Running Through It All: Pregnancy, Postpartum & the Athlete Identity — with Rachel Normand

In this deeply honest episode of the Pyllon Ultra podcast, we’re joined by Pyllon coach John Connolly and long-time athlete Rachel Normand — a fierce competitor, thoughtful human, and now, a mother expecting her second child. We talk openly about what it means to navigate training, identity, and life as a female athlete, especially during and after pregnancy. Topics include: What training looks like (and feels like) during pregnancy How Rachel’s mindset and body have changed the second time around Her plan to return to running after birth The emotional and practical challenges of staying connected to your identity as a runner Support systems, useful resources, and advice for other female athletes This isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about adapting with purpose, building trust in your own body, and redefining what endurance really means. Whether you’re training through pregnancy, coaching women through these seasons, or just curious to listen — this is a conversation we all need to hear. 🎧 Tune in now, and share with someone who needs it. 🔗 Resources from the Episode 📘 ROAR by Dr. Stacy Sims – www.drstacysims.com/roar 📙 Go Ahead, Stop and Pee – View on AbeBooks 🎙️ Active Mom Podcast – carriepagliano.com 📄 NHS Return to Running Guidance – Download the PDF 🔁 Keep Going with Pyllon Subscribe to the Pyllon newsletter: pyllon.substack.com Follow us on Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra Watch our films on YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Learn more or get in touch: pyllonultra.com Thanks for being part of the journey. #theultralife | #pyllon

✍️ Show Notes (Description): Most people don’t think of ultra-running as creative. It’s numbers. It’s structure. It’s repetition. But the best runners — the ones who stay in it for the long haul — often aren’t just tough. They’re imaginative. Flexible. Quietly inventive. In this episode, I explore why creativity is a powerful tool in training, racing, and staying in the game when things don’t go to plan. From reframing long runs to adapting goals mid-race, to how we coach and train when life gets messy — this is about the art of movement, not just the metrics. You’ll hear a few personal stories, a bit of coaching insight, and a quiet reminder that sometimes, improvisation is the real superpower. 🎧 Listen if you’ve ever had to reimagine your plan mid-run — or if you're looking for a little freedom in how you move forward. 📬 Read the full written version at: pyllonultra.com/ember 🖤 Stay Connected: Thanks for being here — and for being part of this community. If this resonated, feel free to share it with someone who might need it too. You can follow or reach out via: 📬 Newsletter: @pyllonultra 🖤 Personal IG: @pyllon ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon See you out there.

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. Drawing from his own experience at the Yukon Arctic Ultra — and a story from Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert — this episode is about stillness, identity, and trusting the process, even when the result isn’t clear. In This Episode: The silence that follows big efforts Why we shouldn’t tie our identity to outcomes What runners and creatives have in common Jack Gilbert and the pursuit of meaning beyond applause A quiet reminder for anyone still waiting for the meaning to catch up Links & Mentions: Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert More episodes & coaching: pyllonultra.com Instagram: @pyllonultra @pyllon Substack: The Ultra Life

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: ✅ How the frostbite happened ✅ What went down when the rescue was activated ✅ The treatment Paul has received so far ✅ How this experience has changed his perspective 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: 🔗 Website: www.pyllonultra.com 📸 Instagram: @pyllonultra 🎧 More Podcasts: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms ▶️ YouTube: YouTube.com/pyllon   ⚡ 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: Website: www.pyllonultra.com Watch the podcast on YouTube: Pyllon Ultra YouTube Channel Follow us on Instagram: @pyllonultra Connect with us on Facebook: Pyllon Ultra Contact Paul directly: Instagram Collaborate with Paul: [email protected] Share & Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your running friends and leave a review—it helps us reach more runners like you!

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