The FitMIND FitBODY Podcast

Episode 496 - MM 176 - Slow down one everyday movement

This week’s mindful moment is a powerful yet simple one: slow down one everyday movement. Instead of rushing through your daily routine, pick one ordinary action—like putting on your shoes, brushing your hair, or opening the fridge—and do it just a little slower. Pay attention to the sensation, the rhythm, the sound, and your breath. Notice what muscles are involved and how it truly feels to move.

This practice isn’t about adding anything new; it’s about waking up to what you’re already doing and finding presence in the simplest of moments.

Spend just five minutes with this practice, and see how it can bring calm and clarity to your day.

For more mindfulness ideas, head over to our ebook with 24 Simple Mindfulness strategies: https://fitmindfitbody.co/books/

Help us spread the mindfulness:
1️⃣ If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave a like and review. Your support helps others discover the joy of mindful running.
2️⃣ Have a story or know a runner who'd be perfect for our podcast? Reach out to us on Facebook/Instagram  or email (Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co  ).

 

💛 Looking for more running motivation?

Check out ZenRUN Club (https://zenrun.club/) —a low-pressure space for runners of all levels. With simple training plans, guided runs, and monthly challenges, it’s all about stress-free progress and community support. Come join us when you’re ready!

Episode 495 - Mark Backhouse – Running for the Love of Challenge, Community & the Trails

This week, I’m joined by Mark Backhouse—a fellow Delirious WEST athlete, a trail runner from Perth’s hillside trails, and a man who balances 4 kids, a full-time job, and midnight trail runs with a grin.

Mark’s running journey has been anything but ordinary. From his first marathon on the cobbled streets of Rome to 3am trail runs before school lunches and work meetings, he’s all about chasing the mental and physical freedom that running brings. His story is grounded, relatable, and full of quiet motivation.

In this episode, we chat about:
🌄 Growing up in a military family and how moving often shaped his resilience
👟 Finding running later in life—starting with a personal health goal and growing into ultra distances
🕐 How he fits 200-mile training into a jam-packed life with 4 kids and a big job
🧠 Why running is his meditation, reset button, and therapy session
🎽 Delirious WEST highlights, sleep deprivation, and pushing through mental barriers
📅 His approach to planning and prioritising running like any other essential part of life

Mark’s Running Wisdom:
✅ Put your run in the calendar—make it non-negotiable
✅ You don’t need to be fast, you just need to keep going
✅ The discomfort is the point—growth starts where comfort ends

Whether you’re a parent trying to juggle it all, a new runner just finding your rhythm, or someone contemplating your first ultra—Mark’s story will remind you that showing up (even at 3am!) is always worth it.

🎧 Tune in now and be inspired!

A couple of BIG favours:
1) please like and review this podcast so more people will discover it :)
2) come on the podcast and talk about your running journey and/or refer someone you’d love me to interview (whether you know them or not :) )  Lets not keep the power of running a secret any more!  Hit me up on Facebook/Instagram (FitMIND FitBODY) or send me an email - Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co 

Don't miss an episode of the FitMind FitBODY Podcast. Sign up to our email list and get notified when new episodes are released.

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 494 - MM 175 - Mindful Rocking

This week’s mindful moment is mindful rocking, a gentle and soothing practice to help you unwind. Whether you’re in a rocking chair or simply swaying in place, focus on the rhythm of the movement. Pay attention to the back-and-forth motion, the way your body feels, and the calming effect it creates.

Rocking mindfully is a beautiful way to relax, reset, and bring your attention back to the present—especially after a busy day.

Spend just five minutes with this practice, and see how it can bring calm and clarity to your day.

For more mindfulness ideas, head over to our ebook with 24 Simple Mindfulness strategies: https://fitmindfitbody.co/books/

 

Help us spread the mindfulness:
1️⃣ If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave a like and review. Your support helps others discover the joy of mindful running.
2️⃣ Have a story or know a runner who'd be perfect for our podcast? Reach out to us on Facebook/Instagram  or email (Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co  ).

 

💛 Looking for more running motivation?

Check out ZenRUN Club (https://zenrun.club/) —a low-pressure space for runners of all levels. With simple training plans, guided runs, and monthly challenges, it’s all about stress-free progress and community support. Come join us when you’re ready!

Episode 493 - Chasing Trains, Running Marathons & Changing Lives — with Jess Peil

In this episode, I chat with the vibrant and inspiring Jess Peil — and trust me, you’re going to fall in love with her story. From childhood runs in the Saudi Arabian desert, to chasing Puffing Billy in Melbourne, and now taking on seven marathons in seven states for Bravehearts, Jess brings passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart to her running.

We cover:
🏃‍♀️ How a mile-long kids race in the desert sparked her early love of running
🚂 The amazing family story behind Melbourne’s Great Train Race (her dad helped start it!)
🎗 How fundraising became her powerful “why” — raising over $500K for Bravehearts
🧠 The importance of movement for both mental and physical health
🏔 Her adventures doing multi-day ultras like Southern Lakes Ultra in New Zealand
🫶 And how running communities like Running for Resilience are changing lives and saving lives in Canberra

Jess reminds us all that you don’t have to be fast to make a massive impact — you just need heart, consistency, and a great cause to run for. 💛

🎧 Tune in for laughs, heartwarming stories, and lots of inspiration to lace up your shoes — whether you’re chasing a PB or just chasing joy.

 

⸻

 

Jess’s Bravehearts link (30th June to 6th July) - https://fundraise.bravehearts.org.au/fundraisers/jesspeil/777national2025
Running For Resilience - https://www.runningforresilience.com/

A couple of BIG favours:
1) please like and review this podcast so more people will discover it :)
2) come on the podcast and talk about your running journey and/or refer someone you’d love me to interview (whether you know them or not :) )  Lets not keep the power of running a secret any more!  Hit me up on Facebook/Instagram (FitMIND FitBODY) or send me an email - Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co 

 

💛 Looking for more running motivation?

Check out ZenRUN Club (https://zenrun.club/) —a low-pressure space for runners of all levels. With simple training plans, guided runs, and monthly challenges, it’s all about stress-free progress and community support. Come join us when you’re ready!

 

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 492 - MM 174 - Mindful Bicycle Ride

This week’s mindful moment invites you to enjoy a mindful bicycle ride, transforming your travel time into a peaceful practice. As you pedal, tune into the steady rhythm of your legs and the breeze brushing against your skin. Notice the sounds around you—the turning wheels, birds, or passing trees—and take in the changing scenery with fresh eyes.

Riding with awareness connects you to the present moment, turning even a short trip into a grounding and joyful experience.

Spend just five minutes with this practice, and see how it can bring calm and clarity to your day.

For more mindfulness ideas, head over to our ebook with 24 Simple Mindfulness strategies: https://fitmindfitbody.co/books/

Help us spread the mindfulness:

1️⃣ If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave a like and review. Your support helps others discover the joy of mindful running.

2️⃣ Have a story or know a runner who'd be perfect for our podcast? Reach out to us on Facebook/Instagram  or email (Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co  ).

 

💛 Looking for more running motivation?

Check out ZenRUN Club (https://zenrun.club/) —a low-pressure space for runners of all levels. With simple training plans, guided runs, and monthly challenges, it’s all about stress-free progress and community support. Come join us when you’re ready!

Episode 491 - John Herzfeld – Delirium, Dot-Watching & the Magic of the Finish Line (Part 2)

In Part Two of this two-part series, we pick up where we left off with the remarkable John Herzfeld—and dive into the wild ride that was his Delirious WEST 200-miler.

From pacing his mate Gabe through heatwaves, hallucinations, and chest pains, to crossing his own Delirious finish line with 96.5 hours on the clock and a heart full of emotion—this episode captures everything we love about ultra running: the community, the chaos, and the deeply personal stories behind every step.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

🔥 How John trained (and sometimes didn’t train) for his first 200-miler

🧂 The “magic” combo of lemonade and choc milk (yes, really)

🛌 Why sleep is just as important as pace in a race this long

🌪️ What it’s like running through beach storms, wind tunnels, and sandy staircases

💬 The power of dot-watching and how it brought his entire workplace together

🎉 Why finishing Delirious was never about a medal—but about the people cheering him on

John’s Ultra Running Wisdom:

✅ Sleep before you hallucinate caravans in the bush

✅ Finish lines matter—but the moments between matter more

✅ You can run a 200-miler… even if your training plan is mostly blank pages

This episode is full of heart, humour, and some truly memorable trail tales. Don’t forget to check out Part One to hear about John’s background, his adventures in PNG, and the wild story of how this all started.

🎧 Start listening now—and relive the magic of Delirious WEST through John’s eyes.

A couple of BIG favours:
1) please like and review this podcast so more people will discover it :)
2) come on the podcast and talk about your running journey and/or refer someone you’d love me to interview (whether you know them or not :) )  Lets not keep the power of running a secret any more!  Hit me up on Facebook/Instagram (FitMIND FitBODY) or send me an email - Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co 

Don't miss an episode of the FitMind FitBODY Podcast. Sign up to our email list and get notified when new episodes are released.

💛 Looking for more running motivation?

Check out ZenRUN Club (https://zenrun.club/) —a low-pressure space for runners of all levels. With simple training plans, guided runs, and monthly challenges, it’s all about stress-free progress and community support. Come join us when you’re ready!

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 490 - John Herzfeld – From Go-Karts to Global Good (Part 1)

In this first episode of a special two-part conversation, we meet the ever-curious and wonderfully humble John Herzfeld—fellow Delirious WEST runner, mechanical engineer, storyteller, and lifelong volunteer.

Before John took on a 200-mile ultra, he was building go-karts in the hills of Darlington, designing signs with technical flair, and volunteering in remote Papua New Guinea. This episode dives into John’s early life, family legacy, deep ties to community, and the unique experiences that shaped his passion for adventure and giving back.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

🏃 John’s childhood adventures, go-kart races, and early memories of running

🌱 His incredible family roots—from German refugees to Quaker change-makers

✈️ How he found himself teaching, hiking, and catching dugout canoes in Papua New Guinea

🛠️ His path through engineering, sign-making, and community-building

🌍 Why “doing rather than talking” has become a guiding value in his life

John’s Life Wisdom:

✅ Sometimes adventure starts with a hill trolley and four pram wheels

✅ The best kind of legacy is built on service and stories

✅ Be the one who shows up—even if it means hosting a Parkrun at 80

John’s warmth and quiet drive will leave you inspired, and this episode is just the beginning…

🎧 Tune in now—and don’t forget to catch Part Two where we dive deep into John’s Delirious WEST experience!

A couple of BIG favours:
1) please like and review this podcast so more people will discover it :)
2) come on the podcast and talk about your running journey and/or refer someone you’d love me to interview (whether you know them or not :) )  Lets not keep the power of running a secret any more!  Hit me up on Facebook/Instagram (FitMIND FitBODY) or send me an email - Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co 

Don't miss an episode of the FitMIND FitBODY Podcast. Sign up to our email list and get notified when new episodes are released.

💛 Looking for more running motivation?

Check out ZenRUN Club (https://zenrun.club/) —a low-pressure space for runners of all levels. With simple training plans, guided runs, and monthly challenges, it’s all about stress-free progress and community support. Come join us when you’re ready!

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 489 - MM 173 - Mindful Ladder Steps

This week’s mindful moment is mindful ladder stepping, a focused practice that brings awareness to movement and balance. Using a sturdy ladder or step stool, climb slowly and deliberately, paying close attention to how your legs engage and how your hands grip for support. Notice the sensation of each step—the shift in weight, the texture beneath your feet, and the rhythm of your breath.

This simple activity encourages full-body awareness and turns a practical task into a moment of grounding and mindfulness.

Spend just five minutes with this practice, and see how it can bring calm and clarity to your day.

For more mindfulness ideas, head over to our ebook with 24 Simple Mindfulness strategies: https://fitmindfitbody.co/books/

Help us spread the mindfulness:
1️⃣ If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave a like and review. Your support helps others discover the joy of mindful running.
2️⃣ Have a story or know a runner who'd be perfect for our podcast? Reach out to us on Facebook/Instagram  or email (Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co  ).

 

💛 Looking for more running motivation?

Check out ZenRUN Club (https://zenrun.club/) —a low-pressure space for runners of all levels. With simple training plans, guided runs, and monthly challenges, it’s all about stress-free progress and community support. Come join us when you’re ready!

Episode 488 - Running Brave: Laura Firth’s Journey of Resilience and Records

This week’s guest is an absolute powerhouse—Laura Firth, ultra runner, Bravehearts champion, and Guinness World Record holder for being the first woman to run an ultra event with a stoma bag.

Originally from the UK, Laura’s story is one of grit, humour, and serious determination. After serving in the army, living through life-changing health challenges, and moving across the world with her young family, she found running—sort of by accident. Now, she’s doing what many never would have thought possible… and loving every second of it.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

💪 How Laura found running after a life-changing medical diagnosis and surgery

🎖️ Her transition from army chef to personal trainer and ultra runner

🥇 The moment she officially became a Guinness World Record holder

🏃‍♀️ Why she’s returning to run 7 marathons in 7 states in 7 days for Bravehearts this June

🩹 The unique challenges of running ultras with an ileostomy—and how she’s learned to manage them like a pro

💛 How running has helped her spread awareness and healing through movement

Laura’s Running Wisdom:

✅ It’s okay to wing it—just don’t forget to hydrate!

✅ You don’t have to be fast to be fierce

✅ The “why” behind your run will carry you farther than any fuel

 

Whether you’re training for your first 5K or chasing your own crazy ultra dreams, Laura’s raw and real story will leave you inspired to get out there and run with heart.

👉 Support her Bravehearts fundraising here: https://fundraise.bravehearts.org.au/fundraisers/laurafirth

🎧 Listen now and be inspired!

A couple of BIG favours:
1) please like and review this podcast so more people will discover it :)
2) come on the podcast and talk about your running journey and/or refer someone you’d love me to interview (whether you know them or not :) )  Lets not keep the power of running a secret any more!  Hit me up on Facebook/Instagram (FitMIND FitBODY) or send me an email - Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co 

Don't miss an episode of the FitMind FitBODY Podcast. Sign up to our email list and get notified when new episodes are released.

💛 Looking for more running motivation?

Check out ZenRUN Club—a low-pressure space for runners of all levels. With simple training plans, guided runs, and monthly challenges, it’s all about stress-free progress and community support. Come join us when you’re ready!

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 487 - MM 172 - Mindful Handwriting with a Quote

This week’s mindful moment is mindful handwriting with a quote, a creative and calming way to bring presence into your day. Pick a favourite quote or affirmation and write it out slowly, paying attention to each stroke of your pen and the shapes of the letters.

Let the meaning of the words sink in as you write, turning this simple act into a thoughtful, meditative experience. It’s a beautiful blend of mindfulness and inspiration that leaves you with something meaningful to reflect on.

Spend just five minutes with this practice, and see how it can bring calm and clarity to your day.

For more mindfulness ideas, head over to our ebook with 24 Simple Mindfulness strategies: https://fitmindfitbody.co/books/

Help us spread the mindfulness:

1️⃣ If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave a like and review. Your support helps others discover the joy of mindful running.

2️⃣ Have a story or know a runner who'd be perfect for our podcast? Reach out to us on Facebook/Instagram  or email (Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co  ).

 

Don’t miss a single episode. Sign up for our email alerts.