James Stewart – People Make Pyllon, Ep.1: Running, Identity and Balance

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://pyllon.substack.com

Watch Pyllon’s latest short film Space to Return on YouTube:
👉 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/