words by Paul Giblin
I used to feel like Paul Giblin, the runner. But probably less so now, believe it or not, even though most of my life is still centered around running.
The last few years have been a journey. I guess a transition from travelling, training, and racing - with everything being about competing in the best races, to racing less but wanting to do more. I think we all had our challenges through the COVID period, but it likely sped up my desire for a life that felt a little more settled.
Pyllon will be in its 10th year next year you know! Crazy eh?
And I’m still excited about it.
But now it’s much more than a way to fund my racing. I’ve had to grow up. Ask people for help (which I find hard to do) and try to shape a business that can have a bigger and longer-lasting impact.
I know that sounds a bit corporate, but I know what running can do for people, and the community that’s around us has done a lot for so many.
But it’s also very hard. Last 12 - 18 months particularly.
I’m fortunate to work with many people I’d class as friends. And you know what they say about mixing both! I don’t know if I agree with that, but it has, at times, made things hard and sometimes hurtful. But each time I’m absorbing the set-backs more readily and bouncing back quicker and more determined.
It’s making me a better person, and the relationships I have with the people who really matter are growing stronger as a result.
I’ve had a handful of people really support me at Pyllon - some from Day 1, and others that haven’t been around so long. I hope they know who they are as I try to be the person that expresses my gratitude and I’ll continue to do better with that.
I really do have some great friends, but I won’t lie - I struggle to let people in at times, as I’ve felt let down in the past and momentarily regretful for giving people the power to hurt me.
Paul’s a romantic at heart.
I used to be romantic. Back in my youth. I made hundreds of mix tapes, minidiscs, and CDs—homemade cards - all the good stuff. I don’t seem to have the same energy anymore. And I really should make more effort. But New Zealand has been a hard shift.
Alice has a demanding job with long hours, and we didn’t live in a house that was all that good to feel trapped in. If I’m honest, I think my mental health suffered, and I felt I’d lost my identity and more.
Auckland - I didn’t know all that much about. I’ve lived in and around big cities before, but it’s just not my thing anymore at all. Chamonix and Scotland to Auckland was a transition too far for me, and too far removed from what matters most to me.
I totally understand why so many people love it. But it’s too noisy, too busy and too many rules around access and dogs etc. I genuinely miss the Gleniffer Braes in Paisley or being able to see the Aiguille du midi from the back window.
How would Paul’s friends describe him?
My friends, I’m really not sure. I suspect people would say I’m pretty intense, probably that I lack confidence or am too self-critical. I don’t think that’s too far off the mark, but it’s not easy to switch that stuff off when you’ve spent your life trying to be loved for the things that I do and carrying a lot of shame about who I really am. But it does make me unique, and I’m really not all that serious if you’re in the inner circle 😀
A Segway into running like many others
I was getting fat. Too much booze, partying, DJing, and ‘stuff’ until I left London, and then I settled into a mortgage and a 9-5 job where I was never really challenged all that much.
Did some real boring shit for many years until I discovered the gym and the treadmill. Things went fairly quickly from there, as did an unproductive relationship. My running took off. I just wanted to get fitter and fitter. Did some daft stuff in the mountains first and then discovered ultras.
The rest is history.
I think running was it - because I could do it alone. Didn’t need money. I didn’t need anyone judging me. It was, at least at the time, a simple equation: More effort = bigger improvements. And that was addictive to someone like me.
It took me out onto the trails. Out in the wilderness in shitty conditions, and that meant MORE EFFORT, giving me more in return. Then racing came along and travelled and I never really doubted myself deep down that I could do any race I wanted. Nothing could stop me. Not to say I was never nervous, scared, or intimidated. I still am today!
How do you prepare for multi day running, specifically Te Araroa
The preparation has been years in the making. It’s easy to forget that. Yes, your most recent training is of utmost importance, but the years of consistent graft is what actually counts on these ultra-long adventures.
I’m not currently fit at all, mostly because of NZ and Mya (our dog) having changed things a lot. I don’t think I took enough time after Lymes Disease from Cape Wrath. I caught COVID-19 a couple of times between races and travel, etc, and haven’t quite been myself. I had a serious health scare last year, which psychologically impacted my shield of invincibility. So I know the first week is going to be especially difficult.
Running across a country is pretty special. Start at one coastline and just head to the opposite side. There’s a real simplicity in it (on paper only of course). You get to see a country from so many points most never get the chance to experience in a lifetime. And you can do that in 30 days or hopefully 50 in this case. And I’m one of those people who needs to feel that I’m taking incremental steps/progress in life. So, I always feel the need to go bigger and bolder.
How do you keep yourself moving forward when things get tough
Lots of ways to keep myself going. Talking is good. Stretching and releasing tension in your body is essential. The deep squat position is a total lifesaver.
The thinking time is important. Not because I’m able to sort out all of my life goals and plans but because I silence that voice by just dealing with the next 6 miles or the next long climb. Taking me out of my head rather than sorting what’s going on in it.
What does running mean to you?
Running has dramatically improved my life. I’ve been to places and seen things. Met people and shared experiences that I would never have had the chance to do.
I realise now that life is all about experiences. Real conscious experiences. Not just the getting pissed with your pals down the pub and cracking a few jokes. Nothing against all that. But that’s never measuring up with running down towards the running track in Auburn in the middle of the night with your buddy who’s done the same for you and seeing him cross that line.
I watched his interview straight after, and it was so special. That’s the shit that matters.
In the above section Paul speaks fondly of crewing for his pal John Connolly in the Western States Endurance Race.
If I didn’t run, I’d do something else. So there would be a substitute, and I’d take it to the same extremes. I can’t help it. I’m glad it’s running, though.
And we’re glad it’s running too Paul!
This snippet into Paul’s mind and running background was shared with us before he started his ambitious and mind-boggling journey in New Zealand.
You can learn more about how things have been for Paul out on the trail via the Pyllon Ultra Pod, or check out his tracker to see exactly where he is. For more details on the specifics of his run click here.