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

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.

In This Episode:

Links & Mentions:

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:

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:

⚡ Follow Paul @pyllon

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!

🔗 Links & Resources:

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:

Quotes & References:

Links & Resources:

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.

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

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

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.

• Attention and Training:
  • The importance of being present during training sessions.

• The Cost of Misplaced Attention:
  • If you’re focusing on things you don’t truly value, you’re paying with your life.

• Making Better Use of Your Attention:
  • Practical questions to help align your attention with your values.

Quotes:

• "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." - Simone Weil

Book Recommendations:

• "Strangers to Ourselves: Discovering the Adaptive Unconscious" by Timothy D. Wilson

Join Us:

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

Contact Information:

• Social Media: @pyllon @pyllonultra

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.

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

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.

Highlights:

• Discussion on the tendency to mimic others in ultrarunning and the value of individuality.

• Identify your preferences.

Call to Action:

• Please subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast.

Social Media:

• Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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