The Pyllon Ultra Pod

“I just don’t have enough time.” It’s something I hear constantly from runners. From parents. From professionals. From people trying to hold a lot together. But what if time isn’t the real problem? In this solo episode, I explore a pattern I see again and again in the athletes I coach. The tension that builds when ambition doesn’t match the season of life you’re in. The stress of trying to run a professional-level training schedule inside a very non-professional reality. This isn’t an episode about waking up earlier. Or squeezing more into your week. Or optimising your life. It’s about alignment. About recognising the season you’re in. About training honestly within your constraints. And about the maturity it takes to adapt your identity without lowering your standards. I also share a few reflections from my own recent season, from steady progress in training to the uncertainty of building a new running project, and how showing up consistently, even without immediate feedback, is not that different from good training. In this episode: Why “not enough time” is often a misdiagnosis The friction created when ambition and reality don’t align The hidden stress of pretending you’re in a different life season Why adapting your training is a sign of strength, not decline How clarity and acceptance often lead to better consistency and performance If this resonates, take a moment this week to ask yourself a different question: Are you training for the life you actually have? Support the Project I’m currently working on a big running project that means a great deal to me. If you’re a brand, business, or individual who feels aligned with Pyllon and would be interested in supporting or getting involved, I’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch through the website. Coaching, Writing & More If you’re interested in coaching, you can find all the details at: pyllonultra.com I write regularly on Substack, sharing longer reflections on running, training, and living the ultra life: pyllon.substack.com You can also follow and subscribe here: YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Instagram: @pyllon and @pyllonultra If you found this episode helpful, subscribing or sharing the podcast genuinely helps support the show. Thanks for listening.

Easy training is meant to feel restorative. So why does it so often leave us feeling uneasy? In this solo episode, I explore a feeling many runners carry quietly: guilt when training feels easy. The sense that if a run doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t quite count. That we haven’t earned it. We unpack where that belief comes from, how endurance culture and comparison shape our relationship with effort, and why ease can feel undeserved even when we know it’s essential. I also share personal reflections from my time training in Chamonix as a full-time athlete, and a moment on an easy run that turned into something else entirely, driven by ego and the need to prove commitment. This episode isn’t about justifying easy days. It’s about questioning why discomfort has become our proof of worth, and what it might mean to let training be enough without suffering. In this episode: Why easy training can feel emotionally uncomfortable How guilt creeps into rest and recovery The influence of comparison and endurance culture When effort becomes a measure of self-worth Reframing easy training as a skill, not a weakness If this episode resonates, take a moment on your next easy run to notice what comes up. Sometimes the most important work isn’t visible. Coaching, Writing & More If you’re interested in coaching, you can find out more at: pyllonultra.com I also write regularly on Substack, sharing longer-form reflections on running, training, and the wider ultra life: pyllon.substack.com You can follow along and subscribe here: YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Instagram: @pyllon and @pyllonultra If you found this episode useful, subscribing or sharing the podcast really helps support the show. Thanks for listening.

Episode Description In this episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, Paul sits down with Rebecca Hormann for a conversation that goes beyond results and race reports. Rebecca had a remarkable year in 2025. A win at the West Highland Way Race. A recent victory over 200 miles in Portugal. But this conversation isn’t about splits, podiums, or outcomes. Instead, it explores what happens underneath performance. Rebecca talks openly about uncertainty, patience, learning to trust the work, and how her relationship with running has evolved as the distances have grown longer. We discuss decision-making under fatigue, how she approaches fear and doubt, and what it means to commit to a long-term process rather than chasing short-term validation. This is a conversation about becoming - as an athlete and as a person - and about the quiet inner work that sustains endurance over time. Topics Covered Finding identity beyond results Learning to sit with uncertainty before and during big races The mental demands of very long formats What a 200-mile race reveals when there’s nowhere to hide Trusting process over outcomes How coaching can create freedom, not dependence Redefining success beyond podiums Listen & Follow Subscribe to the Pyllon Ultra Pod for thoughtful conversations about endurance, identity, and the inner life of training and racing. Links Substack: pyllon.substack.com Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Website: pyllonultra.com

In this final part of our series with James Stewart, we return to the deeper questions that sit beneath every long run, every hard session, and every season of training: how do we stay connected to what matters, and how do we keep going when things get tough? This episode picks up where the last one left off - covering points six to ten from our list of ideas that influence long-term performance. From self-efficacy to community, identity to joy, we explore how these concepts shape how we train, how we lead, and how we show up in life. It’s a conversation about real resilience, the value of play, and how success so often depends on what you believe about yourself when things aren’t going to plan. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disconnected, or unsure where your motivation went, this one’s for you. In this episode: • Why confidence builds through small wins • How identity keeps you steady in hard times • Why community fuels long-term consistency • The role of fun in reframing pressure • How to balance play, purpose and progress • Advice for anyone feeling flat or lost in training 🔗 Stay connected Subscribe to The Ultra Life - weekly reflections from Paul on running, life and everything in between: 👉 https://pyllon.substack.com Watch short films, interviews and more: 👉 https://youtube.com/pyllon Follow on Instagram: 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllon 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllonultra Interested in coaching in 2026? Spaces are limited. Reach out early: 👉 https://pyllonultra.com

There are only 52 weeks in a year. In this quiet, reflective solo episode, I explore what that really means. Not in terms of productivity, discipline, or becoming a better version of yourself, but in how we live inside our weeks. How many pass unnoticed. How many blur together. How often we tell ourselves we will get to the things that matter later. This episode is an invitation to pause at the edge of a new year and ask a gentler, more honest question: What will you choose to remember? A meditative reflection on time, running, attention, and the small choices that shape a life, one week at a time. Listen. Read. Connect. 🎧 Pyllon Ultra Podcast Thoughtful conversations and reflections on running, life, and what it means to live the ultra life. 📝 Substack Long-form writing and quieter reflections. https://pyllon.substack.com 📷 Instagram Personal: https://pyllonultra.com

In this episode of People Make Pyllon, Paul speaks with Douglas Emslie, a runner, entrepreneur and long-time coaching client who spent over 25 years building a global events business before selling it for over $1 billion. But this conversation is about more than business. It's about what it takes to build something that lasts, and how running can reflect that process. Douglas shares the lessons he's learned from a career lived at scale, the importance of consistency during turbulent times, and why people and purpose matter more than pace. They also explore Douglas’s personal path through grief, change and reinvention. That includes the launch of TrailCon, a new event designed to bring the trail running world together in a more open, collaborative way. Whether you're building a business, a coaching practice or a life in motion, this one is full of ideas worth holding on to. In this episode What building a billion dollar business teaches you about endurance How running supported Douglas through grief, travel and transition The story and vision behind TrailCon The value of long term thinking in business, sport and life What the trail world needs next How purpose and people build resilience 🔗 Stay connected Subscribe to The Ultra Life, Paul's weekly letter: 👉 https://pyllon.substack.com Watch films and episodes on YouTube: 👉 https://youtube.com/pyllon Follow on Instagram: 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllon 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllonultra Interested in coaching or collaboration? 👉 https://pyllonultra.com

In this episode of People Make Pyllon, Paul speaks with Alex Copley - a passionate runner and geologist who helps us see the ground beneath our feet in an entirely new way. From tectonic collisions to ancient mountain belts, Alex explains how the UK was shaped over hundreds of millions of years, and why understanding that history can change the way we run through the land today. They also talk about Greenland, recovery from toe surgery, and what it means to move through wild places with curiosity and care. Whether you love the science or just the trails, this one might make you look at your next run a little differently. In this episode How the UK and Scotland were formed What geology teaches us about time and perspective Why knowledge of the land can deepen your experience Thoughts on creativity, risk, and Arctic solitude Bonus: toenail removal, and why it was totally worth it 🔗 Stay connected Subscribe to The Ultra Life - weekly thoughts on running, life and everything in between: 👉 https://pyllon.substack.com Watch our latest films and conversations: 👉 https://youtube.com/pyllon Follow us on Instagram: 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllon 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllonultra Thinking about coaching in 2026? Spaces are limited. Reach out early: 👉 https://pyllonultra.com

What if the life you imagine - the one with more freedom, more courage, more meaning isn’t somewhere else, but just waiting beneath the surface of the one you already live? This short reflection invites you to pause, breathe, and consider what your “second life” might look like… and how much of it you could begin living now. It’s not a story about running, but it carries the same heartbeat - small steps, quiet change, and the courage to begin. A meditation for anyone standing at the edge of what’s next. Listen. Reflect. Begin. See you out there. pyllonultra.com | instagram.com/pyllon | youtube.com/pyllon | pyllon.substack.com

In the third instalment of our People Make Pyllon series with James Stewart, we explore the deeper forces that drive motivation, consistency and performance - and why fun, identity, and agency are often overlooked in training and coaching. We talk about joy as a performance enhancer, the neuroscience of fun, and how ownership and self-identity play a crucial role in how we train, recover and stick with it over time. This is a reflective and practical conversation for anyone rethinking how they show up in sport, life and work - and how to bring more meaning to the process. We only made it through the first five of ten planned themes - so look out for part four soon. 🧭 Show Notes In this episode, Paul and James dig into the real drivers of long-term performance and engagement: joy, identity and agency. It’s not about race results or training blocks: it’s about how we see ourselves, what we choose for ourselves, and how we make it all feel worth it. They cover five key ideas: Joy as a performance enhancer - Why joy improves consistency and psychological resilience The neuroscience of fun - How novelty, play and reward reinforce habit and learning Agency in training - Why taking ownership leads to better engagement and motivation Identity as a hidden driver - How seeing yourself as a runner influences daily choices Fun as protection against burnout - Why intentional variety and social connection matter Throughout the episode, they draw from coaching experiences, athlete stories, and personal shifts, reflecting on how and why we stick with the things we care about. This is for anyone trying to reconnect with the reason they started in the first place. 🔗 Links and extras Subscribe to The Ultra Life – Paul's weekly reflections on running, endurance and life: 👉 https://pyllon.substack.com Watch our latest short film Space to Return on YouTube: 👉 https://youtube.com/pyllon Follow us on Instagram: 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllon 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllonultra Explore coaching, community and more: 👉 https://pyllonultra.com

Show Notes: In this follow-up episode of People Make Pyllon, Paul reconnects with long-time athlete and coach James Stewart for another rich and honest conversation. From managing global travel and family life to balancing doctoral study, work, training and writing, James brings his usual clarity and candor to the table. They dive into how he structures his day, why routine matters more than motivation, and how AI might reshape the future of coaching, work, and even creativity. There’s a bigger conversation about what it means to stay engaged with the process in running, in work, and in life. This is a thoughtful, practical episode for anyone who’s juggling multiple commitments and still trying to find meaning in their running. In this episode: How James uses structure and self-discipline to keep life on track The fine balance between routine and experimentation Why AI won’t replace coaches, and how it could actually make them better The joy of music and creativity outside of outcomes Why personal ownership is at the heart of leadership Running as a mirror for how we live, lead and adapt If you enjoy the conversation, please share it with someone else who might relate or leave a short review to help others find the show. More from Pyllon: Subscribe to The Ultra Life — weekly reflections from Paul on running, life and endurance: 👉 https://youtube.com/pyllon Follow along on Instagram: 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllon 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllonultra Explore coaching, community and more at: 👉 https://pyllonultra.com

In this episode, Paul reconnects with long-time Pyllon athlete, coach and former podcast co-host James Stewart for the first conversation in a new series, People Make Pyllon - where we explore the lives, work and wider stories of runners in the Pyllon community. James has represented Great Britain, broken records, and worked at the sharp end of competitive ultrarunning, but this conversation is less about racing and more about life. They discuss what happens when running takes a step back, and how it still supports James's full-time leadership role, family life, and creative interests. They talk about injury, consistency, integrity, and why showing up matters more than chasing medals. James shares his evolving mindset as he begins doctoral research on the future of AI and work, and how he’s learning to value running not just for performance, but for what it gives back to the rest of life. Topics covered include: Returning from injury and rethinking goals Balancing work, family, running and personal growth Running at 4am, wherever you are in the world The "equilateral triangle" model of life Why self-integrity matters more than motivation Creativity, well-being and letting go of outcome The power and responsibility of AI in a changing world This is a thoughtful conversation about adapting, growing, and redefining what progress really means, both in running and in life. Links and extras Subscribe to The Ultra Life for weekly reflections from Paul: 👉 https://youtube.com/pyllon Follow along on Instagram: 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllon 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllonultra Explore coaching and more at: 👉 https://www.pyllonultra.com/

In this solo episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, Paul takes a slow, reflective journey into the deeper layers of endurance — 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 emerge through long efforts. Drawing on his own experiences; from winning the West Highland Way Race to breaking down in the New Zealand backcountry, Paul opens up about what it means to truly endure, and how suffering, presence, and stillness all play a part in uncovering who we really are. This isn’t a pep talk. It’s a pause. An invitation to feel more. To listen more. And to remember that the long run is more than training — it’s a way home. 🗝️ In This Episode Reflections from three powerful podcast guests - Jeev, Gus, and Alan, and what they revealed about vulnerability, calm, and transformation A behind-the-scenes look at Paul’s mindset during his WHW victory, and what real mental work means Honest stories from his Te Araroa journey across New Zealand - exhaustion, grief, and breakthrough The emotional cost of caring deeply and racing with your whole self Why endurance helps us build a true mind–body relationship The spiritual dimension of long efforts — and how they can reconnect us to what matters 5 powerful lessons endurance has taught over the years A challenge for your next long run: to listen, not chase ✨ Quote from the Episode “Longevity isn’t built on punishment. It’s built on partnership.” 🔗 Links & Resources Substack essay: When the Race Strips Us Back Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Website: pyllonultra.com

In this special bonus episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, Paul speaks with Pyllon athlete Alan Hewitt, fresh from completing the gruelling Summer Spine Race — 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 highs, but also the magic of watching the sunrise on Hadrian’s Wall — and what it truly means to go beyond potential. Whether you're deep in your own training or just curious what happens inside a challenge this big, this episode is about more than racing — it’s about becoming. Topics covered: Why the Summer Spine drew Alan in Training with purpose — and a pack Managing pain, panic, and perseverance The joy of sunrise on Hadrian’s Wall What personal growth really looks like Reflections on identity, commitment, and future goals Mentioned: The Pennine Way West Highland Way Race Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Pyllon: 🔗 @pyllon | @pyllonultra 🎥 YouTube.com/pyllon 🌐 pyllonultra.com

Show Notes: In this bonus episode, we sit down with Pyllon athlete Gus Irvine, who just won the 2025 West Highland Way Race — 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 brought him, and how consistency, community, and sacrifice shaped his path to victory. He shares post-race reflections, including the moment it nearly unravelled, the deep significance of the race in his life, and what it feels like to finally win an event that once felt out of reach. At the end of the episode, we’re joined briefly by his coach, John Connolly, who offers his perspective on Gus’s development — and what it takes to build a performance like this over time. This is a conversation about more than just running. It’s about self-belief, quiet progress, and the power of simply showing up. Topics covered: The emotional aftermath of a WHW victory Why talent is never enough — and what really matters How coaching and community shaped Gus’s mindset The power of reflection, structure, and long-term commitment A look behind the scenes with coach John Connolly Sign-off: If you’d like to know more about working with us at Pyllon, head over to pyllonultra.com. I also share weekly reflections and thoughts on endurance, training, and life in my newsletter at @pyllon and @pyllonultra.

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod — 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. He opens up about the emotional layers of training and racing — from mantras and meditation to moments of surrender and soul-level clarity during events like Spartathlon and the Bob Graham Round. Together, Paul and Jeev talk about: What it means to run with emotion — not against it Why endurance can become a spiritual practice The role of grief, purpose, and memory in running long distances How emotional breakthroughs can become physical turning points Tools like mantras, visualisation, and surrender And what it means to truly live a purpose-driven life If you’ve ever felt changed by a run — or wondered why this sport hits so deep — this one is for you. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🌍 Mentioned: The Green Runners 🔁 Keep Going with Pyllon: Subscribe to the Pyllon newsletter: pyllon.substack.com Follow on Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra Watch films on YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Learn more or get in touch: pyllonultra.com Thanks for listening — and for being part of the journey. Keep living the ultra life. #theultralife | #pyllon

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod. In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most curious and compelling corners of ultra endurance: the 24-hour track race. Joining Paul today are two people with intimate knowledge of this format. Grant MacDonald, a former GB international and coach at Pyllon, was due to compete at Crawley this year before injury struck — instead, he stepped into the crew role. On the other side of the table is Alice, a Pyllon athlete who not only took on the challenge but hit the qualifying mark to represent Romania at the upcoming World Championships in Albi, France. This conversation explores far more than race splits and lap counts. Together, we unpack: The strange appeal of running in circles for 24 hours The invisible ingredients that make up a great race How training, mindset, and support differ from other formats The emotional rollercoaster of racing — and missing a race What it takes to crew well and how that impacts performance Reflections on identity, setbacks, and why people keep coming back And what the future holds for both Alice and Grant Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or simply intrigued by what drives people to circle a track for a day and a night, this is an honest, reflective, and insightful discussion that offers much more than race results. 🎬 You can also watch The Loop, a short film about Alice’s race, on the Pyllon YouTube channel — it captures the rhythm and reality of the 24-hour format in a way words alone can't. 🔁 Keep Going with Pyllon: Subscribe to the Pyllon newsletter: pyllon.substack.com Follow us on Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra Watch our films on YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Learn more or get in touch: pyllonultra.com Thanks as always for being part of the journey. Keep living the ultra life. #theultralife | #pyllon

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod. In this short episode, we explore a tension many athletes and coaches feel but rarely voice: why does branding and polished packaging often outshine hard-won experience in 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. 🎧 Tune in now, and share with someone who needs it. 🔁 Keep Going with Pyllon Subscribe to the Pyllon newsletter: pyllon.substack.com Follow us on Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra Watch our films on YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Learn more or get in touch: pyllonultra.com Thanks for being part of the journey. #theultralife | #pyllon

In this deeply honest episode of the Pyllon Ultra podcast, 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. 🎧 Tune in now, and share with someone who needs it. 🔗 Resources from the Episode 📘 ROAR by Dr. Stacy Sims – www.drstacysims.com/roar 📙 Go Ahead, Stop and Pee – View on AbeBooks 🎙️ Active Mom Podcast – carriepagliano.com 📄 NHS Return to Running Guidance – Download the PDF 🔁 Keep Going with Pyllon Subscribe to the Pyllon newsletter: pyllon.substack.com Follow us on Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra Watch our films on YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Learn more or get in touch: pyllonultra.com Thanks for being part of the journey. #theultralife | #pyllon

✍️ 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. 🎧 Listen if you’ve ever had to reimagine your plan mid-run — or if you're looking for a little freedom in how you move forward. 📬 Read the full written version at: pyllonultra.com/ember 🖤 Stay Connected: Thanks for being here — and for being part of this community. If this resonated, feel free to share it with someone who might need it too. You can follow or reach out via: 📬 Newsletter: @pyllonultra 🖤 Personal IG: @pyllon ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon See you out there.

In this special episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, I sit down with Pyllon coach John Connolly and long-time creative collaborator (and pal) Gavin Bussey, just ahead of the release of A Run Through Darkness — 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. 🎥 A Run Through Darkness is now live on The Running Channel. 👉 Read more reflections here: Ultra Life 👉 Watch the film here: The Run Show Links & Mentions: 🎥 Film: A Run Through Darkness — Watch it on The Running Channel 🌍 More episodes & coaching: pyllonultra.com 📸 Instagram: @pyllonultra // @pyllon 📝 Substack: The Ultra Life