The Personal “Why” of Our Endeavour Athletes

November 24, 2022 Paul Giblin

Our podcast friends are right; young hearts really do run free. Luckily, the life-changing work of the British Heart Foundation means that old hearts and wonky hearts can run free as well.

Why do we run?

Our athletes regularly push themselves out of their comfort zones. They eat suffering for breakfast, feast on making their dreams a reality for lunch, and dance with exceeding their potential late into the evening. Our athletes journey through emotional turmoil, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome to help surpass their perceived limitations.

Pyllon athletes run from their hearts.

Running is a fairly simple sport. Fundamentally we just need a good pair of trainers. And yet many people around the world run barefoot.

Ultimately the only absolute requirement to be able to run is a healthy heart. That said, we are not suggesting you hit your local parkrun in your birthday suit!

Poignantly, the stopping of a loved one’s heart is the inspiration for many of us to make our own hearts work harder through our running.

In the days before she became the accomplished runner she is today, Karen Nicol toed the start line of the Stirling 10k in aid of the BHF and walked/jogged her way around. She participated in memory of her late colleague, Fiona. Doctors found an abnormality in Fiona’s heart; tragically, they couldn’t save her. Fiona’s heart beats on in the hearts of her daughters and husband.

When we experience an erratic heart rate from stress and anxiety, we can use running to help regulate it. Running is scientifically proven as an excellent method for alleviating anxiety.

Alan Hewitt embraced running to help him cope with a severe health issue of a close family member. Alan used running to reset his mind and relieve stress and anxiety. Running helped Alan find a balance between supporting his ill family member while remaining a devoted and committed father and husband.

One thing led to another, and the West Highland Way beckoned Alan to its trail. From there, the allure of Pyllon Ultra pulled him in. He’s been training with us since our XP2 event several years ago. Alan says, “Running has and continues to give me the strength and tools to be the best version of myself to support my family and contribute confidently and positively in whatever life has to offer.”

Working with Alan and seeing him achieve things he never dreamt possible is an honor. He is a testimony to the old adage that you reap what you sow.

Remember when Jasmin Paris made headlines when she expressed milk for her nursing daughter during her epic record-breaking performance at the Montane Spine Race? Well, behind this headline are thousands of other tenacious and creative mothers who are creating ways to infuse running and mothering.

Superstar mum Lynsie Miller had her first child during the lockdown. In these uncertain and isolating times, running helped Lynsie find time for herself again. She is driven to inspire others and show the world that you really can have adventures and do amazing things as a parent.

Only a few people have been so close to the edge that they can peer into the eyes of the abyss.

Amanda Woodrow poetically describes how running has “broken my heart and saved my life more times than I care to admit.”

In 2017 Amanda underwent surgery for a life-threatening illness. Running makes Amanda feel ALIVE, so much so that the first question she asked the surgeon post-op was when she could lace up her trainers again.

Amanda works with acute mental health patients. She says she runs for every one of her patients who can’t run or who doesn’t believe that they can.

Amanda’s summation of Endeavour is on point. “Endeavour is about hope, community, and positive outcome.”

No matter how hard she gets knocked down, Amanda rises even stronger and more ferocious than before.

These are just a few insights into the “whys” of some of our courageous athletes who will be running along the West Highland Way this weekend. Life is full of uncertainties, but one thing is for sure; running is embedded deep in the heart of the Pyllon Ultra community.

For many of us, running is a metaphorical defibrillator that jolts us back into life and helps keep us in the world of living.

As Helen Keller famously said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched - they must be felt with the heart.”

While we are out on the West Highland Way this weekend, take some time to think of your own running “why,” and please feel free to share this with us.

We invite you to get involved with Endeavour; there are several ways you can join in the fun and support the great work of the British Heart Foundation.

FOLLOW: We will have live GPS trackers when we start and it will be with us throughout the challenge. You will also be able to follow our live updates on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook on the @PyllonUltra and @Pyllon accounts. Please follow for updates. You can track both teams using the following link https://track.trail.live/event/pyllon-endeavour

SUPPORT: It’s a challenging event to organise and support - so we’d really welcome any support out on the course during the event. Please get in touch if there’s any way you can help! Contact us

SHARE: We are trying to reach as many people as possible, and we’d love to get #PyllonEndeavour trending, so please help us out by sharing, retweeting, following and commenting!

DONATE: We are raising funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) for the vital research they do into heart and circulatory diseases. The BHF are working towards preventing these conditions from developing and helping those with existing conditions to have better, longer lives. We all know someone who’s life has been cut short - and the important role exercise plays in health and longevity. If you can spare any money please show your support by making a donation.

MOVE: Exercise has so many positive effects and if more of us had the time, support and encouragement to make it an essential part of everyday life, we’d live happier and healthier lives. We hope that our own endurance efforts will encourage other people to get outside and walk / run more.