The ZenRUN Podcast

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...

Get ready to meet Phil Essam—a Tassie-born runner, race director, military man, walking enthusiast, historian of ultra running, and all-round top human.

Phil’s journey started with laps around the block to beat bronchitis and somehow evolved into 24-hour track races, ultra marathons, and helping coordinate Jesper Olsen’s global runs. Yes, you read that right—he helped multiple runners run around the world. 🌏

In this chat, Phil shares stories from:
•His very first marathon (because he failed a 2.4km Air Force fitness test 😆)
•Pacing runners in the legendary Westfield Sydney to Melbourne Ultra

This week’s mindful moment invites you to reconnect with the world around you: step outside and notice the air. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, take just 60 seconds to pause outside. Feel the temperature on your skin—is it warm, cool, breezy?  Breathe it in slowly and see if you notice any scents—the earthy smell of rain, fresh grass, or simply the scent of the day. Let your feet ground you, look up at the sky, and observe the light.

This isn’t about analysing—it’s about feeling. A quick reset tha...

In this episode, we’re joined by Tasmanian adventurer-turned-runner Tom Lewis. From a childhood spent sailing and fishing on the northwest coast of Tasmania to hiking under glaciers in Canada, Tom has always loved moving through the world. But it wasn’t until later in life—after stepping back from full-time work—that he truly embraced trail running.

Tom shares how the Gone Nuts trail event rekindled his connection with places from his youth and how training for it (with the help of Hanny Allston’s plans and some local coffee chats) gave him a new lease on life. H...

This week’s mindful moment is beautifully simple: put something down slowly. Throughout the day, we’re constantly picking things up and putting them down—coffee cups, keys, phones—usually without a second thought. Today, choose just one of those moments and slow it down. Feel the weight of the object in your hand, notice the way your fingers shift as you release it, and listen for the sound it makes as it touches the surface.

This tiny pause pulls you out of autopilot and into presence. It’s a gentle reminder that mindfulness doesn’t require extra time o...

From near death to ultra distances, Kelly Thrush’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this powerful episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, we sit down with Kelly—a recovering alcoholic and liver transplant recipient—who now runs ultras and has founded a non-profit to support transplant recipients and people struggling with addiction.

Kelly opens up about hitting rock bottom, the turning point that led him to sobriety, and how running became the path that helped him find purpose, strength, and connection again. His honesty is raw, his humour is sharp, and his story is full of wisdom...

This week’s mindful moment is all about bringing a little joy and rhythm into your day: move in time with music. Pick a song—any song—and let it guide your movement. You don’t have to dance (unless you want to). Whether you’re walking, doing chores, or just swaying while you wait for the kettle to boil, let the beat set your pace. Feel your breath sync with the rhythm, notice the way your body responds, and allow yourself to enjoy the moment fully.

Music is a powerful mindfulness tool—it lifts your mood, grounds you...

What do you get when three generations of women lace up and hit the trails together? A whole lot of heart, laughter—and maybe the occasional friendly nudge to run a little further than planned.

In this feel-good episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, we meet Sally Bower—the third (but not least!) runner in a family of past podcast guests. You’ve already heard from her daughter Harmony and granddaughter Juliet… now it’s time for the matriarch to take the mic.

Sally didn’t grow up sporty—in fact, she was the kid picked last for schoo...

This week’s mindful moment invites you to transform a chore into a meditation: clean one thing mindfully. Choose a single object—your kitchen bench, a mirror, your running shoes, even your keyboard—and give it your full attention. Slow down and notice the movement of your hands, the sound of the cloth, and the scent of the cleaner. Wipe, breathe, and observe.

This simple act of presence turns a routine task into a moment of care—not just for your space, but for yourself. You’re not cleaning to tick something off a list; you’re reconnecting...

What do you get when a Navy Sea Cadet-turned-hairstylist-turned-multimillion-dollar entrepreneur laces up her shoes and hits the pavement? A wildly relatable, honest, and joy-filled conversation with none other than Rachel Pedersen!

This episode is as real as it gets—literally recorded in two parts because a tornado took out Rachel’s power mid-interview! But just like Rachel’s story, this chat is all about riding the storms and running anyway.

We cover:
•Why team sports weren’t her thing—but running solo was
•The life-changing gift of a personal fitness ribbon and an 8-minute mile

This week’s mindful moment is a fun and instinctive one: stretch like a cat. Think of how a cat moves after a nap—slow, deliberate, and fully present. That’s your invitation today. No yoga mat or formal routine needed—just find a space where you can move with awareness. Reach your arms overhead, roll through your spine, stretch your neck and hips, and let your body guide you. Yawn if it feels natural. The key is to move how your body wants to move, not how it’s supposed to.

This simple, intuitive practice is...

From avoiding cross country in school to founding a thriving trail running community, Shiree Yap’s story is full of twists, turns, and incredible personal growth. In this episode, Shiree shares how she went from “I could never run” to clocking up 100km events and leading dozens of runners through mountains near and far—from Canberra to the Japanese Alps.

Shiree opens up about her journey as a physio, a mum of four, and a running coach who didn’t even start running until her youngest was nearly in high school. We talk about the moment a gym friend...

This week’s mindful moment is all about bringing awareness to something we often overlook: transitions. From standing up to walking into the next room, or moving from one task to another, our days are filled with in-between moments that usually go unnoticed. But what if you paused—just for a breath—during those shifts? Noticing how your body feels, checking in with your breath, and consciously landing in the next moment can make your entire day feel more grounded and intentional.

These small pauses become powerful anchors, helping you move through life with more ease and presen...

What do you get when you combine a lifelong mover, a mum of five, a GP, and an ultra-runner with a big heart and a quiet determination?

You get Libby Oakley.

In this episode, Libby shares her journey from being a “strong” gymnast (bars and vault were her jam!) to discovering running later in life—and then falling all the way down the ultra rabbit hole.

From her first reluctant 10K to toeing the line at Delirious West, Unreasonable East, and soon Tor des Géants in the Italian Alps, Libby has taken on chal...

This week’s mindful moment is a wonderfully simple one: feel your feet when you wait. Whether you’re standing at the kettle, in line at the café, or waiting at the checkout, use those micro-moments to drop into your body instead of reaching for your phone. Bring your awareness to your feet—feel the soles inside your shoes, the subtle shift in weight, and the steady support of the ground beneath you.

This tiny act grounds you in the present and transforms everyday waiting into a calming mindfulness anchor. No fancy gear or quiet room needed—just your...

From phosphate dust in Nauru to the trails of Western Australia—and even a 200-miler past Stonehenge—Alexis Oosterhoff has taken the scenic (and slightly insane) route into ultra running.

In this episode, Alexis shares:
•How a casual desire to run a marathon at 40 was nearly derailed by a cancer diagnosis
•Why he traded in a private plane for a pair of trail shoes
•His love of raw, unmarked ultra races (hello, GPX-only navigation and fields full of barking farm dogs)
•What drives him to run events like an 18-day stage race in Spain and th...

This week’s mindful moment adds a playful twist: do a task with your non-dominant hand. Whether it’s stirring your tea, brushing your teeth, or opening a jar, switching hands interrupts your routine and demands your full attention. It feels awkward—maybe even a little clumsy—and that’s the point.

You have to slow down, concentrate, and notice every small movement. This simple shift wakes up your brain, grounds you in the present, and turns an ordinary task into a real-time mindfulness practice. Embrace the messiness and see what you learn—not just physically, but mentally too...

This week’s guest is 15-year-old Juliet King, and trust me—this is one episode that’ll leave you speechless, smiling, and maybe a little bit teary.

Juliet started running at the age of four alongside her mum and hasn’t looked back. Despite a hip condition that kept her out of team sports, Juliet found freedom and purpose on the trails. She ran her first ultra at 10 years old, finished the grueling Margaret River 80k at 11, and hasn’t stopped chasing finish lines since.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
👟 How Juliet went from running wi...

This week’s mindful moment flips the script with a surprising approach: use your phone as a mindfulness anchor. Instead of trying to avoid your device, turn it into a tool for presence. Each time you reach for your phone today, pause for just one breath. Feel its weight, notice your grip, check your posture—then breathe in slowly.

That tiny moment of awareness can interrupt auto-pilot habits and bring mindfulness into the most ordinary part of your day. It’s not about ditching your phone—it’s about using it differently, as a cue to check in with yo...

This week, we’re joined by the amazing Harmony Waite—a Perth-based ultra runner, mum of two, and someone who’s taken the scenic (and sometimes rocky!) route into the world of long-distance running.

From delivering car parts and driving haul trucks in WA’s mining industry to rediscovering herself through running after becoming a mum, Harmony’s story is full of heart, humour, and honesty. Told she’d never run again due to thoracic arthritis, she refused to let that be the end of her running story. Spoiler alert: it was only just the beginning.

In this e...

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...

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:
🌄 Grow...

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...

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 becam...

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 clarit...

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) fo...

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...

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...

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:

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 c...

This week, we’re chatting with Craig Jefferys—quiet achiever, determined runner, and proud Delirious WEST finisher. I first met Craig the day before the race, and it’s safe to say we were both a little nervous about the epic adventure ahead.

Craig’s ultra story is one of heart, humility, and deep mental strength. He’s not out there for headlines or glory—he’s in it for the personal challenge and the peace that running brings. But that doesn’t mean it’s been easy. During the final 30 to 40 kilometres of Delirious, Craig battled brutal sleep depri...

This week’s mindful moment is an eye movement exercise, a gentle way to care for your vision and bring mindfulness into your day. Sit comfortably and slowly move your eyes left, right, up, and down. Then, trace a figure-eight shape with your gaze, paying attention to how your eyes feel as they move.

This simple practice helps relieve eye strain and invites presence by focusing on the often-overlooked sense of sight. It’s a calming way to reset—especially if you’ve been staring at a screen!

Spend just five minutes with this prac...

This week’s guest is Travis Ireland—ultra-runner, backyard ultra fan, and the brains behind the wildly popular app Run the World. But before he created a global running movement, Travis was just a kid running cross-country with his mates in country New South Wales… and later, a guy trying to rebuild his life after hitting rock bottom.

In this episode, we dive into the honest, hilarious, and powerful story behind the app that’s helped thousands of runners stay motivated for life.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

🌍 How a virtual run around Au...

This week’s mindful moment is a playful and engaging practice: walking backward mindfully! Find a safe, open space and take slow, deliberate steps backward. Focus on your balance, the feeling of your feet connecting with the ground, and how your muscles engage differently.

Because it requires more focus than walking forward, this simple exercise brings your full attention into the moment and adds a fun twist to your mindful movement practice.

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

For more mi...

This week on the podcast, we welcome the one and only Scott Bunny—fellow Delirious WEST runner, race director, and the man who probably spends as much time gazing at the stars mid-race as he does watching where his feet are going.

Scott’s journey to ultra running is anything but traditional. He grew up in WA, served 18 years in the Navy (including in submarines!), and only took up running in his 40s… by accident. Since then, he’s become a barefoot runner, race builder, and community pillar for long-distance crazies.

In this episode, we chat abo...

This week’s mindful moment is mindful stretch-and-twist, a simple practice to energize and ground yourself. Stand tall, lift your arms overhead, and gently twist your torso from side to side.

Feel your core engage, your spine lengthen, and let your breath guide the movement—inhale as you lift, exhale as you twist. This easy stretch helps reset your body and mind, bringing a refreshing boost of focus and calm to your day.

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

For more...

After months of following their journeys, the full crew of Delirious podcast athletes is back for one last episode—together, unfiltered, and full of post-race stories. In this special wrap-up after-party, we reflect on the wild highs, brutal lows, and hilarious moments that defined the 2025 Delirious West 200-miler.

With surprise guest Sean Kaesler (yes, the race director himself!), we dive into:

•Favourite trail moments 🌅

•Gear disasters and recovery wins 🥾

•Crew MVP shout-outs and coffee emergencies ☕

•Hallucination highlights (mandatory pumpkins, cars in trees, and elves?!) 😵‍💫

•What they’ll never forget—and why...

In this heartfelt and uplifting wrap-up episode, Darlene Dale opens up about her 2025 Delirious West experience—an ultra that started with doubts and dizzy spells but transformed into one of her strongest performances yet.

Darlene gets honest about early race struggles with plantar fasciitis, nausea, and energy dips, and how one small anti-nausea tablet (thank you, trail angels!) turned her race around. From there, it was all about staying smart, keeping the feet happy, and finding her rhythm again—one aid station, one bowl of soup, and one sleep at a time.

She shares how runn...

In this wrap-up episode, we sit down with Gabe Alves to hear the full, raw, and real account of his 2025 Delirious West experience. From a pre-race family emergency and late arrival to the start line, to trail highs, epic views, and unexpected pain—Gabe’s journey is a rollercoaster of resilience and heart.

He shares the joy of finally getting his gear dialled in, the beauty of Conspicuous Cliffs at sunrise, and the powerful companionship found both in solitude and in shared steps with friends. But it’s also a story about how even with the bes...

In this warm and wonderfully candid wrap-up episode, Andy and Del Thompson take us inside their 2025 Delirious West adventure—a journey packed with unexpected twists, heartfelt moments, and lessons in patience, teamwork, and trust.

From managing race-day fatigue with dirt naps to handling a major campervan breakdown mid-race (seriously… it broke at Broke Inlet!), Andy and Del show what true partnership looks like on and off the trail. They share how they navigated everything from dehydration scares and blister dramas to unexpected moments of pure trail magic—all while sticking together from start to finish.

...