Episodes
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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 @pyllonultraYouTube Channel, with video podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/pyllonWebsite: 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 @pyllonultraYouTube Channel, with video podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/pyllonWebsite: Pyllon Ultra -
Missing episodes?
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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." - SenecaBook Recommendations:
"Strangers to Ourselves: Discovering the Adaptive Unconscious" by Timothy D. Wilson"4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver BurkemanJoin Us:
Don’t forget to join us on the 20th of September for the unmissable PyllonContact Information:
Social Media: @pyllon @pyllonultraWebsite: 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: @pyllonWebsite: 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 storiesIf 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 BurnoutStunted GrowthUnrealistic ExpectationsMissed OpportunitiesMental HealthJames 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
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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 goalsWhy your expectations should be anchored by reality How low expectation levels can stop you reaching your best performancesThe impact on our day-to-day livesIf 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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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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: [email protected]
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
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