The Pyllon Ultra Pod

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 swearin...

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...

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 o...

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...

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 res...

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...

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 betwee...

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 high...

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....

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...

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 n...

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...

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...

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...

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 respond...

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 s...

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 Ment...

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 impa...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ru...

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...

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 importan...