could you think about harnessing that energy to take you all the way, rather than get fed up at the first sign of trouble on your journey?
Paul and James discuss, and as often happens - it only raises more questions. Some real practical advice too if you are trying to get organised to start training for your next race.
Please give us a shout on social media if youāre enjoying these conversations. It helps a lot to keep us motivated do more. And it helps to shape the content plans for future episodes.
All episodes of the Pyllon Ultra pod are available now. Let us know what you think!
You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com
Paul is on Twitter and instagram @pyllon
James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
We are kicking off Series 4 of the Pyllon Ultra Pod.
Weāre back again. We have some new things to talk about, and maybe some older topics that weāll revisit as things have moved on, situations have changed and we are different people than we were back in early 2020.
This last quarter of the year has been a busy time for both of us. It's been challenging on all fronts, but we've managed to find some time to plan some topics and get on the mics!
We thought we would kick off with a conversation about desires as we start to look ahead to a new season of racing and adventures. James thinks desires are necessary in order to be motivated enough to take action and I sit somewhere on the other side, arguing that desires can be more of an obstacle to success.
So, hereās the next episode of the Pyllon Ultra pod. Let us know what you think!
You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.comĀ
Paul is on Twitter and instagram @pyllon
James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
Pyllon Ultra Podcast. An End2End Trail Special with Paul Giblin.
WE ARE BACK.
It has been too long. We know that and hope you do too. Paul and James get chatting 1-2-1 in this special episode on Paul's E2E trail endeavour. For those who don't know, Paul ran LEJOG and being Paul, he decided to increase the difficulty by doing it all on trail.
That meant it came in at over 51,000m of climbing and nearly 400 miles longer than the traditional route. Take the hardest end to end route in the UK and make it tougher.
Paul answers James's questions as they explore the aftermath, the planning and the overall experience. We get to hear about Paul's gratitude for those who joined him and crewed him. Paul reflects on the tough moments and the best parts too.
This is the first time Paul has spoken about the experience and it is clear he is still processing much of the learning and outcomes. It is a fascinating listen. Wrap your head around the magnitude of this undertaking and listen to Paul tell you all about it.
And, at the end you get to hear about the new coaching product coming from us at Pyllon Coaching, the new and exciting Pyllon TRAX. Check out http://www.pyllonultra.com/coaching for more details or contact us at the socials below.
You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com
Paul is on Twitter and instagram @Pyllon
James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
A special podcast this week. James chats to Paul about his first week on the end to end trail from the luxury of a Travelodge near Bristol.Ā
The end to end trail is a challenge to run from Lands End to John O'Groats. But in a twist from the usual fastest / straightest route, Paul has chosen to do it all on trail. Which adds 50% more distance and enough additional vert to fill a Himalayan mountain range.Ā
It's has been quite the week and we hear from Paul about landowners, long paths, nettles and the generosity of people in the running community. The scale of the challenge is becoming clear, and Paul talks about how he is approaching his days and the gratitude he feels for his crew mate.Ā
If you want to hear about nettles, hidden styles and the rising and falling of meandering trails, drop in.Ā
You can read more about the end to end trail here: http://www.pyllonultra.com/end2end-trailĀ
Regular listeners will know that we often steer an impulsive path on this podcast. Itās about running, by runners but for more than runners. And this week Paul and James got into a conversation about purpose, goals and motivation.
There was some deep digging done on questions such as, ādid I choose this life?ā and āWhy I am doing this?ā
Also always with the Pylon Ultra podcast we really want athletes and listeners to take time think about the learning we as hosts are going through alongside our listeners and in this podcast you will hear both Paul and James drop a couple of āa haā moments and realisation lands on how they feel about their journey to now.
They tackle the contradiction of winning and records against ego and identity. Are they in harmony, do they need to be? And what does a future look like where self, goals and ambition is wrapped up in the underlying theme of this episode; the distinction between self-awareness, intelligence and wisdom.
Be wise, listen to this podcast. It may just make you more intelligent. Or maybe not.
You can connect with the Pyllon Ultra team on twitter and instagram @pyllonultra or check out the website at www.pyllonultra.com
Paul is on Twitter and instagram @Pyllon
James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
Straight outta lockdown Paul Giblin and Graham Connolly decided to take on the Cape Wrath trail. Their aim was simply to run it in under four days. If you donāt know what the Cape Wrath trail is like, itās wild, barren and unmarked. As well as loose lines that canāt be called trail in the more common sense of the word, it is boggy, laden with river crossings and goes up and down many a hill and glen.
At close to 240 miles and 40,000 ft of climbing, it is a gruelling physical and mental undertaking.
In this special Pyllon Ultra Podcast, we change tact and instead of the usual conversation between James and Paul we bring you Graham, Paul and crew member Gavin Bussey together to talk about their reflections on the FKT.
Thereās talk of ticks, awful feet, a fantastic feat, what it is like to crew, what they learned, why they did it, the planning (or lack of), doing the blog on the way up and how close it was and how they pushed to try and beat the 4 day target to set a fantastic new FKT on Scotlandās most brutal and remote trail.
This is an honest to goodness chat. This is not all sunshine and lollipops. Thereās a massive sense of achievement but also a true level of reflection of the value and the why they did it, what comes next and how things have been since the four day meander across the trail.
Itās a stirring and brilliant conversation. Give it a listen.
You can catch the team on the socials as usual @pyllonultra, Paul @pyllon on insta and twitter, James is @james_stewart13 on Twitter, Graham is @grahamojoe and Gavin is @pseudo_henrix both at insta too. And, weād heartily recommend you have a look at @ultrarunbob on Insta as he was crewing too and has some amazing videos and images of the trail and attempt.
Visit the website to find out more about Pyllon Coaching
DOING THE INTERNAL WORK!
In the last episode of this series we talked at length about cognitive biases, how and why we might be conditioned without really being aware of it, and how these gaps in our awareness can hold us back.
So, in this episode we talk more about self awareness and how any kind of introspection may help or hinder our development. We already talked about how some of our beliefs in the external world are flawed so how can we be sure that what we think we want, is a route to happiness or at the very least in our own self interests?
As always,Ā we are not claiming to be experts in these fields - but we are willing and keen to share some views and debate the relevance and usefulness , and to learn from each other through some honest conversations and hopefully with some feedback and engagement from you the listener. Our aim as always is to make improvements where we need to - as we do in our running and with the athletes we coach and hopefully to trigger something in you to do the same.
Thanks for listening!
Please like, share and subscribe if you enjoy the show. And if you want to connect with us you can get Paul at his handle @pyllon on most social media outlets. James is @james_stewart13 on Twitter. And there's new Pyllon social media accounts @pyllonultra for the latest updates on Coaching, Racing, Events and Podcasts
Now it is time for Paul and James to go deeper into the subjects they promised at the Series 3 kick-off. This one will be very different from series 2. There are no guests - it is just the two of them discussing a range of matters relating to the growth of self.
In this episode Paul is curious to explore cognitive dissonance and the Dunning-Kruger effect and how it can show up for athletes in training and life. He also introduces the idea of a listening gap to James which throws out some interesting ideas for both. And Paul reminds James of his sometimes impulsive behaviour too.
The aim here is learning and growth. So, neither will claim to be experts and neither will claim to know everything. The exploration of these subjects is to help you, the listener, live the ultra life by prompting thinking, reflections and hopefully some new questions and behaviours that help you get closer to your ambitions in life and running.
We are in the midst of organising our first Pyllon race - coming 24th April 2021. You can take part from anywhere. We hope you'll join us and test your limits in our unique race event. You can find out more at www.pyllonultra.com/exposure
Thanks for listening!
Please like, share and subscribe if you enjoy the show. And if you want to connect with us you can get Paul at his handle @pyllon on most social media outlets. James is @james_stewart13 on Twitter. And there's new Pyllon social media accounts @pyllonultra for the latest updates on Coaching, Racing, Events and Podcasts
We are kicking off a new series of the podcast. As we said in the last episode, we want to make the most of the time that we put into these episodes by talking at length about some of the areas in training and life that arenāt discussed as often or in any great detail as things like running workout sessions, race updates and how best to train for a particular distance.
So in that vein we are planning to discuss creativity, our own thought patterns, diversity of thinking, collaboration and what we think we know vs what we actually know. Weāll try and bring this back around into how it affects our running lives and how it might help us to perform better whilst finding more satisfaction and joy along the way.
We are in the midst of organising our first Pyllon race - coming 24th April 2021. You can take part from anywhere. We hope you'll join us and test your limits in our unique race event. You can find out more at www.pyllonultra.com/exposure
Thanks for listening!
Please like, share and subscribe if you enjoy the show. And if you want to connect with us you can get Paul at his handle @pyllon on most social media outlets. James is @james_stewart13 on Twitter. And there's new Pyllon social media accounts @pyllonultra for the latest updates on Coaching, Racing, Events and Podcasts
Paul and James catch up on the second lockdown, running 1,000 miles in a week and the new Pyllon Exposure race
It's been a couple of months since we last recorded.
We recorded this bonus episode as we get close to Spring and remain in lockdown. We chat about how this has affected us and our athletes, we pick through the learnings from our recent Endeavour project where the racing team ran 1,000 miles in just a week, and James asks Paul about why he felt now was a good time to launch the first Pyllon race (EXPOSURE) and how he thinks it will be any different from all the others. You can find out more about that at www.pyllonultra.com/exposure
Thanks for listening!
Please like, share and subscribe if you enjoy the show. And if you want to connect with us you can get Paul at his handle @pyllon on most social media outlets. James is @james_stewart13 on Twitter. And there's new Pyllon social media accounts @pyllonultra for the latest updates on Coaching, Racing, Events and Podcasts
Paul and James talk about what they learned speaking to some of the best athletes in the world
It's been a couple of months since we last recorded.
This episode (the final of the series), we get back to our one to one conversations. In the last 5 episodes it was great to speak to such accomplished athletes and try to get under the skin of what makes them tick and the story that underlies everyone's desire for success. In the end they were all very different - their motivations and reasons for committing to what is quite a difficult life was more varied than we expected.
So how can those conversations help? Are there things we can learn from the professional approach of the elite athlete? Is an amateur mindset holding us all back?
We finish up this series with a short conversation about what we have been been doing, how the pandemic continues to affect our lives and what we learned from talking to some of the Pro Compressport Team.
In this show:
- Paul talks about the two different types of athlete
- We discuss the concept of "Doing what you love" and "Loving what you do"
- James asks about how to change your success measures
- We chat about the attributes of athletes who have flourished in lockdown
- Paul finishes with a message about tolerance through tense times
This interview is the last of series 2. Please like, share and subscribe if you enjoy the show. And if you want to connect with us you can get Paul at his handle @pyllon on most social media outlets. James is @james_stewart13 on Twitter.
An interview with Elite athlete - David Hauss
It's been a few weeks since we recorded. But this show's guest is a world class athlete. David Hauss finished 4th at the 2012 London Olympics in the triathlon, narrowly missing out on a medal to Gomez and the Brownlees.
Now, 8 years on, David is focused on a future in ultrarunning and has some BIG race targets. Hailing from the island of Reunion, David has an eye on winning the Diagonale des Fous after a successful first tilt where he came 6th in 2019.
In this show David tells us: Ā - How he got into triathlon - The decision by the French federation which led him to look to nature for his exercise kicks after being left out of the Rio 2016 team - How he has journeyed into ultras via a couple of very good results in Reunion - What races he has ambitions forĀ - And whether an Olympic medal or winning Diagonale would be bigger for him Ā And you may be surprised at the answer to that last one.
This interview is the last in our Compressport series. We are grateful to Compressport for the support. Please like, share and subscribe if you enjoy the show. And if you want to connect with us you can get Paul at his handle @pyllon on most social media outlets. James is @james_stewart13 on Twitter.
Pyllon Ultra Pod, Series 2 Episode 4 Show Notes
Episode 4: Running is My Religion
There are few runners in the world as tough and as accomplished as the Lithuanian legend Gediminas Grinius. The former UTWT world champion, TransGrancanaria winner, Wasatch 100 winner and all round ultra running super-star joins Paul and James in an explosively open chat on a range of subjects:
ā¢ His route to running as a way to deal with his PTSD from his military tours in Iraq ā¢ Hearing an average of two bombs per day land within a few KMs of their base every day for 6 months ā¢ Fighting his way to the top of mountain running from a flat country ā¢ The importance of his family in his career ā¢ And how running is everything that helps balance his incredible outlook on life
To find out more about this weekās guest and to follow his career you can catch up with him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriniusGediminas/
You can connect with Paul on Twitter @Pyllon or instagram @Pyllon. James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as @jamesstewart13.
To check out the latest Compressport kit, visit the website.
LISTEN, WATCH AND READ BONUS CONTENT Last time round we spoke with the awesome Aussie Mel Hauschildt. To hear how she become a Commonwealth medal winning steeplechaser and Ironman World Champ hit us up here:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Find out more at http://www.pyllonultra.com/podcast
Episode 3: Maximising performance
We go to the other side of the world, in a virtual sense of course this week as Paul and James get down to chatting with the incredible 3x triathlon world champion and Commonwealth Games steeplechase medalist Melissa Hauschildt, who joined us with her 6 month old daughter Dakota for a chat on:
ā¢ Her career to date and its impressive longevity ā¢ How she balances life and training ā¢ Being a new mum with world level performance ambitions ā¢ Not stressing about what you canāt do but maximising the opportunities you have ā¢ Ironman racing strategy ā¢ How Mel organises her training around family and other commitments
To find out more about Mel and her remarkable career you can start here at her website: http://www.melissahauschildt.com/
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You can connect with Paul on Twitter @Pyllon or instagram @Pyllon. James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as @jamesstewart13.
To check out the latest Compressport kit, visit the website.
LISTEN, WATCH AND READ BONUS CONTENT Our previous podcast, S2: Episode 2 with Frederik Van Lierde is here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pyllon-ultra-pod/id1506803136#episodeGuid=pyllonultra.podbean.com%2Fe7022816-9714-5ee8-8174-fbf2ce2d1775
Find out more at http://www.pyllonultra.com/podcast
Pyllon Series 2 Episode 2: Frederick van Lierde, belief is earned and goes a long way
In partnership with Compressport, Series 2 continues with an interview with former Ironman World Champion, Brilliant Belgian - Frederik van Lierde.
Frederik has had a stellar career with over 23 years competing at the top level in triathlon and Ironman events. Heās won Nice 5 times and has competed 11 times at Kona and is a former champion at the bluest of blue riband events in the sport.
In this conversation with Paul and James, Frederik talks about his training, bouncing back after a vicious attack in South Africa in 2017, the message in his headgear that propelled him to world championship glory and his plans beyond the end of 2020 as he brings down the curtain in one of the most glittering careers in the 3 discipline game.
This is a fascinating insight into a Triathlon Great, with many nuggets for listeners of every level - triathlete, runner or just looking to be the best version of yourself .
Supported by Compressport, who design the very best technical performance clothing for runners and multi-sport athletes.
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You can connect with Paul on Twitter @Pyllon or instagram @Pyllon. James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as @jamesstewart13.
To check out the latest Compressport kit, visit the website.
LISTEN, WATCH AND READ BONUS CONTENT Our previous podcast, S2: Episode 1 with Mike Wardian is here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pyllon-ultra-pod/id1506803136?i=1000478586308
Find out more at http://www.pyllonultra.com/podcast
Series 2 Episode 1, with Compressport: 'Find your why' with ultra runner Mike Wardian
Well, that escalated quickly. Series 2 of the Pyllon Ultra Pod has kicked off and we have a couple of big changes to announce.
Our good friends at Compressport will be supporting this series and we will be joined by some of the biggest names in endurance sports.
Episode 1 starts with a bang as the effusive and indefatigable Mike Wardian joins Paul and James to talk about his mindset, his approach to training and racing and just how he keeps his positivity and energy going at seemingly superhuman levels.
We hear Mike talk about some of his novel FKT attempts during lockdown, swinging from Quarantine Backyard Ultra to a 5k racing series almost daily, what drives him day-to-day, and his upcoming plans. Meanwhile, James plants the 24-hour seed whilst Mike talks of his desire to do the West Highland Way race one day.
The range of chat is vast and Mike is a generous guest who is one of the true icons of ultra-running. This is a must listen. You cannot fail to be inspired by hearing from someone who has been steeped in the sport at the sharp end for so long.
It was a pleasure to have him on board to kick off series 2 of the Pyllon Ultra Podcast - supported by Compressport, who design the very best technical performance clothing for runners and multi-sport athletes.
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You can connect with Paul on Twitter @Pyllon or instagram @Pyllon. James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13.
Mike is also on social as @mikewardian and is a fascinating follow!
To check out the latest Compressport kit, visit the website.
LISTEN, WATCH AND READ BONUS CONTENT Our previous podcast, S1: Episode 7 is here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pyllon-ultra-pod/id1506803136
Find out more at http://www.pyllonultra.com/podcast
Pyllon UP Episode 7: A retrospective with a great guest
That is it done. Series 1 is over and we end on a high being joined by the incredible Kaz Williams to reflect on the previous 6 episodes in the series. Kaz is a brilliant athlete and accomplished coach. She brings with her alternative views on some of our past subjects and we go deep into conversations about mindset and adapting mid race to turn DNF into podiums.
In this special show we talk about:
ā¢ What Kaz has learnt about herself in lockdown ā¢ How she handled training in Chamonix where restrictions were very tight ā¢ The power of the mind in overcoming challenges ā¢ Why Goggins really chimes with Kaz ā¢ Where Kaz sits on the Hope v Optimism debate from last time round
It was a true honour having Kaz on board today as our first guest. A fitting way to close out series 1.
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You can connect with Paul on Twitter @Pyllon or instagram @Pyllon. Ā James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
LISTEN, WATCH AND READ BONUS CONTENT Our previous podcast, Episode 6 is here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pyllon-ultra-pod/id1506803136
Find out more at http://www.pyllonultra.com/podcast
Pyllon Ultra Pod: BONUS EPISODE
We take a step back and have a conversation about what we have learned from the last 6 episodes of the podcast and about the direction we'd like to take next----more---- We hit, in no particular order:
ā¢ 3 x things we've learned from our podcastĀ ā¢ That it's ok for opinions to evolve ā¢ How we want the pod to be more than just a broadcast channel ā¢ How we will finish up the 1st series of the podcast
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You can connect with Paul on Twitter @Pyllon or instagram @Pyllon. Ā James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
LISTEN, WATCH AND READ BONUS CONTENT Our previous podcast, Episode 6 is here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pyllon-ultra-pod/id1506803136
Find out more athttp://www.pyllonultra.com/podcast
Pyllon Episode 6: Where there is hope there is optimism. Or is there?
After last weekās chat on adventures Paul and James had a lightbulb moment when debating what subject to discuss next. The energy and positivity we have seen from the Pyllon and running communities really buoyed us after last weekās show was inspiring. So, this week we jump into the brilliant and wonderful subject of optimism.----more---- We hit, in no particular order:
ā¢ How to build optimism ā¢ The importance of it as an emotional trait ā¢ What we see as the big differences between hope and optimism ā¢ Our own experiences of how optimism helped and hindered ā¢ Whether hope is more destructive than helpful ā¢ And Paul talks musical tastes
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You can connect with Paul on Twitter @Pyllon or instagram @Pyllon. Ā James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
LISTEN, WATCH AND READ BONUS CONTENT Our previous podcast, Episode 5 is here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pyllon-ultra-pod/id1506803136
Pyllon Ultra Pod, Episode 5 Show Notes
Episode 5: The epicness and fun of planning your own running adventure
This Episode, Paul and James change the subject to adventures and experiences. More and more runners are looking to new and innovative ways to bring some excitement to their running. As ultra runners we are used to pushing limits and we discuss a myriad of things for you to think about as you plan your own endeavour.----more---- Some of the discussion points in this weekās episode are:
ā¢ Risk appetite and understanding that ā¢ Stepping out of your comfort zone and avoiding the panic zone ā¢ What excites us in an adventure ā¢ Things to consider when planning something epic ā¢ Training and peaking for a personal endeavour and why it is important to do so ā¢ And Jamesās go-to album for running
----more---- You can connect with Paul on Twitter @Pyllon or instagram @Pyllon. Ā James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
LISTEN, WATCH AND READ BONUS CONTENT Our previous podcast, Pt. 3 of Adaptability is here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pyllon-ultra-pod/id1506803136
Paulās own winter adventure, On the Edge https://youtu.be/u3htxSoY8XE
Pyllon Ultra Pod, Episode 4 Show Notes
Episode 4: Adaptability Part 3
It was never intended that adaptability would be a 3-part series, yet the conversation and community engagement has brought us to a 3rd and final chat on the theme. This time we look to the future and our evolving identities as athletes and humans.----more---- So, the items in this weekās episode are:
ā¢ What does the future look like from an athlete identity point of view ā¢ The danger of badging ourselves with limiting identities ā¢ Perspective and owning it for your own good ā¢ The changing face of racing, will we ever fly again to compete ā¢ Evolving quicker from racing to seeking experiences ā¢ Community questions on training for very different races and balancing these and coaching philosophy ā¢ And in ambush time, what food can you never eat again after a mid race stomach rebound?----more----Ā You can connect with Paul on Twitter @Pyllon or instagram @Pyllon. Ā James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13 ----more---- LISTEN, WATCH AND READ BONUS CONTENT You can listen to episode two, and part one of Adaptability here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pyllon-ultra-pod/id1506803136?i=1000472359849
Pyllon Ultra Pod, Episode 3 Show Notes
Episode 3: Adaptability Part 2
Itās Part 2 of Paul and Jamesās chat on adaptability. This time itās Paulās turn to be quizzed and the conversation moves around his running and coaching life. Thereās more backstory than a Tarantino thriller and Paul opens up on his fears and hopes as he stepped out of the corporate comfort zone and into the risky world of his own running business and the gulp the first month with no salary felt like.
In this weekās the pair discuss:
ā¢ Paulās life in 2014 and what led to his leap into coaching ā¢ How his life up to the point had helped give him the tools to make the step ā¢ The part being adaptable played ā¢ Why being passionate about what you are doing is critical to success ā¢ What it was like to win races like West Highland Way and run for GB during this period ā¢ A bit on Paulās epic battle with Robbie at 2014 West Highland Way ā¢ How Paulās Compressport insta takeover was a bit White Stripes ā¢ Competition winners announced, bad puns and all ā¢ Paul ambushes James, again Ā You can connect with Paul on Twitter @Pyllon or instagram @Pyllon. Ā James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
LISTEN, WATCH AND READ BONUS CONTENT
You can listen to Episode 2, and part one of Adaptability here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pyllon-ultra-pod/id1506803136
Sammy Wanjiruās epic 2010 Chicago marathon win is here: https://youtu.be/ZFPhCJ4IKeE
Episode 2: When imposed limitations can become an advantage Itās episode number 2. We survived the trauma of putting the first one out there! Paul Giblin, Pyllon Coachingās founder and owner, talks with long time coached athlete and GB 24 hour runner James Stewart on adaptability and how important it is a trait in runners.
----more---- These shows are about the ultra life but not only relevant to this great sport. The hope is you can take as much from this into your day to day as you can on your long runs on the trails.
In this show the pair discuss:
ā¢ How important is adaptability as a trait and to a team ā¢ How to identify it when speaking to athletes ā¢ Emotional intelligence and the part it plays ā¢ Where it ranks against other skills ā¢ The validity of mental toughness as a catch all statement for runners to work on ā¢ How James had to adapt his race plan at the 2018 European championships ā¢ Paulās own adaptability experience and how it can be developed ā¢ The story of jazz pianist who adapted to create a work of art in the genre
----more---- COMMUNITY QUESTION: Kevin Banks asks about the fear of failure and the duoās reflections on it.
LISTEN, WATCH AND READ BONUS CONTENT Listen to episode one:
----more---- You can watch Keith Jarrettās famous Koln concert here: https://youtu.be/1FqH9mtxJnQ
And to find out more about Dave Alred you can visit his site at https://davealred.com/
Here is the link to Paulās video about The Barkley Marathons from 2019. Please subscribe to the YouTube channel if youād like to see more.
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You can connect with Paul on Twitter @Pyllon or instagram @Pyllon. James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
Paul Giblin, Pyllon Coachingās founder and owner, talks with long time coached athlete and GB 24 hour runner James Stewart on taking advantage of chaos and the mindset needed to do that.
This is the first show in a new series of podcasts on how each of the hosts strive to live their own ultra lives through running. They'll discuss the sport they love, the people, the places, the culture and the training that makes up their endurance running lives.
In this show the pair discuss:
ā¢ Why this podcast and why now, and the vulnerability it brings ā¢ How growth mindset is key to maintaining motivation and momentum ā¢ The power of optimism ā¢ How curiosity makes belief come to life ā¢ Paulās reflections on a tough start to the year and the cancellation of Barkley Marathons ā¢ Advice on dealing with restrictions in time and space to train ā¢ The importance of routine and communication ā¢ Paulās hopes for the future in the midst of the current challenges
COMMUNITY CORNER: The honour of the first listener question goes to Robbie Drummond who reflects on the value of rest days; Paul and James donāt necessarily agree. Ā You can connect with Paul on Twitter @Pyllon or instagram @Pyllon. Ā James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13 Find out more about the Podcast and Pyllon Ultra: Coaching, Racing and Events