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

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.
• 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

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 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

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

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

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.

The 3rd report from the trail is here

Paul's epic 50 day journey continues. He is tackling the FKT on Te Araroa in New Zealand. A 3,000km journey across the entire country, water crosses, sea crossings and everything in between. To find out more about the journey visit the website here:

In this 3rd episode Paul talks about the adventure of getting to the south island, the highs and lows of that milestone, the terrain, sleeping under mattresses in remote huts and battling pain, fatigue and the enormity of the trail.

We have listener questions from Nikki, Gary & Greg on his trail confidence, nutrition, mindset and equipment. Paul also looks ahead to the final push, of over a week!

We plan to record these around weekly whilst Paul is on the trail. You can follow in near real-time and get a feel for the journey Paul is on. And you can also submit questions to James (see below) to ask Paul in future episodes.

Paul is thriving off of the interaction and contact while out there on the 10-14 hour days. Drop him a message and let him know how you are following and spread the love.

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.