The Pyllon Ultra Pod

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod. In this short episode, we explore a tension many athletes and coaches feel but rarely voice: why does branding and polished packaging often outshine hard-won experience in today's coaching world? I reflect on what real coaching value looks like — not the spreadsheets or the slogans, but the deep, often unseen work of understanding athletes, recognising patterns, and building trust over years, not months. We also unpack how we're wired for novelty — from chasing the latest training trends to jumping on shiny new advice, even when the wisdom we need has been quietly standing beside us all along. This is an honest, generous look at the deeper layers of coaching, endurance, and commitment, with stories from my own journey and reflections on what really shapes an enduring athlete-coach relationship.

In this deeply honest episode of the Pyllon Ultra podcast, we're joined by Pyllon coach John Connolly and long-time athlete Rachel Normand — a fierce competitor, thoughtful human, and now, a mother expecting her second child. We talk openly about what it means to navigate training, identity, and life as a female athlete, especially during and after pregnancy. Topics include: What training looks like (and feels like) during pregnancy How Rachel's mindset and body have changed the second time around Her plan to return to running after birth The emotional and practical challenges of staying connected to your identity as a runner Support systems, useful resources, and advice for other female athletes This isn't about ticking boxes — it's about adapting with purpose, building trust in your own body, and redefining what endurance really means. Whether you're training through pregnancy, coaching women through these seasons, or just curious to listen — this is a conversation we all need to hear.

✍️ Show Notes (Description): Most people don't think of ultra-running as creative. It's numbers. It's structure. It's repetition. But the best runners — the ones who stay in it for the long haul — often aren't just tough. They're imaginative. Flexible. Quietly inventive. In this episode, I explore why creativity is a powerful tool in training, racing, and staying in the game when things don't go to plan. From reframing long runs to adapting goals mid-race, to how we coach and train when life gets messy — this is about the art of movement, not just the metrics. You'll hear a few personal stories, a bit of coaching insight, and a quiet reminder that sometimes, improvisation is the real superpower.

In this special episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, I sit down with Pyllon coach John Connolly and long-time creative collaborator (and pal) Gavin Bussey, just ahead of the release of A Run Through Darkness — the film documenting my 3,000km run across New Zealand. We talk about the discomfort of putting something so personal out into the world, the role of Alice's energy in keeping the whole thing moving, and the quiet moments of vulnerability that came not just during the run, but in shaping the story afterward. There's plenty of west coast banter, swearing, some honesty about fear, doubt and storytelling — and the formal proposal of a new XP ritual involving frostbitten toes and Yukon tradition that you probably just have to hear to believe. This one's real. It's not polished. And I'm proud of that.

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

This episode is a little different from our usual structured approach. It's a raw and honest conversation between two friends—Pyllon 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. It's not all serious, though—expect 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 world's toughest races. Hear about: ✅ How the frostbite happened ✅ What went down when the rescue was activated ✅ The treatment Paul has received so far ✅ How this experience has changed his perspective This is an unscripted, casual conversation between two Pyllon coaches—something different from our usual episodes but packed with real stories, real consequences, and real lessons from the ultra world. There are some sweary words! ⚡ Follow Pyllon for coaching, training insights, and more:

In this episode of the Pyllon Ultra Podcast, Paul Giblin dives deep into the art of race planning. As you finalise your 2025 race schedule, it's essential to choose events that align with your goals, capacity, and long-term ambitions. Paul challenges the belief that more races equal better preparation and shares practical advice on how to build a thoughtful, intentional race calendar. You'll hear insights from expert coaches, real-life lessons, and tips to help you stay focused on what matters most. Whether you're aiming for a major ultra, balancing training demands, or feeling the pressures of social influence, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable takeaways for runners of all levels.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 you're 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 they've made the approach work and when they haven't 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 you'd 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 you'd 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 you'd 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 aren't 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 you'd 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.    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.  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.  BONUS EPISODE. This isn't the start of the next series of our shorter sprint pods. We just couldn't 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.  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).  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.com  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.  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.  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.  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.  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.  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.  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.  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.  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.  In the last episode James talked about how our own self-talk can hold us back before we've 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.  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 you're 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.  James touches on the power of the mind and gives some really interesting examples - including the recent research into the placebo effect.  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.  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. It's 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. There's 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. It's 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 WHY Ultra 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 Scotland's 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 £35,000 for SAMH. This November, Pyllon Endeavour will return! And we are going back to where it all started. The West Highland Way. We'll 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: It's a challenging event to organise and support - so we'd really welcome any support out on the course during the event. Please get in touch if there's any way you can help! Contact us SHARE: We are trying to reach as many people as possible, and we'd 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 who's 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, we'd 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 isn't as you likely expected the start of the next series of our shorter sprint pods. We just couldn't 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. Badwater's claim is that it's the “World's Toughest Foot Race”. That's 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. We'd 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. We'd 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. We'd 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.  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. We'd 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. We'd 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 you're 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 we've 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 you'll join us for this next series. We will create a theme for the series, and we'll do 5 x short and sharp episodes on a particular topic. So, it'll 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 we'll 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 you're 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