The Pyllon Ultra Pod

In this solo episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, Paul takes a slow, reflective journey into the deeper layers of endurance — 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 “When the Race Strips Us Back,” this episode explores the emotional costs of going all in, the relationship between mind and body, and the quiet revelations that e...

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 — a 268-mile journey up the Pennine Way. But this isn’t 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 didn’t know existed. Alan opens up about foot pain, hallucinations, and emotional hi...

In this bonus episode, we sit down with Pyllon athlete Gus Irvine, who just won the 2025 West Highland Way Race — one of the most iconic ultramarathons in the UK.

But this conversation isn’t just about race day. It’s about what led there.

Gus opens up about the years of quiet, committed training that made this win possible. We talk about his emotional relationship with running, the structure and belief that coaching has...

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod — and to a new direction for the show.

In this episode, we explore the emotional side of endurance. Why do ultra races move us to tears? What do they unlock deep inside that other pursuits can’t reach? And how does that emotional depth become part of why we keep coming back?

Our guest is Jeevendra, an ultra runner, thinker, and long-time Pyllon athlete with a deeply spiritual approach to running...

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod. In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most curious and compelling corners of ultra endurance: the 24-hour track race.

Joining Paul today are two people with intimate knowledge of this format. Grant MacDonald, a former GB international and coach at Pyllon, was due to compete at Crawley this year before injury struck — instead, he stepped into the crew role. On the other side of the table...

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, n...

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 pr...

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...

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 vuln...

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 silen...

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 reall...

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-...

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...

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...

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 tou...

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 Dis...

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...

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...

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 ...