The Pyllon Ultra Pod

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

Embracing Failure in Ultrarunning: Lessons from the Trail

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 @pyllonultra
• YouTube Channel, with video podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/pyllon
• Website: Pyllon Ultra

Attention is Life: Focus and Distraction in Ultrarunning and Beyond

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." - Seneca

Book Recommendations:

• "Strangers to Ourselves: Discovering the Adaptive Unconscious" by Timothy D. Wilson
• "4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver Burkeman

Join Us:

• Don’t forget to join us on the 20th of September for the unmissable Pyllon

Contact Information:

• Social Media: @pyllon @pyllonultra
• Website: Pyllon Ultra

 

Paul's On The Run: The Battle Within - Resistance and Passion in Ultra Running

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: @pyllon
• Website: Pyllon Ultra

Paul's On the Run: The Quirks that Make You Quick - Embrace Your Running Style

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 stories

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. 

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

Paul's on the Run: Psychology of Resistance (to eating! :D)

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

Paul's On The Run: West Highland Way Van Ramblings with Alice

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

Paul's On The Run: Race Planning & the Fog of 'Nil by Mouth'

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

An In-Between Episode: Luck, Brawn and an Update from Paul

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

Te Araroa Special, Episode4 - The End

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.