Pyllon Coaching will be 7 years old this month and in that time we’ve learned a lot and grown a lot. We’ve worked with so many athletes. Been involved with every kind of race imaginable. Shared countless successes and been there to pick people up when things haven’t gone to plan. 

Paul Giblin started on his own in 2014 - driven by the same passion that brought him many athletic successes in ultra running. From Day 1 the focus for Pyllon Coaching was to help more people get involved in the sport and provide support and encouragement to those who wanted more from running and life. By 2021, Pyllon has worked with hundreds of athletes, and we want to help more runners have better training and racing experiences - whatever distance they enjoy.

We have created a new Coaching arm for Pyllon, that will allow us to support athletes focused on shorter events, from 5K to marathon distance - on Trail, Road or XC. It’s called Pyllon TRAX and we are delighted to announce that Rob Turner will be joining the Pyllon Coaching team to lead our approach to supporting these athletes. We spoke to Rob to find out more about Pyllon TRAX and his own running background:

What is Pyllon TRAX?

RT: In short, it’s a bespoke, personal, and comprehensive coaching experience for trail, road and cross country (TRAX) athletes who are focused on improving their performance in distances up to the Marathon. We know that there are thousands of committed athletes out there, who are already training hard, but are unsure how to make consistent progress and that they would really benefit from the support of a coach on a one-to-one level. So, it’s an opportunity to train better, to have someone on your side with encouragement and the knowledge to help you make the best use of your available training time.

How long have you been running, and where did it all start?

RT: It all started back in the days of really short shorts and vests (that caused some real chaffing issues in the mid 80’s). I began running with the local running club as a teenager and we’d go off with the adults and compete in the ‘fun runs’ while the adults competed in the 10k’s and half marathons. I competed on the track, cross country, hills and road in those days, jack of all trades, it was a fun time, our local club was very active and encouraged us to try all disciplines. There were some really strong sprinters in the club, but as a middle distance athlete I could benefit from competing in the road, cross country and hills and I could do so at a national level.

I took some time away from the sport when I went to University and while establishing my career but came back to the sport around 17 years ago. It was tough coming back after a long break but I was hooked again after that first run and I continued to train. I joined a new running club and started to compete in races across Scotland and beyond. In those days I was focused on road running and cross country with a little hill racing thrown in. I had a lot of success in various distances up to the marathon and competed in national championships on the road, cross country and trail. I’ve won age group national medals from 5000m on the track to national trail championships. In the last few years I’ve been competing in ultra running events (where I’ve run at National, European and World Champs). I think those years spent running fast on the roads have benefited my long distance racing in recent years.

Why are you keen to focus on supporting athletes from 5K to marathon?

RT: I feel that I have a great deal to offer any runner - new to the sport or experienced. I have a vast amount of experiences and skills to draw on, both good and bad, from the last 30 years. I think that combining my background with the Pyllon training system and ethos can provide any runner with the complete package to reach their goals and move beyond what they think they are capable of.

Why has coaching become a new focus for you?

RT: It’s something I have been thinking about for a number of years and have dipped in and out of coaching at the various clubs I’ve been part of. That old cliché, to give back, is the driving force for me - I want to use what I’ve learned in all my years competing to help other people succeed, and to go on from there and make further improvements. Seeing and feeling progress is really important to the enjoyment of the sport. And we’ll help people to do that. I also think it will be fun and challenging at the same time and I love a challenge and I love fun!

What do you see are the benefits of coaching?

RT: From an athlete’s perspective they get guided, informed, specific and personal training plans that suit their lifestyle and the available time they have for training. So for anyone with a goal of improving their individual performance at their chosen event, they have someone in their corner. And we know the power of teamwork. Being coached offers the accountability that is missing when going it alone. It provides a sounding board and a two way communication on training, goals and performances. It should become an important relationship that’s focused on you and your development.

From a coach’s perspective I’m excited about working with different people with varying backgrounds and experiences and that will provide great learning for me too.

Why Pyllon?

RT: Pyllon is not just a coaching service, it is much more than that. It’s a community of runners and coaches with common values who want to make running, whatever the event, a lifestyle choice rather than a hobby. We love to run, and we love to achieve our running goals but Pyllon provides a channel for overall self improvement in lifestyle in so many areas that compliment running. I’ve had so many amazing experiences through the Pyllon community that I just wouldn’t have had elsewhere.

What kind of runners are you hoping to work with?

RT: I’d like to work with all types of runners, from those just wanting to get started, to those competing at a high level already. From my early running years I have a bit of a passion for those people chasing PB’s in the shorter distances and maybe progressing to longer events too. The satisfaction will come from people committing to their goals and us both working hard to achieve them - whether that’s a 4hr marathon, a 17 min Parkrun, or a first ever 10K - everyone will receive the same level of service, commitment and support from us.

What would you say to anyone who was thinking about getting support but isn’t sure if it’s right for them?

RT: I think any potential Pyllon athlete needs to consider a few questions:

• Do you want to improve your performances?

• Are you committed to your improvement?

• Do you want to focus on your goals?

• Do you want help and direction in achieving your goals?

I pondered these questions myself prior to approaching Pyllon to coach me many years ago, and I can honestly say it has been the best decision I have made in my running career.

As a coach, what do you think is the most important thing when working with athletes?

RT: Communication, two way, open and honest communication. Regular, constructive and sincere communications, be that on the phone, media message or through the training sessions is key to a successful coach and athlete relationship. It takes time - but it’s what has brought me success with the coaching relationship I have with Paul. Nothing is off the table as far as I am concerned - other life events and challenges affect your ability to train and race well - and that’s why it’s important to talk about them. I hope I get the chance to build those relationships, so please get in touch!

Find out more about Pyllon Coaching