The ZenRUN Podcast

This week’s mindful moment invites you to bring presence into one of the tiniest, most ordinary actions: take a breath before you pick something up. Whether it’s your phone, a bag, or a kid’s toy, pause for just a moment before lifting. Place your hand on the object, feel its shape, and take one slow breath. Notice your intention—are you rushing, reacting, or moving on autopilot?

Then pick it up slowly, feeling your body engage and your breath stay steady. This simple pause turns an everyday movement into a grounding check-in, reminding...

In this check-in, Sym Mercer is back — fluoro shirt, big smile, and casually juggling triathlon training while preparing for a 200-mile ultra. Yep… just your average Delirious athlete. 😉

Since our last chat, Sym has thrown herself into Harvey Bay 50 — a swim-ride-run triathlon she signed up for after a classic dose of peer pressure and a well-timed “early bird ends tonight!” email. We talk through her ocean swim comeback (first 1km since 2008!), road-bike PTSD from the 350km Raid 100 adventure, and why the 9km run leg will feel like a holiday compared to everything else.

Sym also...

In this first Delirious W.E.S.T. 2026 check-in, I catch up with the always-positive Kylie Bell — and wow, she’s had a month! From tackling a tough gravel marathon in the Stirling Ranges (complete with nearly 900m of vert and a sneaky brush with dehydration) to bouncing back from pneumonia, Kylie has had her share of plot twists. 

We chat about the mental side of training when things don’t go to plan, her stair-repeat session at Shazza’s (462 steps… she’s counted!), why time-on-feet matters more than chasing monster weekly kilometres, and the pure grit that keeps ul...

This week’s mindful moment brings a little fun and nostalgia into your day: do a movement you loved as a child. Think back to how you used to move—skipping, spinning, rolling down a hill, or running just because it felt good. Choose one of those simple, playful movements and bring it back for a few minutes today.

It’s not about exercise or performance—it’s about joy, freedom, and reconnecting with the pure, instinctive way your body loves to move. Let yourself laugh if it feels silly—that’s part of the magic. This kind of mindfu...

In this first Delirious 2026 check-in, I catch up with the ever-entertaining Bianca O’Neill — ultra runner, full-time legend, and queen of keeping it real. After juggling her aged care prac, study dramas, and 3am runs (yes, really), Bianca admits it’s been a tough month — but she’s still smiling, learning, and laughing her way through it all.

We chat about the juggle of life, the guilt of not training enough, and the reality that sometimes, “tapering” just means shifting where your energy goes. Bianca also shares her secrets for blister-free feet (involving Squirrel Nut Butter and Creepers), her...

In this first Delirious W.E.S.T. 2026 check-in, I catch up with the ever-authentic Eve Knudson, who’s been navigating a wild few weeks of recovery, work chaos, house renovations, and life as a mum — all while keeping her running spirit alive.

Eve opens up about bouncing back from illness, rediscovering how good running feels after a break, and the tricky balance between being kind to yourself and knowing when to push through. We chat about early alarms, laying out your running clothes to remove resistance, and the power of “permission runs” — heading out for 200 metres and turnin...

This week’s mindful moment invites you to shift your perspective—literally: look up when you walk. Whether you’re heading down the street, walking through your home, or out for a stroll in nature, try lifting your gaze. We spend so much time looking down—at our phones, our feet, or lost in thought—but above us, the world is alive with movement and light.

Notice the tops of trees, drifting clouds, birds in flight, or the way sunlight filters through rooftops. This small change in direction can open your posture, lift your mood, and help yo...

In this episode, we catch up with the ever-cheerful Karin Ridley — freshly minted grandmother (aka “Gigi” 😍) and one of our Delirious W.E.S.T. 2026 athletes.

Karin’s been balancing a demanding work roster, new grandbaby cuddles, and a whole lot of hill training — all while preparing to jet off to Spain for the Marató dels Dements, a brutal SkyMasters event boasting over 2,200 m of elevation in just 22 km!

We chat about:
•How she’s juggling training with life (and a newborn in the family!)
•The reality of chasing cut-offs and learning to rest without guilt

In this first check-in for Delirious W.E.S.T. 2026, I catch up with Craig Jeffrey — who’s clocking a casual 160 km a week as he gears up for the Kosciuszko 100 Miler 😅. We chat about what it really takes to bounce back from a 200-miler, why “average” is just a setting on your watch, and how being mindful mid-race might actually save your stomach (and your sanity).

Craig opens up about lessons from Delirious, how long recovery really takes, and his plan to finally not throw up at the same spot in Kosciuszko this time 🤞. We also dive into race...

This week’s mindful moment is a quiet invitation to rest: lean against something. It might be a wall, a tree, a fence—whatever’s nearby. Gently press your back or shoulder into it and allow yourself to feel fully supported. Close your eyes if that feels good, and take a few slow, grounding breaths.

This practice is about more than physical rest—it’s a reminder that you don’t have to hold everything yourself. Leaning, even for a moment, creates a pause where the body and nervous system can soften. It’s a simple act of surrender...

In this first check-in with Delirious WEST 2026 athlete Gabe Alves, we dive into a wild few weeks that included a bee sting in the middle of the WA outback, lessons in resilience, and a surprising breakthrough in running technique.

From dodging anaphylaxis on a remote motorbike adventure to rediscovering efficient foot strike after 7,500 metres of vert in October, Gabe’s story reminds us that endurance is as much about awareness as it is about toughness.

We chat about:
•🐝 What it’s like to get stung by a bee when you’re allergic (100 km from help!)
...

In this first Delirious W.E.S.T. 2026 check-in, we catch up with South Australian ultra-runner Ben Pyman — fresh off the Yurrebilla Ultramarathon and right in the rhythm of training for the big 100-miler.

Ben shares what it was like revisiting Yurrebilla eight years after his last go, how smarter pacing and hill training turned pain into power, and what he learned from his first proper carb-loading experiment (spoiler: 1,200 grams of carbs in two days feels just as heavy as it sounds 😅).

We chat about how strength work pays dividends when the course gets tough, the u...

In this warm, honest, and slightly chaotic first check-in, we sit down with Delirious WEST 2026 athlete Nikki Frost (yes, Michelle’s daughter!) to hear how her prep is tracking for her first 200-miler.

Nikki might live in the city, train mostly on concrete (and treadmills), and have a full-time travel-heavy job—but that’s not stopping her from diving headfirst into ultra training.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
•🏃‍♀️ How Nikki’s non-planning approach helps her avoid overthinking big events
•🧗‍♀️ Her spontaneous sign-up for the 46km Rollercoaster Ultra… with only 5 weeks prep (and 1 week sick!)
•🌇 Balancing early...

This week’s mindful moment is small but mighty: check in with your jaw. We carry so much tension in this one small part of the body—often without even realising it. So today, pause and notice: is your jaw clenched? Is your tongue pressed to the roof of your mouth? Take a deep breath and let it all soften. Release your jaw, drop your tongue, maybe even yawn dramatically.

This gentle reset not only relaxes your face but signals your entire nervous system to let go. One small action can ripple through your whole body—bringing ease...

In this first monthly check-in for the Delirious WEST 2026 podcast series, we catch up with Sym Mercer—a calm, honest, and practical runner who’s embracing the unpredictability of training while working remotely in Western Queensland.

From running in 42°C heat to dodging kangaroos and spotting deer on the trail (yep, really!), Sym shares how he’s building towards the 200-miler one grounded step at a time. His approach is all about listening to his body, staying injury-free, and doing what he can, when he can—even if that means split runs, strength training in hotel rooms, or making...

Meet Matthew Farrand: From reluctant school fun-runs to chasing 200 miles through WA bushland

In this episode, we welcome UK-based runner (with deep Aussie roots!) Matthew Farrand to the Delirious WEST 2026 athlete series. Born in Margate, raised in Rockingham, and now based in South London, Matthew’s running story is anything but predictable.

Once a kid who did everything possible to avoid running at school, Matthew has gradually transformed into someone who relishes multi-hour long runs through parks, tunnels, and trails across London. What started with a half marathon for charity has grown into a love fo...

From muddy mountain bike rides to midnight treadmill runs after night shift — Kylie Bell brings grit, humour, and heart to every mile she runs.

In this Delirious West 2026 intro episode, we meet Kylie: an Albany-based police officer, remedial massage therapist, and adventure-seeking endurance runner who’s taking on the 100-mile event in 2026.

From her early years in Armadale to paddling adventures with her dad, Kylie’s been wired for movement and challenge since day one. Her racing resume includes epic stage races across Morocco, Hawaii, and the Grand Canyon, plus a DIY “Everest” effort up Bluff Knol...

This week’s mindful moment invites you into gentle, expressive movement with let your hands speak. Instead of using your hands for a task, take a quiet moment to move them freely—like they’re telling a story. Stretch your fingers wide, make soft fists, draw shapes in the air, or roll your wrists in slow spirals. Let your breath guide you.

There’s no right way to move—just a chance to feel what’s present and express it without words. It’s a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with your body, release tension, and invite a bit o...

This episode introduces the unstoppable Karin Ridley—a mining logistics pro by day, trail adventurer by weekend, and proud member of the Delirious W.E.S.T. 2026 crew. Karin shares how her journey began with gastric sleeve surgery and a nudge from her mum to try Parkrun, which eventually catapulted her into the world of trail ultras.

Her story is raw, hilarious, and deeply inspiring. From strength training with Susan Grover to finishing the 200-mile Delirious West solo in brutal WA heat (with no crew!), Karin walks us through the ups, downs, dirt naps, and shower stops th...

From dodging school carnivals to smashing 400-mile races and getting married in cowboy boots – meet the unstoppable Bianca O’Neill.

In this fun and heartfelt intro episode, we kick off our monthly check-ins with Bianca as she prepares for the 2026 Delirious WEST 100-miler. But don’t be fooled – this isn’t her first rodeo (or ultra). She’s completed the 200-miler three times, earned both the 100 and 200-mile Triple Crowns, and even took on Laz Lake’s Heart of the South 400-mile journey run in the U.S. – a fully self-supported, make-it-up-as-you-go mission through six states.

Why does she...

In this deeply relatable and refreshingly funny episode, we meet Eve Knudson, a Perth-based mum of two, construction estimator, and two-time Delirious W.E.S.T. 200-mile finisher who still doesn’t quite think of herself as a “real runner.”

From making fake sick notes to skip athletics at school… to tackling 200 miles of rugged WA coastline—Eve’s story is full of unexpected turns, quiet grit, and big heart. She opens up about her mental health journey, how one awkward moment in a dress shop led her to triathlon (and eventually ultra trail), and why long runs are now...

Guest:

Jiri Halek – Czech orthodontist turned ultra-runner who once pretended to be sick to skip running… and now wakes up at 4am to run twice a day (on purpose!).

Get Ready For:

A hilarious, inspiring, and refreshingly honest conversation with a man who went from 130kg and dodging stairs to finishing some of the world’s gnarliest ultras—all while keeping his sense of humour, humility, and love for beer.

⸻

🎧 Why You’ll Love This Episode:
•The Most Relatable Start to Running Ever: Jiri’s first run was 500m. He hated it. Now...

This week’s mindful moment invites you to pause and observe something you interact with every day: follow the path of water. Whether you’re washing your hands, making tea, rinsing fruit, or running a bath—slow down and watch the water. Notice how it flows from the tap, slips through your fingers, or swirls into a cup. Feel its temperature, hear its rhythm, and take in the graceful way it moves.

Water becomes your mindfulness guide, reminding you to soften, to flow, and to let go. It’s a calming, sensory way to re-ground yourself—in just a few...

Guest:

Natalie Beasley – trail runner, accidental ultrarunner, and all-round legend of the long game.

Get Ready For:
A raw, hilarious, and deeply moving journey through the highs and lows (and the DNFs and comebacks) of a runner who proves it’s never too late—and never too messy—to chase the joy of finishing what you started.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
•The Power of Saying Yes: From hiding under her desk to avoid lunchtime runs to crossing the Delirious West 200-mile finish line, Nat’s journey is proof that saying yes (ev...

Guest: Craig Jeffrey – Academic, anthropologist, ultra-runner, and 2025 Delirious W.E.S.T podium finisher (yes, he came third—solo and uncrewed - i.e. Screwed!).

Get Ready For: A refreshingly honest, intelligent, and quietly inspiring intro chat with Craig Jeffrey—who’s balancing ultra-training with academic leadership, fatherhood, and the occasional run-to-a-business-meeting-with-a-suit-in-his-backpack situation.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
•🧠 How an anthropologist views ultra running (hint: it’s more than just km’s)
•🥉 Why Craig is back for another 200-miler after placing third in 2025
•🕒 The “sleep strategy” lessons he learned the hard way
•💼 How he fits 120K train...

Guest:

Nicola “Nikki” Frost – new ultra-runner, city-based trail dreamer, and daughter of podcast host Michelle Frost. (Yes, you read that right.)

Get Ready For:
What happens when your mum finishes a 200-miler and then invites you to do it with her? In this intro episode, we meet Nicola Frost, a relative newcomer to ultras who’s stepping (literally) into the wild unknown of Delirious West 2026—with her mum by her side.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
•🏃‍♀️ From 15-year running break to 200-mile dreams: How Nikki went from zero to Surf Coast 100K in under 2 y...

Get Ready For:

A grounded, refreshingly real chat with 2024 Delirious W.E.S.T finisher Ben Pyman—who’s coming back in 2026 not to redeem a result, but to experience the race better. From lessons learned to training tweaks, Ben shares how he’s balancing life, recovery, and the decision to do it all again.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

🏁 A finisher’s perspective: Ben opens up about his 2024 race—what worked, what didn’t, and why he wants to return stronger, mentally and physically.

🧠 The shift from finish to flow: 2026 isn’t abo...

This week’s mindful moment turns an everyday action into a chance to reset: open a door slowly. Something you likely do without thinking becomes a full-body moment of presence. As your hand reaches for the handle, notice the texture, the temperature, and the way your fingers wrap around it. Breathe as you turn, push, or pull—and let that act of opening be your entire practice.

Each doorway becomes more than a passage—it becomes a pause. A chance to leave behind what came before and step into the next moment with intention. Whether it’s yo...

Guest:
Gabe Alves – multi-time Delirious contender, systems thinker, video chronicler, and reluctant toe breaker.

Get Ready For:
A refreshingly honest, entertaining, and grounded convo with returning Delirious athlete Gabe Alves—who’s back for another swing at the 200-miler that’s become more than just a race… it’s now a yearly ritual.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
•The Most Relatable DNF Mindset Ever: “I think I’ll just keep doing Delirious until I finish it… or not. I do Delirious now.”
•The Lessons Behind the Line: From torn calves and compartment syndrome t...

Guest:

Sym Mercer – Adventure racer, solo runner, systems expert, and snake-dodger extraordinaire.

Get Ready For:A story as wide and wild as the Queensland paddocks Sym grew up on. In this intro episode, Sym shares her roots, her road to ultrarunning, and why she’s lining up for one of the gnarliest ultras in Australia—Delirious W.E.S.T 200.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
•Outback beginnings: Sym’s early days included School of the Air, dodging cattle, and not doing homework on an 85,000-acre property.
•From rock bottom to 200 miles: A raw a...

This week’s mindful moment is beautifully simple and instantly energising: reach your arms to the sky. Whether you’re sitting, standing, or even lying in bed, pause and stretch your arms overhead. Open your palms, lengthen through your sides, and feel your fingers reaching tall. Inhale deeply as you stretch, and exhale as you slowly release. This gentle movement not only opens your body but also invites a sense of expansion and presence. It’s a reminder that you’re here, awake, and grounded—claiming space in your day, one breath at a time.

Spend just five minut...

Guest: Duc Do – AI expert, entrepreneur, author, and ultra-runner with a penchant for the “boring” and a training schedule that defies all conventional wisdom.

Get Ready For: A wildly inspiring, deeply honest, and surprisingly hilarious conversation that proves there’s no single “right” way to be a runner. Duc’s story is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and finding your own path.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

This week’s mindful moment is a small shift with a big impact: press pause before you reply. In the middle of a busy day filled with conversations, it’s easy to react automatically. But what if you paused—just for one breath—before responding? That brief space allows your nervous system to soften, your breath to steady, and your awareness to return.

Whether you’re talking with a loved one, a coworker, or a stranger, this mindful pause invites presence, reduces reactivity, and makes space for more thoughtful, grounded communication. It’s not about silence—it’s about intentio...

In this powerhouse episode, we meet Gayle Cowling, who didn’t run a step until her mid-30s—and now? She’s completed multiple 100Ks, a 100-miler, and even a 500K multi-day stage race through remote South Australia (and danced into the finish line to Nutbush City Limits 🎶).

Gayle’s story is full of grit, laughter, and pure love for adventure. From zero sport at school to racing Puffing Billy, conquering Two Bays 12 times, and claiming the elusive Triple Crown of Aussie 200-milers—Gayle proves it’s never too late to start (and go BIG).

💡 Highlights & Tips...

This week’s mindful moment brings your awareness to the smallest of movements: trace the shape of something with your finger. Choose a nearby object—your coffee mug, a pen, or even the corner of your notebook—and begin to slowly trace its outline with your finger. As you move, pay attention to the texture, temperature, and contours. Is it smooth or bumpy? Cool or warm?

This gentle tactile practice wakes up your senses, helps slow your breath, and invites stillness into your day. It’s a beautiful reminder that mindfulness doesn’t require a big pause—just a tiny...

Strap in—this is Part Two of our epic conversation with Aussie ultra-legend Kelvin Marshall, and trust us, you’re in for a ride.

In this follow-up to Part One, we pick up mid-run—literally—on Kelvin’s 18-day running adventure across France. With just a backpack and a rough route, Kelvin recounts the highs, lows, chateaux visits, and sneaky hotel showers that made this DIY ultra unforgettable.

But France is only the beginning.

In Part Two, we dive into:
•🏃‍♂️ Running 18 days across France—with hotel hacks, friendly locals, and a few wrong turns
•🏔️ Kel...

What do a 14-year-old laptop, a sub-3-hour marathon, and a vet-turned-race-doctor with a roll of Glad Wrap have in common?

They’re all part of Kelvin Marshall’s wildly entertaining running life—and we’ve only just scratched the surface in Part One of this two-part ZenRUN Podcast episode!

In this first instalment, Kelvin shares how a childhood spent walking Melbourne’s streets led to a lifetime on the run (literally). From spotting the Melbourne Marathon outside his front door and saying, “I could do that,” to running 250 marathons (and counting), Kelvin’s story is full of unexp...

This week’s mindful moment invites you to transform the way you end your day: climb into bed with intention. Instead of collapsing into bed and reaching for your phone, take a moment to slow down and truly arrive. Feel the support of the mattress beneath you, the weight of the blanket as you pull it up, and the gentle shift in your breath as you settle in.

This small act of presence signals safety and calm to your nervous system, creating a soothing bedtime ritual. It’s not just about sleep—it’s about honouring the transiti...

What do you get when you mix fierce determination, Aussie grit, and a heart the size of a marathon course? You get Lee Troop—Olympian, race director, coach, father, and all-round legend.

In this powerful, funny, and deeply human conversation, Lee takes us through his entire running journey—from chasing his dad around the streets of Geelong as a 10-year-old, to toeing the line at three Olympic Games, to rebuilding his running from scratch (and with heart) after hitting rock bottom.

We cover:
•Why fun runs and Life. Be In It. commercials kickstarted his love o...

This week’s mindful moment invites you to shift your awareness in a powerful and unexpected way: do one small task with your eyes closed. We rely heavily on vision to move through our day, but when you take it away—even briefly—your other senses step forward. Choose a safe, familiar task like brushing your hair, folding a towel, or sipping water, and try it with your eyes gently closed. You’ll likely slow down, tune into textures, sounds, and movements you’d normally miss, and drop into a deeper sense of presence.

It may feel awkward at...