Attention is Life: Focus and Distraction in Ultrarunning and Beyond


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Aug 01 2024 16 mins   1

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod, where we dive deep into the real issues faced by ultrarunners and endurance athletes. I'm Paul, and today, we're exploring a concept that extends far beyond running—attention. Inspired by the work of psychologist Timothy Wilson and other thought-provoking books, we discuss how our focus shapes our training, racing, and ultimately, our lives.


Key Segments:


  • The Distraction Dilemma:
    • How modern distractions are costing us more than we realise.

    • The impact of distractions on our running and training.

    • Personal anecdotes about the cost of distractions in our daily lives.




  • Attention and Training:
    • The importance of being present during training sessions.

    • Stories of how losing focus can derail your running goals.




  • The Cost of Misplaced Attention:
    • If you’re focusing on things you don’t truly value, you’re paying with your life.

    • Engaging directly with experiences versus being distracted.




  • Making Better Use of Your Attention:
    • Practical questions to help align your attention with your values.

    • The significance of being mindful and present in everyday activities.




Quotes:


  • "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." - Simone Weil

  • "To be everywhere is to be nowhere." - Seneca


Book Recommendations:


  • "Strangers to Ourselves: Discovering the Adaptive Unconscious" by Timothy D. Wilson

  • "4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver Burkeman


Join Us:


  • Don’t forget to join us on the 20th of September for the unmissable Pyllon


Contact Information: