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All things mental and physical health! You'll find in-depth interviews with runners as we delve into why they run and what keeps them running. And interviews with specialists on the brain and the effects of exercise on it – chemically and physically. Plus tips to keep you moving with a positive mindset.. So much goodness
Episodes
5 hours ago
5 hours ago
This week’s guest is the energetic, big-hearted Matt Dingjan—a husband, dad of four, small business owner, and now… 24-hour runner! 🏃♂️ But Matt’s story goes way beyond the track.
After hitting rock bottom battling stress, burnout, and alcohol, Matt turned to running as a lifeline. What started with a single run has evolved into marathons, life transformations, and now a massive goal: running for 24 hours straight on a 400m track to raise $100,000 for the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life, in memory of his beautiful mum.
In this powerful and motivating episode, Matt shares:
💥 How running helped him rediscover purpose and rebuild his life
🎯 His preparation for running 24 hours—over 2,000km and 250+ hours of training!
💬 The truth about not always loving running—but loving how it makes you feel afterward
👨👩👧👦 How his running has inspired family and friends to lace up and join him
🚛 How he balances 4am training runs with running his business, Lightning Bin Hire
💛 Why this fundraiser means everything to him
Matt’s Running Wisdom:
✅ Start where you are—progress comes one run at a time
✅ Running can heal more than just your body
✅ Have a purpose bigger than yourself—like fundraising for cancer support
🟨 Support Matt’s 24-hour Cancer Council run: https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/mattdingjan/launceston-2025
🟩 Need a skip bin in Northern Tasmania? Check out: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573228869946
🎧 Don’t miss this powerful story of grit, growth, and giving back. Listen now!
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.
15 hours ago
15 hours ago
This week’s mindful moment is all about mindful shadow play, a fun and creative way to bring awareness into the present moment. Find a light source, like the sun or a lamp, and observe your shadow. Move your hands, arms, or legs, and notice how your shadow shifts and changes. Play with shapes or simply watch the interaction of light and movement.
This practice sparks curiosity and a sense of wonder, reminding us that mindfulness can be both simple and joyful.
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.
3 days ago
3 days ago
In his final check-in before Delirious West, Glen Smetherham brings a powerful mix of honesty, humour, and hard-earned strategy to the mic. Despite an ongoing heel injury, Glen has been balancing short trail runs, high-volume cycling on Zwift, and mental prep to ensure he can still toe the start line with confidence.
This episode dives deep into the practical and psychological side of ultrarunning. Glen shares how he’s planning around pain, sleep strategy rituals (complete with melatonin and weighted blankets), and his multi-layered approach to gear, nutrition, and crew support. He even breaks down his sock strategy (spoiler: 10–12 pairs!) and drops an epic opening monologue defending Shannon’s alleged mobile pastry shop.
As Glen puts it, “Adventure doesn’t start until something goes wrong.” Whether you’re racing, crewing, or dreaming about future 200s, this one’s packed with gold.
Key Highlights:
•Opening roast-apology about Shannon’s “car-based bakery” 🥐
•Managing heel pain with logic only an ultra-runner could love
•Gear choices: shoes, socks, and the perfect low-stack “slipper-feel” pair
•The science of sleep extension and how Glen’s prepping to nap like a pro
•Practical aid station hacks, nutrition plans, and watch strategy
•Why this could be his most satisfying Delirious West yet, injury and all
Useful links (& notes from Glen) to some sleep studies:-
Sleep Extension before Sleep Loss: Effects on Performance and Neuromuscular Function - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27015382/
NOTES - “Here are a couple of studies that show that it would be beneficial to get at least 6 nights of sleep extension leading up to Delirious. Aiming for an extra hour sleep each night.”
Ultramarathon runners and support crew: The influence of pre-race sleep and training profiles on performance in a 217-km mountain race - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38909481/
NOTES - “Here is the one including support crew”
Manipulating sleep duration perception changes cognitive performance - An exploratory analysis - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32172039/
NOTES - “This study showed that manipulating the perception of sleep duration can impact reaction time (which can translate to improvements in a race like Delirious with the runner being more alert and perception of effort being lower).
Results showed quicker reaction times when participants believed they had 8 hours of sleep after a 5-hour opportunity, and slower times when they thought they had 5 hours of sleep after an 8-hour opportunity.
While this is very different than the much shorter sleep durations than we experience in Delirious, it may still be worth asking your crew to lie to you and tell you that you had a solid peaceful 30mins sleep rather than a broken 10mins, and you woke up looking like a monk who had just meditated on a mountaintop rather than the fact they look like the've just spent the last 10mins in a dumpster wrestling a raccoon.”
Connect with Us:
Subscribe for more unfiltered athlete insights and race-week excitement! Got a weird but wonderful race ritual? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear it!
Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387
4 days ago
4 days ago
In her final check-in before toeing the start line at Delirious West, Melissa Gregory reflects on a training block that’s left her feeling strong, organised, and—for the first time—injury-free and excited. From back-to-back long runs to downhill training on her local hill (aka the “Friday stress run”), Melissa has fine-tuned both her body and mind for the upcoming 100-miler.
Melissa shares how writing her crew plan made the race feel suddenly very real, why she’s aiming for quick aid station transitions, and how she’s embracing the unknowns of ultrarunning with confidence. She also opens up about the emotional side of racing, including her excitement that her kids will finally see her finish an ultra event.
With her mental game strong, her body prepped, and a bag of snacks (and music) packed, Melissa is ready to take on Delirious West with grace, grit, and a good dose of WA trail magic.
Key Highlights:
•Training confidence from back-to-back long runs and downhill sessions.
•Writing her ultimate crew plan—and getting real about aid station time limits.
•Lessons from past races, including falling apart after lingering too long mid-race.
•How she’s preparing for sleep strategy, music, and mental lows.
•The joy of running on home trails—and finally letting her kids see her cross a finish line.
Connect with Us:
Subscribe for more inspiring Delirious athlete stories and post-race recaps! Got an aid station hack or favourite motivational song? Drop it in the comments—we know Mel’s building a playlist!
Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
This week’s mindful moment introduces the five-finger trace, a simple yet powerful way to calm your mind and refocus. Hold out one hand, palm facing you, and use the index finger of your other hand to slowly trace around the edges of your fingers. Inhale as you trace up a finger, exhale as you trace down.
Pay close attention to the sensations—the feeling of touch, the texture of your skin, and even the ridges of your fingerprints.
This grounding practice is easy to do anywhere and offers a quick way to bring mindfulness into your 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 ).
Don’t miss a single episode. Sign up for our email alerts.
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
In this sixth check-in, Gabe Alves takes us through his biggest training test yet—a 90K race simulation that included heat training, night running, and an important lesson in mid-race recovery. From hitting a massive energy crash at 30K to bouncing back with chocolate milk and lemonade, this was an invaluable test of physical and mental endurance.
Gabe also shares how he’s tackling pre-race niggles, shifting his mindset from high mileage to injury prevention, and finalising crew plans and race-day logistics with his wife, Belinda. With blister prevention strategies, foot care routines, and a fresh new race pack setup, he’s making sure nothing is left to chance.
With just weeks to go, Gabe is reframing his taper, trusting the training, and getting his mind ready for the adventure ahead!
Key Highlights:
•90K ultra simulation—practicing sleep deprivation, night running & aid station stops.
•Bouncing back from a total energy crash—why patience & fueling saved the day.
•Managing a hamstring niggle and adjusting the final weeks of training.
•Blister prevention & foot care routines—the importance of pre-race foot prep.
•Finalising crew logistics & race strategy with the Delirious Race Bible.
•Mindset shift—why he’s focusing on getting to the start line healthy over logging last-minute miles.
Connect with Us:
Subscribe for more athlete updates and ultra-running insights! Have you ever recovered from a mid-race bonk? Drop your best comeback story in the comments!
Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
In this sixth check-in, Andy and Del Thompson reflect on their biggest training test yet—the Tarawera Ultra 100K in New Zealand! From navigating a packed race field to experiencing stunning volcanic landscapes (and some serious humidity), this adventure was the perfect lead-up to Delirious West.
They share lessons on hydration, nutrition, and fatigue management, including a tough moment of dehydration that led to some unexpected race-day challenges. Back home, they’ve jumped straight into a “shock weekend” of long runs, balancing recovery and final big-mileage efforts before the taper kicks in.
With their crew plan coming together, an offline navigation strategy locked in, and even a menu of aid station food to look forward to, Andy and Del are gearing up for another epic 200-mile journey.
Key Highlights:
•Running the Tarawera 100K—an unforgettable race experience in New Zealand.
•Dealing with dehydration mid-race and key takeaways for Delirious West.
•Final peak training weekend—hiking, sand running, and night training.
•Crew logistics and race planning, including hydration and nutrition strategies.
•Excitement vs. nerves—getting mentally ready for the big race ahead.
Connect with Us:
Subscribe for more athlete updates and ultra-running insights! Have a race-day prep tip or hydration hack? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear it!
Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
This week’s mindful moment is mindful stair climbing, a simple way to bring awareness to an everyday movement. As you walk up or down stairs, focus on each step—how your foot makes contact, the push-off, and the rhythm of your movement. Sync your breath with your steps, inhaling as you lift your leg and exhaling as you step down.
Feel the strength in your legs and the support beneath you.
This practice turns a routine activity into a moment of presence and gratitude for your body’s capabilities.
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.
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
In this special episode, we shift the focus from the athletes to the unsung heroes behind the scenes—the crew! Shannon Dale, crew chief for his wife, ultrarunner Darlene Dale, joins us to share what it takes to support a runner through a gruelling 200-mile event like Delirious West.
Shannon shares his experiences from multiple ultras, breaking down the key elements of successful crewing, including organisation, tough love, and knowing when to step in—or step back. From preparing race-day gear bags to managing sleep deprivation and even whipping up mid-race Reuben sandwiches, he covers the highs, lows, and unexpected challenges of being a crew member.
Whether you’re crewing for the first time or a seasoned ultra supporter, this episode is packed with insights, humour, and practical tips to keep your runner moving forward when the going gets tough.
Key Highlights:
•The biggest secret to being a great crew: organisation and planning ahead.
•Tough love vs. compassion: knowing when to push your runner and when to let them rest.
•Food, gear, and aid station hacks—what runners really need in the middle of a 200-miler.
•The importance of community—how crews come together to support all runners, not just their own.
•Managing sleep, logistics, and the unexpected challenges of an ultra event.
Connect with Us:
Subscribe for more ultra-running insights and behind-the-scenes stories from Delirious West! Have you ever crewed for an ultra? Share your best crew tips in the comments!
Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
In this sixth check-in, Stuart Rainbow gives us an inside look at his final training block leading up to the Delirious West 200-miler. With a 12-hour run on the schedule, a deep dive into blister prevention strategies, and a heavy focus on gear refinement, Stuart is making sure he leaves nothing to chance.
He shares insights from his latest long runs, including tackling Melbourne’s scorching heat, managing minor knee niggles, and experimenting with new shoe choices after realising his old pair had logged nearly 1,000km! Stuart also dives into his race strategy, the importance of time on feet vs. speed, and the mental shift required to take on a multi-day ultra.
With the countdown officially on, Stuart is ready to embrace the highs, the lows, and the adventure ahead.
Key Highlights:
•12-hour training run and the importance of peak mileage weeks.
•Dialling in gear—new shoes, blister patches, and gaiters to combat WA’s sandy trails.
•Managing heat training and knee concerns while staying race-ready.
•The mental prep for 200 miles—why the Delirious mindset is as important as fitness.
•Why seeing the sunrise multiple times during the race is both thrilling and daunting!
Stuart’s Video of Delirious 2024 - https://youtu.be/_XfVd7j4jL4?si=f4PWPrmwLQHp3a2u
The Blister Prevention website - https://www.blister-prevention.com/?view=sl-4F3FF98A
Connect with Us:
Subscribe for more athlete updates and ultra-running insights! Have a gear tip or blister prevention hack? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear what works for you!
Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387