Episodes

Thursday Jul 02, 2020
Thursday Jul 02, 2020
Pyllon Series 2 Episode 2: Frederick van Lierde, belief is earned and goes a long way
In partnership with Compressport, Series 2 continues with an interview with former Ironman World Champion, Brilliant Belgian - Frederik van Lierde.
Frederik has had a stellar career with over 23 years competing at the top level in triathlon and Ironman events. He’s won Nice 5 times and has competed 11 times at Kona and is a former champion at the bluest of blue riband events in the sport.
In this conversation with Paul and James, Frederik talks about his training, bouncing back after a vicious attack in South Africa in 2017, the message in his headgear that propelled him to world championship glory and his plans beyond the end of 2020 as he brings down the curtain in one of the most glittering careers in the 3 discipline game.
This is a fascinating insight into a Triathlon Great, with many nuggets for listeners of every level - triathlete, runner or just looking to be the best version of yourself .
Supported by Compressport, who design the very best technical performance clothing for runners and multi-sport athletes.
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Thursday Jun 18, 2020
Ultra runner & record-breaker Mike Wardian - Finding Your Why
Thursday Jun 18, 2020
Thursday Jun 18, 2020
Series 2 Episode 1, with Compressport: 'Find your why' with ultra runner Mike Wardian
Well, that escalated quickly. Series 2 of the Pyllon Ultra Pod has kicked off and we have a couple of big changes to announce.
Our good friends at Compressport will be supporting this series and we will be joined by some of the biggest names in endurance sports.
Episode 1 starts with a bang as the effusive and indefatigable Mike Wardian joins Paul and James to talk about his mindset, his approach to training and racing and just how he keeps his positivity and energy going at seemingly superhuman levels.
We hear Mike talk about some of his novel FKT attempts during lockdown, swinging from Quarantine Backyard Ultra to a 5k racing series almost daily, what drives him day-to-day, and his upcoming plans. Meanwhile, James plants the 24-hour seed whilst Mike talks of his desire to do the West Highland Way race one day.
The range of chat is vast and Mike is a generous guest who is one of the true icons of ultra-running. This is a must listen. You cannot fail to be inspired by hearing from someone who has been steeped in the sport at the sharp end for so long.
It was a pleasure to have him on board to kick off series 2 of the Pyllon Ultra Podcast - supported by Compressport, who design the very best technical performance clothing for runners and multi-sport athletes.
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Saturday Jun 06, 2020
Series 1 Finale: Kaz Williams - Lockdown Reflections and the Mountain Mindset
Saturday Jun 06, 2020
Saturday Jun 06, 2020
Pyllon UP Episode 7: A retrospective with a great guest
That is it done. Series 1 is over and we end on a high being joined by the incredible Kaz Williams to reflect on the previous 6 episodes in the series. Kaz is a brilliant athlete and accomplished coach. She brings with her alternative views on some of our past subjects and we go deep into conversations about mindset and adapting mid race to turn DNF into podiums.
In this special show we talk about:
• What Kaz has learnt about herself in lockdown
• How she handled training in Chamonix where restrictions were very tight
• The power of the mind in overcoming challenges
• Why Goggins really chimes with Kaz
• Where Kaz sits on the Hope v Optimism debate from last time round
It was a true honour having Kaz on board today as our first guest. A fitting way to close out series 1.

Friday May 22, 2020
BONUS: A Brief Interlude and Moment of Reflection
Friday May 22, 2020
Friday May 22, 2020
Pyllon Ultra Pod: BONUS EPISODE
We take a step back and have a conversation about what we have learned from the last 6 episodes of the podcast and about the direction we'd like to take next

Thursday May 14, 2020
Is Optimism Useful Right Now, Or Should We Abandon Hope?
Thursday May 14, 2020
Thursday May 14, 2020
Pyllon Episode 6: Where there is hope there is optimism. Or is there?
After last week’s chat on adventures Paul and James had a lightbulb moment when debating what subject to discuss next. The energy and positivity we have seen from the Pyllon and running communities really buoyed us after last week’s show was inspiring. So, this week we jump into the brilliant and wonderful subject of optimism.

Thursday May 07, 2020
The Fun of Planning Your Own Running Adventure - from Epic to Micro Challenges
Thursday May 07, 2020
Thursday May 07, 2020
Pyllon Ultra Pod, Episode 5 Show Notes
Episode 5: The epicness and fun of planning your own running adventure
This Episode, Paul and James change the subject to adventures and experiences. More and more runners are looking to new and innovative ways to bring some excitement to their running. As ultra runners we are used to pushing limits and we discuss a myriad of things for you to think about as you plan your own endeavour.

Friday May 01, 2020
Adaptability - A Future Focus: Owning your Perspective and Identity
Friday May 01, 2020
Friday May 01, 2020
Pyllon Ultra Pod, Episode 4 Show Notes
Episode 4: Adaptability Part 3
It was never intended that adaptability would be a 3-part series, yet the conversation and community engagement has brought us to a 3rd and final chat on the theme. This time we look to the future and our evolving identities as athletes and humans.

Wednesday Apr 22, 2020
Adaptability (Part 2): Be Passionate Now and Forge Your Own Path
Wednesday Apr 22, 2020
Wednesday Apr 22, 2020
Pyllon Ultra Pod, Episode 3 Show Notes
Episode 3: Adaptability Part 2
It’s Part 2 of Paul and James’s chat on adaptability. This time it’s Paul’s turn to be quizzed and the conversation moves around his running and coaching life. There’s more backstory than a Tarantino thriller and Paul opens up on his fears and hopes as he stepped out of the corporate comfort zone and into the risky world of his own running business and the gulp the first month with no salary felt like.
In this week’s the pair discuss:
• Paul’s life in 2014 and what led to his leap into coaching
• How his life up to the point had helped give him the tools to make the step
• The part being adaptable played
• Why being passionate about what you are doing is critical to success
• What it was like to win races like West Highland Way and run for GB during this period
• A bit on Paul’s epic battle with Robbie at 2014 West Highland Way
• How Paul’s Compressport insta takeover was a bit White Stripes
• Competition winners announced, bad puns and all
• Paul ambushes James, again
You can connect with Paul on Twitter @Pyllon or instagram @Pyllon. James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
LISTEN, WATCH AND READ BONUS CONTENT
You can listen to Episode 2, and part one of Adaptability here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pyllon-ultra-pod/id1506803136
Sammy Wanjiru’s epic 2010 Chicago marathon win is here: https://youtu.be/ZFPhCJ4IKeE

Wednesday Apr 15, 2020
Wednesday Apr 15, 2020
Episode 2: When imposed limitations can become an advantage
It’s episode number 2. We survived the trauma of putting the first one out there! Paul Giblin, Pyllon Coaching’s founder and owner, talks with long time coached athlete and GB 24 hour runner James Stewart on adaptability and how important it is a trait in runners.

Tuesday Apr 07, 2020
Turning Frustration into Opportunity: Running without Races
Tuesday Apr 07, 2020
Tuesday Apr 07, 2020
Paul Giblin, Pyllon Coaching’s founder and owner, talks with long time coached athlete and GB 24 hour runner James Stewart on taking advantage of chaos and the mindset needed to do that.
This is the first show in a new series of podcasts on how each of the hosts strive to live their own ultra lives through running. They'll discuss the sport they love, the people, the places, the culture and the training that makes up their endurance running lives.
In this show the pair discuss:
• Why this podcast and why now, and the vulnerability it brings
• How growth mindset is key to maintaining motivation and momentum
• The power of optimism
• How curiosity makes belief come to life
• Paul’s reflections on a tough start to the year and the cancellation of Barkley Marathons
• Advice on dealing with restrictions in time and space to train
• The importance of routine and communication
• Paul’s hopes for the future in the midst of the current challenges
COMMUNITY CORNER: The honour of the first listener question goes to Robbie Drummond who reflects on the value of rest days; Paul and James don’t necessarily agree.
You can connect with Paul on Twitter @Pyllon or instagram @Pyllon. James is on Twitter too, @james_stewart13 and on instagram as plain old @jamesstewart13
Find out more about the Podcast and Pyllon Ultra: Coaching, Racing and Events