The Pyllon Ultra Pod – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this bonus episode, we sit down with Pyllon athlete Gus Irvine, who just won the 2025 West Highland Way Race — one of the most iconic ultramarathons in the UK.

But this conversation isn’t just about race day. It’s about what led there.

Gus opens up about the years of quiet, committed training that made this win possible. We talk about his emotional relationship with running, the structure and belief that coaching has brought him, and how consistency, community, and sacrifice shaped his path to victory.

He shares post-race reflections, including the moment it nearly unravelled, the deep significance of the race in his life, and what it feels like to finally win an event that once felt out of reach.

At the end of the episode, we’re joined briefly by his coach, John Connolly, who offers his perspective on Gus’s development — and what it takes to build a performance like this over time.

This is a conversation about more than just running. It’s about self-belief, quiet progress, and the power of simply showing up.

• The emotional aftermath of a WHW victory

• Why talent is never enough — and what really matters

• How coaching and community shaped Gus’s mindset

• The power of reflection, structure, and long-term commitment

• A look behind the scenes with coach John Connolly

If you’d like to know more about working with us at Pyllon, head over to pyllonultra.com. I also share weekly reflections and thoughts on endurance, training, and life in my newsletter at @pyllon and @pyllonultra.

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod — and to a new direction for the show.

In this episode, we explore the emotional side of endurance. Why do ultra races move us to tears? What do they unlock deep inside that other pursuits can’t reach? And how does that emotional depth become part of why we keep coming back?

Our guest is Jeevendra, an ultra runner, thinker, and long-time Pyllon athlete with a deeply spiritual approach to running. He opens up about the emotional layers of training and racing — from mantras and meditation to moments of surrender and soul-level clarity during events like Spartathlon and the Bob Graham Round.

Together, Paul and Jeev talk about:

• What it means to run with emotion — not against it

• Why endurance can become a spiritual practice

• The role of grief, purpose, and memory in running long distances

• How emotional breakthroughs can become physical turning points

• Tools like mantras, visualisation, and surrender

• And what it means to truly live a purpose-driven life

If you’ve ever felt changed by a run — or wondered why this sport hits so deep — this one is for you.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🌍 Mentioned: The Green Runners

🔁 Keep Going with Pyllon: Subscribe to the Pyllon newsletter: pyllon.substack.com Follow on Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra Watch films on YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Learn more or get in touch: pyllonultra.com

Thanks for listening — and for being part of the journey. Keep living the ultra life. #theultralife | #pyllon

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

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

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

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

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