The ZenRUN Podcast

This week’s mindful moment brings your attention right down to the foundation of your movement: wake up your ankles. Before you head out for a run, a walk, or even just start your day, take a minute to gently circle each ankle. Move slowly, without forcing anything—just explore the range. Notice what feels smooth, what feels tight, and how each direction differs. Then switch sides.

Your ankles quietly do a huge amount of work every single day, especially when you’re running, and this simple check-in is a way to reconnect and support them. When you start paying attention to these small, often overlooked areas, your whole body can begin to move with more ease.

This small habit can become a quiet anchor in your day — a moment to pause, breathe, and return to the present without needing to stop everything you’re doing.

Little moments like this add up. And often they’re the beginning of something bigger.

💛 Want your running (and your headspace) to feel a little lighter?

If you enjoyed this Mindful Moment, you might love The Running Reset — a simple bundle of guided runs and tools designed to help you clear your mind, reset your rhythm, and fall back in love with running.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

⸻

A couple of small favours

1️⃣ If you’re enjoying the podcast, a quick follow, like, or review helps more runners discover it.

2️⃣ Got a running story — or know someone we should chat with? I’d love to hear from you.

Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club

or email hello@zenrun.club

⸻

✨ Run easy. Run happy.

ZenRUN Club is a relaxed space for runners who want consistency without pressure — guided runs, simple tools, and runners who get it.

👉 https://zenrun.club

Welcome to the first episode in our brand-new 2026 Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Mini-Series on the ZenRUN Podcast.

This series is a little different from our usual runner interviews. I was over at Melbourne Frontyard Ultra as one of the race directors, and while I was there, I followed a handful of athletes through their event - quick check-ins before the race, during the yards, in the tired middle-of-the-night moments, and then again after their race was done.

And first up, we’re following the amazing Margie Hadley.

Margie came into Melbourne Frontyard Ultra with a huge amount of experience in the backyard ultra format. She’s part of the incredible Perth ultra-running community, had a personal best already sitting deep in the 40-hour range, and arrived with big goals, a brilliant crew, and a very calm, steady energy.

But as you’ll hear in this episode, even the most experienced runners still have to face the same question every hour:

Can I get back to the start line one more time?

This episode captures Margie’s journey from the early relaxed yards, through rain, niggles, crew chaos, toe-taping, attempts at tiny naps, second-night fatigue, and the constant sound of Daft Punk’s “One More Time” reminding everyone that yes - another yard was coming.

Margie went on to hit a new PB of 48 yards, become the last woman standing, and still had the courage to start yard 49 - even when she knew she had given almost everything to get back from yard 48.

There are funny moments, tired moments, practical crew realities - including some very honest portaloo chat - and one of my favourite moments of the whole episode: Margie lying on the grass doing “grass angels” during yard 49 before deciding whether she could keep moving.

In our wrap-up chat, Margie reflects on what worked, what didn’t, the power of crew, why sleep became such a challenge, how her nutrition was a huge win, and why sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply start - even when you’re not sure what will happen next.

Why You’ll Love This Episode

• You’ll get a real inside look at what a Frontyard Ultra actually feels like
• You’ll hear the difference between results on paper and the real story behind them
• Margie shares what it’s like to chase big goals in the backyard ultra format
• We talk crew, sleep, nutrition, mental toughness, and tiny decisions
• There are raw check-ins from during the event, not just polished reflections afterward
• You’ll hear why this format is brutal, fascinating, funny, and strangely beautiful
• And yes… you’ll never hear “One More Time” the same way again

A Few Favourite Themes

One yard at a time

The format is simple: 6.7km every hour until only one person is left. But simple does not mean easy.

Crew matters

Margie’s crew played a massive role - from food and foot care to tough love and getting her back out there when she didn’t want to go.

Sleep changes everything

Margie’s nutrition went brilliantly, but sleep became the one-percenter she now wants to work on.

You don’t always know what’s possible

Margie talked beautifully about how quickly things can shift in endurance events - one moment you’re done, the next moment something changes.

Just start

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the power of starting the next yard, even if you’re not sure you’ll finish it.

Listen In For

• Margie’s running background and how she grew into running as an adult
• Why she keeps coming back to backyard ultras
• Her previous PB of 47 hours and her goal to push beyond 50
• Early race check-ins and the very wobbly bridge
• Joel’s crew update after very little sleep
• Rain, slippery course conditions, and a few leg niggles
• Crew realities, including the great portaloo discussion
• Toe-taping with 11 minutes to go
• A tiny nap attempt in the middle of the night
• The 1am music chat
• Margie’s 48-yard PB
• Yard 49, grass angels, and the moment she knew she was done
• Her reflections on nutrition, sleep, crew, and what comes next

Interested in the 2027 Melbourne Frontyard Ultra?  Want to see how many 6.7km yard you can tick off?

Entries are open now for the 2027 event to be held on Saturday 1 May 2027 - and if 2026 is anything to go by, it’s going to be bigger, better, and likely to sell out.

Enter here: https://www.melbournefyu.com.au/

⸻

💛 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.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

⸻

🙏 A couple of big favours

 

1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations.

2️⃣ 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 @ZenRUN.club

or email hello@zenrun.club

⸻

🎧 Don’t miss an episode

Subscribe to the ZenRUN Podcast in your favourite podcast app so new conversations land straight in your ears.

In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I sit down with the incredibly warm, thoughtful and inspiring Juan Pablo Rodriguez - better known as JP - to chat about his journey from Mexico to Australia, his experience at Delirious WEST, and the deeper meaning he’s finding through running, movement and adventure.

What started as a race recap quickly turned into one of those beautiful conversations that goes far beyond running.

JP shares what it felt like taking on the Delirious 200 Miler, the emotional highs and lows of the event, and why the experience left such a huge mark on him. We also dive into life, gratitude, travel, community, pushing yourself into the unknown, and the simple gift of being able to move your body.

There’s something really special about JP’s outlook on life. He has this beautiful way of reminding us not to take movement, health or adventure for granted.

At one point he says:

“Go take advantage of your blessing.” ❤️ 

And honestly… that pretty much sums up this entire episode.

We also chat about:

• What drew JP from Mexico to Australia
• His Delirious WEST experience and lessons from the trail
• Why the Delirious community is so special
• The emotional side of ultra running
• Gratitude, perspective and staying present
• Why movement is something to celebrate
• The explosion of running and outdoor adventure post-COVID
• What might be next for JP (including possibly returning to Delirious 👀)

Why You’ll Love This Episode

• JP’s positive outlook on life is genuinely infectious
• A beautiful reminder to appreciate what our bodies can do
• Honest reflections from a Delirious 100-mile athlete
• A mix of deep conversation, laughs and trail stories
• A lovely episode for anyone needing motivation to get moving again

Tips from JP

• Don’t take movement for granted
• Adventure is worth the discomfort
• Community makes hard things possible
• Sometimes the biggest growth comes from doing something that scares you
• Be grateful for the simple ability to move your body

This episode feels less like an interview… and more like sitting around after a huge adventure chatting about life.

I absolutely loved this conversation and I think you will too 😊

Delirious WEST event Website – https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/

Interested in the 2027 DW? 
Go join the event Facebook Group so you don’t miss when the race opens for entries in June for new runners – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

⸻

💛 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.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

If you’re looking for a little more support with your running, I also offer personalised ZenRUN coaching - simple weekly structure, guidance, and encouragement to help you stay consistent and enjoy your running again.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/zenrun-personalised-run-coaching/

⸻

🙏 A couple of big favours

1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations.

2️⃣ 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 @ZenRUN.club

or email hello@zenrun.club

⸻

🎧 Don’t miss an episode

Subscribe to the ZenRUN Podcast in your favourite podcast app so new conversations land straight in your ears.

In this Delirious WEST 2026 athlete wrap-up episode, I’m chatting with the fabulous Bianca O’Neill about her 100-mile adventure - and honestly, this one has a bit of everything.

Bianca takes us through her race from the slightly questionable pre-race preparation of champagne, beach walks and buying far too much food, through to the night start, the Monkey Rock “zombie train”, emotional moments on the trail, aid station chaos, freezing cold naps that didn’t quite happen, and the beautiful final stretch into Albany.

This year was extra special because Bianca ran alongside her mum, Sue, which brought a whole extra layer of fun, support, worry, laughter, and probably a few “slow down” wheezes along the way. There’s something pretty amazing about sharing 100 miles with your mum - even when neither of you has had enough sleep and your feet are well and truly over it.

Bianca also shares the deeper “why” behind her race, running in support of her friend Danielle, who is going through brain cancer. That emotional thread runs through the episode beautifully - the reminder that sometimes when things get hard, remembering why you’re there can be the thing that keeps you moving.

We also talk about all the important ultra-running things… like stale hot cross buns, toasties that hit the spot, maple syrup as race nutrition, chafing tips, emu export at Shaz’s, windmills that feel like there are 900 of them, and that final road section that felt much longer than it had any right to.

Bianca finished in 50 hours and 1 second - yes, one second - and somehow that feels perfectly Bianca.

A little note on this episode: we had a few audio gremlins along the way. We’ve cleaned it up as much as we can, and rather than making Bianca re-live the whole 100 miles again, we’re sharing it as it is - real, honest, slightly imperfect, and full of brilliant stories.

Why You’ll Love This Episode

You’ll love this chat if you enjoy stories about:

• Running huge distances with family
• The emotional side of ultra-running
• Why sleep matters so much in 100-mile races
• Aid station food, drop bag chaos and nutrition lessons
• The Delirious WEST community and all the people who make the race special
• Keeping going when your feet are burning, your brain is tired, and the finish line feels like it has moved further away
• Laughing at the ridiculous things that happen when you’ve been awake for far too long

Tips from Bianca

A few little gems from Bianca’s race:

• Don’t overpack your drop bags. Bianca bought heaps of food, but ended up sticking mostly to a few reliable favourites.
• Find nutrition you can actually keep using when tired. Precision hydration and chews worked well for her because she could keep getting them down.
• Sleep is worth practising. Bianca’s biggest challenge wasn’t fitness - it was not being able to switch off and nap properly during the race.
• Have simple go-to foods. Soup, toasties, burritos and bread became easier than trying to force random snacks.
• Use distraction when things hurt. Bianca looked for whales near the windmills to take her mind off her feet.
• Remember your why. When things got tough, Bianca came back to the reason she was out there - her friend Danielle.

Chafe tip! Bianca swears by putting Bepanthen on before showering if you’re badly chafed, to help stop that horrible shower sting.

Delirious WEST event Website – https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/

Interested in the 2027 DW? 
Go join the event Facebook Group so you don’t miss when the race opens for entries in June for new runners – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

⸻

💛 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.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

If you’re looking for a little more support with your running, I also offer personalised ZenRUN coaching - simple weekly structure, guidance, and encouragement to help you stay consistent and enjoy your running again.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/zenrun-personalised-run-coaching/

⸻

🙏 A couple of big favours

1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations.

2️⃣ 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 @ZenRUN.club or email hello@zenrun.club

This week’s mindful moment is a gentle invitation to soften: turn your palms up and pause. Wherever you are - sitting, standing, or lying down - simply rotate your hands so your palms face upward. Then pause. Take a slow breath in… and out. Notice how this small shift changes the feeling in your body. Palms up is an open, receptive position - it’s the opposite of gripping, bracing, or holding on.

So often we move through the day with subtle tension in our hands and body without even realising it. This tiny adjustment can signal safety, ease, and letting go. Just for a moment… nothing to hold, nothing to do… just breathe.

This small habit can become a quiet anchor in your day — a moment to pause, breathe, and return to the present without needing to stop everything you’re doing.

Little moments like this add up. And often they’re the beginning of something bigger.

💛 Want your running (and your headspace) to feel a little lighter?

If you enjoyed this Mindful Moment, you might love The Running Reset — a simple bundle of guided runs and tools designed to help you clear your mind, reset your rhythm, and fall back in love with running.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

⸻

A couple of small favours

1️⃣ If you’re enjoying the podcast, a quick follow, like, or review helps more runners discover it.
2️⃣ Got a running story — or know someone we should chat with? I’d love to hear from you.

Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club

or email hello@zenrun.club

⸻

✨ Run easy. Run happy.

ZenRUN Club is a relaxed space for runners who want consistency without pressure — guided runs, simple tools, and runners who get it.

👉 https://zenrun.club

⸻

🎧 Explore all episodes

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

In this Delirious WEST 2026 wrap-up episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I catch up with the incredibly honest and resilient Eve Knudson after her 100-mile adventure through the wild coastline, sand, sleep deprivation and emotional rollercoaster that is Delirious WEST. 

This conversation is raw in the best possible way.

Eve shares what it was really like tackling the 100-miler after previously completing the 200-mile event - and surprisingly, she found the shorter distance mentally tougher. From brutal Monkey Rocks climbs in the dark, dirt naps on sandy 4WD tracks, painful feet and missing aid station beds… through to emotional moments seeing her kids at Parry Beach and standing silently at Jeff’s Tree with Brian… this episode captures the highs, lows and strange beauty of ultra running perfectly. 

We also dive into:

• Why lack of sleep completely changed the experience
• The mental spiral that Eve couldn’t quite shake during the race
• The huge difference a coach and crew can make in these events
• Decision fatigue at aid stations
• Why she now thinks the 200-miler might actually be “easier” than the 100
• Her first ever shoey at the finish line 😂
• Recovery, sore toenails and learning to love simple 5K runs again
• Future plans including Light Horse 24 Hour and possibly the Great Ocean Road Marathon

What I loved most about this chat is how honest Eve is about the mental side of endurance events. She doesn’t pretend it was magical every second. She talks openly about frustration, negativity, exhaustion and regret… while also showing the incredible determination that got her to the finish line anyway. 

This one feels less like a race recap… and more like sitting down with a friend after a massive life experience.

A huge congratulations to Eve on an extraordinary finish. 🤸

Delirious WEST event Website – https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/

Interested in the 2027 DW? 
Go join the event Facebook Group so you don’t miss when the race opens for entries in June for new runners – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

⸻

💛 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.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

If you’re looking for a little more support with your running, I also offer personalised ZenRUN coaching - simple weekly structure, guidance, and encouragement to help you stay consistent and enjoy your running again.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/zenrun-personalised-run-coaching/

⸻

🙏 A couple of big favours

1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations.

2️⃣ 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 @ZenRUN.club

or email hello@zenrun.club

⸻

🎧 Don’t miss an episode

Subscribe to the ZenRUN Podcast in your favourite podcast app so new conversations land straight in your ears.

In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I catch up with the very entertaining, very thoughtful, and very honest Warren Page after his first ever Delirious WEST 100-mile finish. 

Warren came into the race with a meticulous training plan, a sports nutrition background, a huge support crew… and absolutely no idea just how much the event would challenge him mentally and emotionally. What unfolds is an incredible story of resilience, self-discovery, hallucinations, dirt naps, near-snake disasters, frozen aid stations, soul brothers on trail, and learning that sometimes the biggest battle isn’t your body… it’s your own expectations. 

We talk about:

• What it’s really like to prepare for a 100-mile ultra while juggling work, family, life and training
• Why Warren believes strength training was a huge part of his success
• The importance of crew support and how his wife Emma became the ultimate crew chief
• The emotional rollercoaster of spending too long at aid stations and mentally “chasing time”
• Running through the night with hallucinations, loneliness and sleep deprivation
• Dirt naps, cold mornings and the magical sunrise leaving Cozy Corner
• Getting completely lost on the beach after Cozy Corner and nearly breaking down emotionally
• The terrifying moment Warren almost landed on a deadly dugite snake mid-stride
• Why ultra running completely levels the playing field and proves that runners don’t need to “look” a certain way
• The strange emotional comedown after finishing a huge event
• Why he’s already planning his return to Delirious next year

There are also SO many great little insights and tips sprinkled throughout this conversation, including:

• Don’t underestimate how much time aid stations can steal from you
• Change socks and look after your feet early and often
• Tiny dirt naps can completely reset your brain
• Pacing and crew support at night can make a massive difference
• Your fueling strategy matters enormously - especially late in the race when decision fatigue kicks in
• Training consistency over many months matters more than hero sessions
• Big goals are built through “small masterpieces” - one session, one rep, one run at a time

But honestly… this episode is bigger than just ultra running.

It’s about identity.

It’s about resilience.

It’s about what happens when ordinary people decide to attempt extraordinary things.

And Warren shares all of it with humour, honesty and zero ego.

Such a fun conversation. 😊

(Plus… there’s a LOT of talk about puffer jackets 😂) 

Warren’’s previous episode - https://fitmindfitbody.co/episode-583-warren-page-walk-the-hills-build-the-legs-play-the-long-game/
Warren’s instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bronxtraining/

Delirious WEST event Website – https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/

Interested in the 2027 DW? 
Go join the event Facebook Group so you don’t miss when the race opens for entries in June for new runners – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

⸻

💛 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.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

If you’re looking for a little more support with your running, I also offer personalised ZenRUN coaching - simple weekly structure, guidance, and encouragement to help you stay consistent and enjoy your running again.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/zenrun-personalised-run-coaching/

⸻

🙏 A couple of big favours

1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations.
2️⃣ 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 @ZenRUN.club

or email hello@zenrun.club

⸻

🎧 Don’t miss an episode

Subscribe to the ZenRUN Podcast in your favourite podcast app so new conversations land straight in your ears.

In this very special Delirious WEST 2026 wrap-party episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, a whole bunch of us jumped onto Zoom together to unpack the adventure that was Delirious this year… and honestly, it felt a bit like therapy mixed with sleep deprivation and ultra runner chaos 😄

Joining me for this relaxed and very real conversation are:

• Gabe Alves
• Matthew Farrand
• Ben Pyman
• Sym Mercer
• Eve Knudson
• Nicola Frost
• and me, Michelle Frost

Sadly, Kylie Bell, Bianca and Karin Ridley (may have messed up the time zone 🥹 ) , couldn’t make the call - but they were absolutely part of the journey and definitely part of the conversation ❤️

We talk about:

• Why this year felt so much harder for some of us
• DNFs, feet disasters, swollen knees and emotional rollercoasters
• The weird ultra-running amnesia that makes people sign up again 😆
• Running through pain, self-doubt and sleep deprivation
• The incredible Delirious community and volunteer army
• What’s next for everyone (yes… some have already entered next year)
• Why ultra runners are both ridiculous and strangely inspiring at the same time

There are laughs, serious moments, emotional reflections, jokes about nudist beaches, backyard ultras, aid station distances, and a whole lot of honesty about what these events really feel like behind the scenes.

One of my favourite parts of this conversation was hearing everyone describe Delirious in a single word:

“Brutal.”

“Determination.”

“Relief.”

“Purpose.”

“Community.”

And honestly… all of those words fit perfectly.

This episode is messy, heartfelt, funny, vulnerable and deeply human - which probably sums up Delirious WEST itself pretty well ❤️

Thank you again to every athlete who shared their journey over the past months on the podcast. It’s been such a privilege to follow along.

🎧 Grab a drink, settle in, and come join the wrap party.

 

Delirious WEST event Website – https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/

Interested in the 2027 DW? 
Go join the event Facebook Group so you don’t miss when the race opens for entries in June for new runners – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

⸻

💛 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.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

If you’re looking for a little more support with your running, I also offer personalised ZenRUN coaching - simple weekly structure, guidance, and encouragement to help you stay consistent and enjoy your running again.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/zenrun-personalised-run-coaching/

⸻

🙏 A couple of big favours

1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations.
2️⃣ 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 @ZenRUN.club

or email hello@zenrun.club

⸻

🎧 Don’t miss an episode

Subscribe to the ZenRUN Podcast in your favourite podcast app so new conversations land straight in your ears.

This week’s mindful moment is all about softening how you move: glide through one part of your day.

Choose a simple moment—walking down the hallway, heading to your car, or moving around the kitchen—and instead of rushing, ease into it. Let your steps feel smooth, your arms relaxed, your body a little softer. Not exaggerated… just less sharp, less hurried. As you do, notice what shifts. Does your breath slow? Do your shoulders drop?

This gentle change in movement sends a powerful signal to your body: there’s no rush, you’re okay. It’s a simple way to bring calm, presence, and a little bit of flow into your everyday life.

This small habit can become a quiet anchor in your day — a moment to pause, breathe, and return to the present without needing to stop everything you’re doing.

Little moments like this add up. And often they’re the beginning of something bigger.

💛 Want your running (and your headspace) to feel a little lighter?

If you enjoyed this Mindful Moment, you might love The Running Reset — a simple bundle of guided runs and tools designed to help you clear your mind, reset your rhythm, and fall back in love with running.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

⸻

A couple of small favours

1️⃣ If you’re enjoying the podcast, a quick follow, like, or review helps more runners discover it.

2️⃣ Got a running story — or know someone we should chat with? I’d love to hear from you

Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club

or email hello@zenrun.club

⸻

✨ Run easy. Run happy.

ZenRUN Club is a relaxed space for runners who want consistency without pressure — guided runs, simple tools, and runners who get it.

👉 https://zenrun.club

⸻

🎧 Explore all episodes

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

In this Delirious WEST 2026 wrap-up episode, I’m joined once again by the wonderful Karin Ridley, fresh from completing the 200 miler and earning her second Delirious plugger - which officially makes her a double plugger! 🤸‍♀️

And oh my goodness, this episode is such a brilliant mix of everything that makes Delirious so special - the nerves, the community, the ridiculous moments, the tears, the food, the blisters, the crew chaos, the beach sections that go forever, and the tiny little moments that somehow keep you moving when everything hurts.

Karin takes us right back to the start line, including the pre-race catch-ups, the pub run that turned into setting up merch, the famous bogan run, and Ben’s very committed - and slightly hazardous - outfit choice. From there, we follow her right through the course as she navigates wet weather, soft sand, sore feet, sleep deprivation, a watch that refused to behave, and plenty of emotional wobbles along the way.

One of the big themes in this episode is support. Karin had Ben, Lincoln, Nat, Harmony, Simon, Amanda, Wayne, aid station volunteers, fellow runners, and so many friends helping pull her through the hard patches. There were dad jokes in drop bags, emergency hugs, surprise crew appearances, phone calls in the night, medic foot repairs, and people showing up exactly when she needed them.

We also talk about the mental side of taking on something this big. Karin shares honestly about imposter syndrome, comparing her training to others, worrying that she hadn’t done enough after coming back from injury, and learning to recognise the strength she had built in other ways - especially through strength training and cycling.

And of course, there are plenty of very Delirious moments too - pumpkin soup with Vegemite scrolls, halloumi gnocchi, maple bacon wraps, hot water meltdowns, trail karaoke with Miley Cyrus, flushing toilet joy, chafe cream teamwork, snakes on the track, snapped poles, sore feet, and the kind of conversations that only happen after 200 miles on the Bibbulmun Track.

Karin’s finish is a beautiful one. Surrounded by friends, walking into Albany with her own little entourage, and having Lincoln place the medal around her neck made the whole journey even more meaningful.

This is such a fun, honest, emotional and very real episode about what it takes to keep going when things get hard - and what it means to discover just how strong you really are.

⸻

Why You’ll Love This Episode

In this episode, Karin shares:

• What race week felt like once everyone arrived in Northcliffe
• Why the Delirious community is such a huge part of the experience
• The joy and chaos of the bogan run
• How her watch drama caused way more stress than expected
• The power of Ben’s dad jokes in her drop bags
• How sore feet and blisters became one of her biggest challenges
• Why sleep really does fix a lot of things in a 200 miler
• The aid station foods that saved her, including soup, gnocchi, risotto and wraps
• How Nat helped shift her energy and get her moving again
• Why support from friends made such a difference
• What it felt like to become a double plugger
• Why she now knows she’s stronger than she gives herself credit for

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Tips from Karin’s 200-Mile Journey

1. Don’t compare your training to someone else’s

Karin had a moment before the race where she worried she hadn’t run enough kilometres compared to other athletes. But when she looked at the full picture - including strength training and cycling - she realised she had prepared in a different but still valuable way.

2. Sleep when you can

One of Karin’s biggest takeaways was simple: there is time to sleep. Even short naps helped reset her brain, body and emotions.

3. Your crew matters

Ben may have been bossy - in the best possible way - but having someone who knew when to push, when to feed her, when to make her sleep, and when to send her back out made a huge difference.

4. Tiny moments can change everything

A hug, a phone call, cold water, a funny song, a good aid station meal, a familiar face - sometimes that’s all it takes to keep moving.

5. Your mind will want to quit before your body does

Karin’s biggest reflection was that the body can do amazing things, but the mind often wants to stop first. Getting through those moments showed her how strong she really is.

Delirious WEST event Website – https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/

Interested in the 2027 DW? 
Go join the event Facebook Group so you don’t miss when the race opens for entries in June for new runners – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

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💛 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.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

 

If you’re looking for a little more support with your running, I also offer personalised ZenRUN coaching - simple weekly structure, guidance, and encouragement to help you stay consistent and enjoy your running again.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/zenrun-personalised-run-coaching/

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🙏 A couple of big favours
1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations.
2️⃣ 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 @ZenRUN.club
or email hello@zenrun.club

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