Episode 651 – Paul Pratt – Running, Community, Family and Finding Your Own Way

In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I chat with the wonderful Paul Pratt.

You might already recognise Paul from the Melbourne Frontyard Ultra mini-series, but this time we get to sit down properly and find out a little more about how Paul ticks.

And honestly?

There is a lot going on in the world of Paul Pratt.

Paul grew up in Gippsland, in the tiny town of Buln Buln near Warragul, where everyone knew everyone, sport was part of life, and running laps around the school oval for a fundraiser was probably the closest thing to “training”.

From footy, cricket, uni in Melbourne, accounting, starting his own business, raising three kids, becoming a local councillor, building community events, and somehow still finding time to run ridiculous distances – Paul’s story is full of energy, humour, honesty, and heart.

We talk about how running really became a bigger part of his life after footy, especially during COVID, when his plan to run 10 marathons in 10 locations turned into something very different – but still deeply meaningful.

Paul shares how running has helped him become a better parent, a better person, and a more present human. He talks about the power of movement, the magic of the ultra-running community, why Backyard Ultras are so special, and how running gives him space to think, reset, connect, and simply feel better.

We also chat about:

Growing up in a small country town
Paul’s parents becoming known as Lolli Nan and Lollipop
Footy, cricket and country sport culture
Meeting his wife Cheryl Lee
Building businesses and following curiosity
Why financial literacy matters so much to him
Becoming a local councillor
Why community sport and open spaces matter
COVID running adventures
Running 100km around an athletics track for mental health
His love of Backyard Ultras
Creating the Wild Dog Backyard Ultra
Family, parenting and setting an example
Running without headphones
Fitting running into a busy life
Why discipline matters more than motivation
Why you don’t need to feel like “a runner” before you start

Paul’s running tips and little bits of wisdom

Paul shares some really simple but powerful reminders in this episode:

Start with movement.
If running feels too much, just move. Go for a walk. Do something. Even 30 minutes can change your day.

Don’t wait to feel motivated.
Paul is big on discipline over motivation. He knows from experience that if he moves in the morning, he has a better day.

Set yourself up the night before.
Put your gear out. Put your phone or alarm near your running shoes. Make it easier to start.

Give your run a time and place.
Don’t just say, “I’ll run tomorrow.” Say, “I’m running at 4:30am for 30 minutes.” That small shift makes it much more likely to happen.

Don’t miss twice.
Life happens. You can miss one run. You can be flexible. But try not to let one missed session become a whole lost week.

Ask what you can do.
If you’re injured and can’t run, don’t just stop completely. Ask your physio or doctor, “What can I do?” There is usually something.

Run your own race.
Paul reminds us that you don’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. You don’t need to be a runner to start running.

Pass the Baton

This episode also introduces a brand new little segment on the ZenRUN Podcast called Pass the Baton.

The idea is simple.

Each podcast guest leaves a running-related question for the next guest – without knowing who that next guest will be.

It’s a fun way to connect the conversations, pass a little curiosity forward, and see where each runner takes it.

Paul’s question came from Simon Poli, who asked:

“What’s the one food you wouldn’t share with someone, even if they were really struggling in an ultra?”

You’ll need to listen to the episode to hear Paul’s answer – and to find out what question Paul passes on to the next guest.

Why you’ll love this episode

This is one of those conversations that feels like a walk-and-talk with a mate.

Paul is funny, thoughtful, driven, community-minded, and refreshingly honest about what running gives him.

It’s not just about races or times or big goals.

It’s about being a better human.

It’s about showing up.

It’s about finding joy in hard things.

And it’s about remembering that running can be something that helps us live better – not just run further.

💛 Want your running to feel lighter again?

If this conversation resonated, you might enjoy The Running Reset – a simple bundle of guided runs and practical tools to help you reset your rhythm, clear your head, and reconnect with why you run.

👉 Find out more about The Running Reset

🙏 A couple of big favours

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast – it helps more runners discover these conversations.
I’m always looking for runners to interview. If you, or someone you know, has a running story to share, I’d love to hear from you.

Find me on Facebook or Instagram at @ZenRUN.club
or email hello@zenrun.club