The Pyllon Ultra Pod

The Loop Within the Loop: Alice & Grant on 24-Hour Track 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 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.

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🔁 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

The Value of Experience vs. the Age of Branding

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

Running Through It All: Pregnancy, Postpartum & the Athlete Identity — with Rachel Normand

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.

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🔗 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

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🔁 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

The Art of Endurance: Why Creativity Matters in Ultra-Running

✍️ 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.

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🎧 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: pyllon.substack.com
🔥 Explore our new 8-week summer training experience: pyllonultra.com/ember

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🖤 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: pyllon.substack.com
📷 Instagram: @pyllonultra
🖤 Personal IG: @pyllon
▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon

See you out there.

A Run Through Darkness: The Story Behind the Film

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

 

The Space Between Effort and Outcome

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

Pyllon Unfiltered – Frostbite, SOS, & Lessons from the Arctic

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:
🔗 Website: www.pyllonultra.com
📸 Instagram: @pyllonultra
🎧 More Podcasts: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms
▶️ YouTube: YouTube.com/pyllon

 

⚡ Follow Paul @pyllon

 

Building Your Race Calendar: Aligning Events with Your Goals

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.

🎧 Listen now and take your race planning to the next level!

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🔗 Links & Resources:

• Website: www.pyllonultra.com
• Watch the podcast on YouTube: Pyllon Ultra YouTube Channel
• Follow us on Instagram: @pyllonultra
• Connect with us on Facebook: Pyllon Ultra
• Contact Paul directly: Instagram
• Collaborate with Paul: support@pyllonultra.com
• Share & Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your running friends and leave a review—it helps us reach more runners like you!

The Pitfalls of Perfectionism in Ultrarunning

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

Simplicity in Motion: Minimalism in Ultrarunning and Life

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