The FitMIND FitBODY Podcast

Episode 436 - Delirious Athlete Check In 4 - Andy and Del Thompson: Adventures, Insights, and Prepping for Delirious West

This week, we check in with Andy and Del Thompson, who are deep into their preparations for the Delirious West 200-miler. From training in scorching summer conditions to tackling overnight running challenges, Andy and Del’s journey is one of determination, teamwork, and thoughtful planning.

Andy shares his “shock weekend” training experience, including long hours on challenging trails, and Del opens up about their strategic approach to pacing and nutrition during ultramarathons. They reflect on the importance of crew support and the unique camaraderie of the ultra-running community. With an upcoming trip to New Zealand for a major event, Andy and Del are juggling logistics, training, and family adventures.

Key Highlights:

• Training through extreme heat, earning the “toasty badge” for a run in 38+°C weather.

• Insights from a challenging “shock weekend” training session with long-distance runs and trail-sweeping.

• Prepping for New Zealand events and planning logistics for multi-day ultras.

• Strategies for staying fuelled, hydrated, and mentally strong during ultra races.

• The role of humour, teamwork, and pacing strategies in their training approach.

Connect with Us:

Subscribe to the podcast for more updates on Andy and Del’s journey and other incredible Delirious athletes. Have your own ultra-running tips or stories? Share them with us – we’d love to hear from you!

Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 435 - Delirious Athlete Check In 4 - Melissa Gregory: Balancing Family, Farm Life, and Delirious Prep

In this week’s check-in, Melissa Gregory shares how she’s juggling holiday travels, family adventures, and training for the Delirious West 200-miler. Despite a minor hiccup during her family road trip, Melissa has maintained remarkable consistency in her running, leveraging caravan life to simplify her routine.

 

Melissa reflects on adapting her schedule to fit around family life, experimenting with double run days, and using creative solutions like treadmill sessions to beat the heat. As the countdown to race day shortens, Melissa is focused on consistency, strength training, and making every run count while staying grounded in the joy of the journey.

 

Key Highlights:

• Maintaining a solid training routine during a road trip despite unexpected challenges.

• Adapting to family schedules with double run days when needed.

• Incorporating treadmill sessions and early morning runs to manage the summer heat.

• Balancing recovery, strength work, and long-distance preparation.

• Looking ahead to routines settling as kids return to school, allowing for more focused training.

 

Connect with Us:

Subscribe for more updates on Melissa’s journey and hear from our inspiring Delirious athletes. Share your tips for balancing training with family life or creative ways to stay consistent – we’d love to hear from you!

 

Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

 

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 434 - Delirious EVENT Check in - Delirious West 2025: Behind the Scenes with Race Director Sean Kaesler

In this special event check-in, we sit down with Delirious West 200 race director Sean Kaesler to get the inside scoop on how preparations are coming together for 2025’s biggest ultra-adventure. With record-breaking participation, new race control systems, and a course that promises a mix of challenges and breathtaking scenery, this year’s event is set to be unforgettable.

Sean shares insights into the growing popularity of ultrarunning, the importance of volunteers, and the logistical puzzle of organising a 200-mile race. He also gives crucial advice for runners, including tips on sleep management, navigating the toughest course sections, and—of course—how to pay the infamous Ferryman!

With more runners, more crew, and an electrifying atmosphere, Delirious 2025 is shaping up to be the best yet. Whether you’re running, crewing, or volunteering, this episode is packed with everything you need to know!

Key Highlights:

•The event’s massive growth, with the 100-miler seeing 4x the participation.

•Insights into the most challenging sections of the course (hint: don’t quit before Mount Clare!).

•Race control improvements to ensure a seamless and safe experience for all.

•The importance of volunteers and how they create the magic of Delirious West.

•Fun traditions, including the Ferryman’s toll and the memorial shoe tree at the finish line.

•Sean’s best advice: come with a bloody good attitude!

Connect with Us:

Subscribe to the podcast for more behind-the-scenes insights and athlete check-ins! Are you running or crewing this year? Drop us a comment with what you’re most excited (or nervous!) about.

Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 433 - MM Tip 156 - Mindful Walking with a Purpose

This week’s mindful moment is about mindful walking with a purpose. Choose a destination—whether it’s your mailbox, a nearby park, or a simple loop around your home—and fully immerse yourself in the act of walking. Feel the sensation of your feet meeting the ground, the rhythm of your breath matching your steps, and the details of your surroundings. Notice the textures, sounds, and even the breeze on your skin.

 

By walking with purpose and awareness, you can turn an everyday activity into a grounding and meditative experience.

 

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.

Episode 432 - Delirious Athlete Check In 4 - Darlene Dale: Problem Solving, Planning, and Powering Through Delirious Prep

In this episode, Darlene Dale reflects on the ups and downs of preparing for the Delirious West 200-miler. Despite facing plantar fasciitis and post-Christmas indulgences, Darlene’s commitment to her training shines through. From using online running groups for advice to embracing cross-training sessions like pool laps, she’s finding creative ways to stay active and recover smartly.

 

Darlene also shares lessons from her recent True Blue Ultra experience, where she adjusted her race goals to prioritise health and long-term readiness. Her practical tips on managing gear, like using waist belts for easy access during long runs, and problem-solving on the fly will resonate with ultrarunners at all levels.

 

Key Highlights:

• Managing plantar fasciitis with taping, recovery tools, and advice from running communities.

• Completing pool workouts for low-impact training and endurance building.

• Lessons learned from adjusting her True Blue Ultra goal from 75K to 50K to manage foot issues.

• Practical gear tips, including organising essentials for efficiency during races.

• The importance of problem-solving and flexibility in ultramarathon preparation.

 

Connect with Us:

Subscribe for more updates on Darlene’s journey to Delirious West and hear tips from other inspiring athletes. Share your best recovery hacks or advice for tackling ultramarathon challenges – we’d love to hear from you!

 

Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

 

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 431 - Delirious Athlete Check In 4 - Stuart Rainbow: Adventures, Adjustments, and Pushing Forward to Delirious West

This week, we reconnect with Stuart Rainbow, who shares his approach to balancing ultramarathon training with life’s unexpected twists. From navigating knee niggles to practicing sleep setups in his car, Stuart’s commitment to the Delirious West 200-miler shines through. With double-day workouts in full swing and evening hikes with weighted packs, he’s refining his strategies for race day.

 

Stuart opens up about the mental hurdles of long solo runs, the importance of consistent training, and the fun quirks of ultrarunning, including fuelling stops at McDonald’s and a newfound love for flavoured milk. Despite setbacks, he remains focused on the bigger picture: reaching the Delirious start line in peak condition and tackling unfinished business on the course.

 

Key Highlights:

• Overcoming knee issues and adapting training plans with smarter recovery.

• Double-day sessions: running in the morning, hiking with a weighted pack at night.

• Mental prep for ultramarathons, including the challenge of staying motivated on solo long runs.

• Experimenting with gear and fine-tuning logistics for Delirious West.

• The lighter side of training: fuelling with flavoured milk and using aid station stops to test nutrition.

 

Connect with Us:

Subscribe to follow Stuart’s journey and hear more stories from Delirious athletes! Share your tips for tackling injuries or balancing life and training – we’d love to hear from you.

 

Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

 

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 430 - MM Tip 155 - Create a Mindfulness Bell

This week’s mindful moment is about creating a mindfulness bell to bring awareness into your day. Set a gentle reminder on your phone or computer to chime at random intervals. When it sounds, pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and reconnect with the present. Use this as a cue to check in with yourself, notice your surroundings, and embrace a moment of calm. 

This practice helps weave mindfulness into your routine, offering regular opportunities to reset and refocus.

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.

Episode 429 - Delirious Athlete Check In 4 - Glen Smetherham: Rolling with the Challenges and Preparing for Delirious West

In this episode, we reconnect with Glen Smetherham, who reflects on a busy holiday season filled with ups and downs as he continues his training for the Delirious West 200-miler. Glen opens up about managing a heel and ankle niggle from a recent mishap in the garage while still finding ways to maintain consistent training. He shares insights from a unique overnight run challenge, where he and a friend visited multiple 24-hour stores, making gut training a fun and creative endeavour.

Glen also discusses the mental and physical challenges of balancing injury recovery, lower training volume, and the preparation needed for multi-day events. With a pragmatic approach, Glen emphasises planning for potential problems, staying flexible, and making the most of every training opportunity.

Key Highlights:

• Managing a heel and ankle injury while maintaining weekly mileage.

• Overnight 70K run challenge with stops at 24-hour stores for stomach and mental training.

• The importance of flexible, minimalist planning and preparing for potential gear failures.

• Strategies for recovering after long runs and handling mental fatigue.

• Balancing humour and practicality to stay focused and motivated.

Connect with Us:

Subscribe to hear more stories from Glen and other Delirious athletes! Share your favourite quirky training challenges or tips for overcoming setbacks – we’d love to feature your advice.

Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 428 - Delirious Athlete Check In 4 - Gabe Alves: Tactical Training, Trail Insights, and Keto Comebacks

In this episode, Gabe Alves reflects on his progress as he tackles the final stretch of preparation for the Delirious West 200-miler. Fresh off a 10-day holiday at Cone Beach, Gabe recounts running daily on the Bibbulmun Track, using the opportunity to explore key sections of the racecourse and build mental clarity for race day.

Gabe shares how he’s embracing barefoot running in training to strengthen his feet, integrating hikes to prepare for the event’s unique demands, and making strategic dietary changes, including a return to a keto-based diet to manage inflammation and boost endurance. With new gear tests and an emphasis on maintaining pace and health, Gabe’s approach is practical, insightful, and inspiring.

Key Highlights:

•Daily runs on the Bibbulmun Track during a holiday at Cone Beach to familiarize himself with key race sections.

•Incorporating barefoot running into his training for stronger feet and better recovery.

•Plans to tackle a 50K training run on the Yaburu course, filmed for community inspiration.

•Returning to a keto diet to reduce inflammation and support endurance goals.

•Insights into the mental and logistical challenges of ultrarunning, including night running and gear prep.

Connect with Us:

Subscribe to follow Gabe’s journey and hear more stories from Delirious athletes. Have tips for fueling on keto or tackling multi-day events? Share them with us – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/
Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

Episode 427 - MM Tip 154 - Mindful Technology Use

This week’s mindful moment focuses on mindful technology use. Take intentional breaks from your devices and become more aware of how you interact with technology. Notice how screen time impacts your mind and body, and set boundaries to create space for presence and connection.

By using technology mindfully, you can reduce distractions, foster deeper focus, and create a healthier relationship with your digital life.

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.