Beyond Potential: Alan Hewitt and the Summer Spine Race

In this episode, Paul reconnects with long-time Pyllon athlete, coach and former podcast co-host James Stewart for the first conversation in a new series, People Make Pyllon - where we explore the lives, work and wider stories of runners in the Pyllon community. James has represented Great Britain, broken records, and worked at the sharp end of competitive ultrarunning, but this conversation is less about racing and more about life. They discuss what happens when running takes a step back, and how it still supports James's full-time leadership role, family life, and creative interests. They talk about injury, consistency, integrity, and why showing up matters more than chasing medals. James shares his evolving mindset as he begins doctoral research on the future of AI and work, and how he’s learning to value running not just for performance, but for what it gives back to the rest of life. Topics covered include: Returning from injury and rethinking goals Balancing work, family, running and personal growth Running at 4am, wherever you are in the world The "equilateral triangle" model of life Why self-integrity matters more than motivation Creativity, well-being and letting go of outcome The power and responsibility of AI in a changing world This is a thoughtful conversation about adapting, growing, and redefining what progress really means, both in running and in life. Links and extras Subscribe to The Ultra Life for weekly reflections from Paul: 👉 https://youtube.com/pyllon Follow along on Instagram: 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllon 👉 https://instagram.com/pyllonultra Explore coaching and more at: 👉 https://www.pyllonultra.com/

In this solo episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, Paul takes a slow, reflective journey into the deeper layers of endurance — not as sport, but as a human experience. Building on recent conversations with Jeev, Gus, and Alan, and echoing themes from his latest Substack essay “When the Race Strips Us Back,” this episode explores the emotional costs of going all in, the relationship between mind and body, and the quiet revelations that emerge through long efforts. Drawing on his own experiences; from winning the West Highland Way Race to breaking down in the New Zealand backcountry, Paul opens up about what it means to truly endure, and how suffering, presence, and stillness all play a part in uncovering who we really are. This isn’t a pep talk. It’s a pause. An invitation to feel more. To listen more. And to remember that the long run is more than training — it’s a way home. 🗝️ In This Episode Reflections from three powerful podcast guests - Jeev, Gus, and Alan, and what they revealed about vulnerability, calm, and transformation A behind-the-scenes look at Paul’s mindset during his WHW victory, and what real mental work means Honest stories from his Te Araroa journey across New Zealand - exhaustion, grief, and breakthrough The emotional cost of caring deeply and racing with your whole self Why endurance helps us build a true mind–body relationship The spiritual dimension of long efforts — and how they can reconnect us to what matters 5 powerful lessons endurance has taught over the years A challenge for your next long run: to listen, not chase ✨ Quote from the Episode “Longevity isn’t built on punishment. It’s built on partnership.” 🔗 Links & Resources Substack essay: When the Race Strips Us Back Instagram: @pyllon | @pyllonultra YouTube: youtube.com/pyllon Website: pyllonultra.com

In this special bonus episode of the Pyllon Ultra Pod, Paul speaks with Pyllon athlete Alan Hewitt, fresh from completing the gruelling Summer Spine Race — a 268-mile journey up the Pennine Way. But this isn’t just a race recap. Together, they explore what it means to commit fully, to endure the dark miles, and to discover a version of yourself you didn’t know existed. Alan opens up about foot pain, hallucinations, and emotional highs, but also the magic of watching the sunrise on Hadrian’s Wall — and what it truly means to go beyond potential. Whether you're deep in your own training or just curious what happens inside a challenge this big, this episode is about more than racing — it’s about becoming. Topics covered: Why the Summer Spine drew Alan in Training with purpose — and a pack Managing pain, panic, and perseverance The joy of sunrise on Hadrian’s Wall What personal growth really looks like Reflections on identity, commitment, and future goals Mentioned: The Pennine Way West Highland Way Race Cocodona 250 (future goal?) Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Pyllon: 🔗 @pyllon | @pyllonultra 🎥 YouTube.com/pyllon 🌐 pyllonultra.com

Show Notes: 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. Topics covered: 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 Sign-off: 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

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod. In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most curious and compelling corners of ultra endurance: the 24-hour track race. Joining Paul today are two people with intimate knowledge of this format. Grant MacDonald, a former GB international and coach at Pyllon, was due to compete at Crawley this year before injury struck — instead, he stepped into the crew role. On the other side of the table is Alice, a Pyllon athlete who not only took on the challenge but hit the qualifying mark to represent Romania at the upcoming World Championships in Albi, France. This conversation explores far more than race splits and lap counts. Together, we unpack: The strange appeal of running in circles for 24 hours The invisible ingredients that make up a great race How training, mindset, and support differ from other formats The emotional rollercoaster of racing — and missing a race What it takes to crew well and how that impacts performance Reflections on identity, setbacks, and why people keep coming back And what the future holds for both Alice and Grant Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or simply intrigued by what drives people to circle a track for a day and a night, this is an honest, reflective, and insightful discussion that offers much more than race results. 🎬 You can also watch The Loop, a short film about Alice’s race, on the Pyllon YouTube channel — it captures the rhythm and reality of the 24-hour format in a way words alone can't. 🔁 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 as always for being part of the journey. Keep living the ultra life. #theultralife | #pyllon

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod. In this short episode, we explore a tension many athletes and coaches feel but rarely voice: why does branding and polished packaging often outshine hard-won experience in today’s coaching world? I reflect on what real coaching value looks like — not the spreadsheets or the slogans, but the deep, often unseen work of understanding athletes, recognising patterns, and building trust over years, not months. We also unpack how we’re wired for novelty — from chasing the latest training trends to jumping on shiny new advice, even when the wisdom we need has been quietly standing beside us all along. This is an honest, generous look at the deeper layers of coaching, endurance, and commitment, with stories from my own journey and reflections on what really shapes an enduring athlete-coach relationship. 🎧 Tune in now, and share with someone who needs it. 🔁 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

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