Show Notes
A Conversation with Gus Irvine: When Winning Doesn't Feel Like Winning
Three weeks after winning the 2026 West Highland Way Race for the second consecutive year, Gus Irvine joins Paul Giblin for a very different kind of conversation.
Rather than revisiting splits, tactics or race strategy, this episode explores what happened after the finish line.
Despite leading from Balmaha to Fort William and successfully defending his title, Gus describes feeling surprisingly flat throughout much of race day and in the weeks that followed. What should have been one of the proudest moments of his running career instead became a confusing experience that left him questioning why the expected feelings of satisfaction and joy never arrived.
Together, Paul and Gus discuss:
- What it felt like defending a title rather than chasing one
- Battling mentally for more than 60 miles
- Why winning wasn't the rewarding experience Gus expected
- The role of crew when an athlete hides how much they're struggling
- Whether success and fulfilment are always the same thing
- Lessons that may only make sense months, or years later
It's an honest conversation about performance, expectation, identity and the complicated emotions that sometimes follow achieving a long-held goal.
Whether you've raced the West Highland Way yourself or simply chased something important in your own life, this episode offers a reminder that the story rarely ends at the finish line.
About the West Highland Way Race Podcast
The West Highland Way Race Podcast shares conversations with runners, organisers, volunteers and people connected to one of Scotland's most iconic ultramarathons. From race previews and practical advice to personal stories and post-race reflections, each episode explores what makes this event so special.
About the host
Paul Giblin is a three-time West Highland Way Race winner, endurance coach and founder of Pyllon Ultra.
You can connect with Paul here:
Instagram: @pyllon @pyllonultra
Pyllon Ultra: www.pyllonultra.com
YouTube: Pyllon
Podcast: Pyllon Ultra Pod
