The ZenRUN Podcast
All things mental and physical health! You’ll find in-depth interviews with runners as we delve into why they run and what keeps them running. And interviews with specialists on the brain and the effects of exercise on it – chemically and physically. Plus tips to keep you moving with a positive mindset.. So much goodness
Episode 583 - Warren Page: Walk the Hills, Build the Legs, Play the Long Game
Warren Page is one of those runners who makes you feel instantly calmer about your own running journey.
Growing up in country Western Australia, Warren’s love for movement started early - bikes, bush, freedom, and plenty of mischief. These days, he’s a personal trainer, runner, ocean swimmer, and deep thinker who’s gradually found his way into trail running and now, ultra-distance goals (including a 100-miler at Delirious).
In this episode, we chat about Warren’s transition from strength and powerlifting into endurance running, the hard lessons learned from doing too much, too soon, an...
pisode 582 - MM - 207 - Do one simple movement repeatedly
This week’s mindful moment is a gentle reminder of the power in repetition: do one simple movement repeatedly. Choose a movement—like raising your arms, stretching side to side, or rolling your shoulders—and repeat it slowly and intentionally for a few minutes. Let your breath guide the rhythm: inhale as you move, exhale as you return.
The repetition becomes a moving meditation, easing your body and calming your mind without needing to overthink. It’s the perfect practice for shifting stuck energy, settling your nervous system, and coming back to yourself—one gentle movement at a time.
Episode 581 - 2026 Delirious Series - Check-In 3: Matthew Farrand – Learning to Train Smarter, Not Just Harder
In this third check-in with Matthew Farrand, we dive into the real middle phase of Delirious WEST 2026 prep – where learning, adapting, and listening to your body matters more than ticking perfect boxes.
Matthew shares a big post-Christmas training milestone: completing a tough 43-mile ultra in the UK winter, with frozen mud, canal paths, head-torch running, and a very honest “this was harder than I expected” reflection. It was proper endurance training – finishing empty, but healthy – and that’s a win.
We talk through:
• What that ultra revealed about fatigue, recovery, and strength gaps
• Why quad strengt...
Episode 580 - 2026 Delirious Series - Check-In 3: Bianca O’Neill Finds Her Groove (And Becomes a Coach!)
In this third Delirious WEST 2026 check-in, I catch up with Bianca O’Neill after a huge few weeks of running, learning, and life shifts – and honestly, it’s one of my favourite updates so far.
We chat about a jam-packed summer of long runs, including the Six Inch Ultra Christmas Party, a New Year’s Eve ultra adventure, and Bianca’s annual birthday run tradition. The big theme? Confidence is back. After a quieter patch late last year, Bianca’s been stacking solid kilometres, testing nutrition properly, and remembering why she loves this stuff.
She also shares...
Episode 579 - MM - 206 – Walk barefoot across different textures 👣🌿
This week’s mindful moment invites you to reconnect with the ground beneath you—walk barefoot across different textures. If it’s safe and comfortable, take off your shoes and explore the surfaces around you: kitchen tiles, carpet, floorboards, grass, concrete. Notice the temperature, the texture, the way your feet adjust with each step.
Your gait will shift, your awareness will heighten, and your body will subtly respond. It’s a simple practice that awakens the senses and nourishes your nervous system. Barefoot time is grounding, calming, and a beautiful way to return to the present—o...
Episode 578 - 2026 Delirious Series Ben Pyman: Consistency, Heat, and Not Making the Same Mistakes Twice | Check-In 3
In this third check-in, I catch up with Ben Pyman as the Delirious WEST 2026 countdown slips into double digits – and the Adelaide heat turns things up a notch.
Ben shares how December really went (spoiler: life was busy, but consistency still won), why he’s happy with his mileage despite a few missed runs, and how he’s thinking about training smarter this year – not just harder. We talk openly about heat management, why long flat road runs can be more fatiguing than trails, and the importance of not trying to “catch up” missed sessions (a lesson learned the...
Episode 577 - 2026 Delirious Series - Sym Mercer: Training with a Bung Hip, Big Attitude, and 13 Weeks to Delirious WEST
In this Check-In 3 episode of the Delirious WEST 2026 series, I catch up with the wonderfully tough and straight-talking Sym Mercer – who is deep in the messy middle of training… with a not-so-cooperative hip.
Since we last spoke, Sym’s training took an unexpected turn after a big block led to a hospital visit, scans, bursitis, and a cyst that might be masking a stress fracture. Not ideal – especially with 13 weeks to the start line (less now!). But if there’s one thing Sym brings in spades, it’s attitude.
We talk about adjusting training on the fly – swa...
Episode 576 - MM - 205 - Put on something slowly and deliberately
This week’s mindful moment invites you to slow down a simple transition: put on something slowly and deliberately. Whether it’s your socks, a jacket, or your favourite jumper—take your time. Notice the texture of the fabric, the way your body moves into it, and the moment your skin meets cloth.
We move through these everyday moments on autopilot, but they’re full of opportunities to reconnect. Let this become a full-body check-in—a pause where breath and movement come together. Even the act of getting dressed can become a quiet ritual of awareness.<...
Episode 575 - 2026 Delirious Series - Craig Jeffrey: Cold Miles, Big Blocks & Going “Asleep” Into Delirious | Check-In 3
In this third check-in with Delirious WEST 2026 athlete Craig Jeffrey, we dive deep into what long-term ultra preparation really looks like – not just the kilometres, but the thinking behind them.
Craig shares stories from icy Christmas runs along the Hudson River (including borrowed shoes and a reminder to always carry your runners on flights), back-to-back 50km days on the Yarra, and why those tired-leg weekends actually build confidence rather than break it. We talk about block-style training, mixing intervals and tempo with long efforts, and why repeating huge long runs every weekend doesn’t work for everyone.
<...Episode 574 - 2026 Delirious Series - Boring Is Brilliant – Gabe Alves on Consistency, Grit, and Doing the Work
In this Delirious WEST 2026 Check-In 3, I catch up with Gabe Alves as the countdown suddenly drops into the “oh wow… this is actually close” zone – 13 weeks to go 😬.
Gabe shares what the last couple of months have really looked like – and spoiler alert – it hasn’t been flashy or exciting. It’s been boring. In the very best way.
We talk about:
• Training when the mojo is nowhere to be found
• The power of “just go out for 2km” (and why it almost never stays 2km)
• Building mental resilience by doing the work even when you don’t feel...
Episode 573 - MM - 204 - Listen for Silence Between the Sounds
This week’s mindful moment invites you to tune into something often overlooked: listen for the silence between the sounds. Whether you’re inside or out, begin by noticing the sounds around you—traffic, birds, voices, footsteps. Then shift your attention to the pauses between them. The stillness between notes. The breath between words.
Silence isn’t empty—it has a presence of its own, and learning to hear it can gently quiet your mind and ground your body.
It’s a simple way to reconnect with the deeper rhythm of your environme...
Episode 572 - 2026 Delirious Series - Check-In 3 with Eve Knudson: Consistency, Comparison & Finding Your Groove
In this third Delirious WEST 2026 check-in, I catch up with the ever-thoughtful Eve Knudson, and honestly… this is one of those conversations that reminds you why we run.
Fresh off the Three Inch race, Eve shares how a day that “wasn’t meant to be a big deal” turned into one of those magic runs where everything just clicks — the legs feel good, the pacing makes sense, the fueling works, and suddenly you realise… maybe the training is actually working.
We talk about the power of simple consistency, why Eve has stopped getting caught up in Strava co...
Episode 571 - 2026 Delirious Series - Check-In 3 with Nikki Frost: Cocoa Pops, Climbing Mountains & Cracking the Nutrition Puzzle
In this third Delirious 2026 check-in, I’m sitting down in person with Nikki Frost while she’s home in Tasmania for Christmas — which means plenty of giggles, real talk, and a very honest training update.
Since we last spoke, Nikki tackled the Mount Buller Skyrun 46km and, while her fitness and strength are clearly trending in the right direction, nutrition is still the big question mark. She shares what happened when the throwing up kicked in again, how close she came to a DNF, and why having her brother Ben crewing made all the difference in getting her to...
Episode 570 - MM - 203 - Mirror yourself with kindness
This week’s mindful moment is an invitation to meet yourself with gentle presence: mirror yourself with kindness. Stand in front of a mirror - not to critique, but to see. Notice your posture, your expression, and the quiet strength behind your eyes. Then soften. Smile. And offer yourself a kind thought - something as simple as, “I’m here. I’m trying.
And that’s enough.” This is not about appearance - it’s about acknowledging the person looking back at you. Your story. Your resilience. Your softness. Let the mirror become a moment of connection - not judgemen...
Episode 569 - 2026 Delirious Series - Kylie Bell: Snow, Wind, Survival Mode — and Still Standing
In this second Delirious WEST 2026 check-in, I sit down with Kylie Bell just weeks after she finished the Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko 100-miler — and wow… this one was an adventure.
Kylie shares what it was really like out on the course as conditions went from sunny to savage: extreme winds strong enough to blow runners off walkways, sideways hail, snow crossings in running shoes, relentless rain, and a final climb where safety became the only priority. At one point, runners were literally holding onto each other just to stay upright.
We talk about moving through fear and pani...
Episode 568 - 2026 Delirious Series - Matthew Farrand: When “Average” Training Is Actually Going Brilliantly
In this second check-in with Delirious WEST 2026 athlete Matthew Farrand, we catch up just a week out from Christmas — and honestly, things are ticking along beautifully.
Matthew describes his last month as “average”… which quickly turns out to mean consistent, strong, and quietly confidence-building. He’s stacking weeks in the high-70km range, ticking off strength, hills, speed work and long runs, and feeling his endurance come together without feeling trashed.
We chat early-morning running routines, managing training around family life, and why getting runs done before the day begins just works. Matthew also shares his thinki...
Episode 567 - MM - 202 - Shift your weight side to side
This week’s mindful moment brings you back to centre - shift your weight side to side. Stand barefoot if you can, feet hip-width apart, and gently sway from left to right. Feel the subtle adjustments in your body as you transfer your weight - how your feet respond, how your core engages, and what muscles quietly support you.
There’s no need for rhythm or pace—just let your body explore the feeling of balance in motion. This simple movement grounds you, calms scattered energy, and reconnects you with the physical sensation of being here.
It’...
Episode 566 - 2026 Delirious Series - Calm in the Chaos: Craig Jeffrey on Wind, Snow & Racing the Mountain
In this second check-in with Delirious WEST 2026 athlete Craig Jeffrey, we dive straight into one of Australia’s toughest mountain races — the Kosciuszko 100 miler — and unpack what it really takes to keep moving forward when conditions (and your body) aren’t playing nice
Craig shares a raw, honest race debrief covering brutal alpine winds, unexpected snow crossings, stomach battles, sore knees, smashed toenails… and still finding moments of flow late in the race.
This is a conversation about experience, self-trust, and learning to race yourself — not the clock, not the field.
Episode 565 - 2026 Delirious Series - Ben Pyman: Movember Miles, Mental Health & Building a Smarter Path to Delirious.
In this episode we catch up with Ben Pyman to see how training, mindset, and life are shaping up as he builds towards the 100-mile start line.
Ben shares how Movember became a powerful reset month — shaving off a decade-long beard, running 200+ kilometres, and using the challenge to open honest conversations around mental health and wellbeing. What started as fundraising quickly turned into something much deeper.
We also dig into the nuts and bolts of Ben’s training:
•What consistency really looks like for him
•How structure (without perfection) has changed his runn...
Episode 564 - MM - 201 - Watch how your shadow moves
This week’s mindful moment invites a playful shift in awareness: watch how your shadow moves. As you walk, run, or go about your day, take a moment to notice your shadow - how it swings, stretches, and shifts with your body. It’s a subtle mirror of your posture, alignment, and rhythm, offering gentle feedback on how you’re showing up in each moment. You can even play with it - exaggerate your steps or sway your arms and see how your shadow responds.
Beyond movement, it’s a reminder that you’re here, walking in...
Episode 563 - 2026 Delirious Series - Spain, Steep Mountains & Unfinished Business – Karin Ridley’s Check-In #2
Karin is back… and wow, she’s packed a LOT into this check-in.
Since we last spoke, Karin has been adventuring her way through Spain, France and the UK — hiking 20–30km a day, tackling a seriously brutal mountain race in Spain, and discovering just how different real mountains are compared to “hills” back home in WA 😅
In this episode, Karin shares what it was like to miss a race cutoff by less than three minutes, why that DNF hit hard, and how it’s lit a fire to come back stronger. We also chat about travel fitness, t...
Episode 562 - 2026 Delirious Series - Bianca O’Neill: Feral, Flu & Fresh Starts – Check-In #2
In this latest Delirious WEST 2026 athlete check-in, I’m catching up with Bianca O’Neill — and wow… a LOT has happened since we last spoke.
In this honest and very relatable catch-up, Bianca shares what it was really like racing Feral (yes… that heat, those flies, those cut-offs 😅)
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Episode 561 - MM - 200 - Place your hand on your heart
This week’s mindful moment marks a beautiful milestone—tip 200—and brings us back to the centre of it all: place your hand on your heart. Right now, just pause. Gently rest your hand on your chest and feel the warmth, the rhythm of your breath, and maybe even your heartbeat beneath your palm.
It’s a quiet moment of connection—simple, still, and grounding. You don’t need to say anything, but if a word like calm, gratitude, or presence comes to mind, let it land gently in your awareness. This practice is perfect for starting or ending th...
Episode 560 - 2026 Delirious Series - Eve Knudson: Surviving December, Finding Flow, and Keeping the Delirious Dream Alive
This month’s chat with Eve honestly felt like a big exhale. December energy is real, and Eve is right in the middle of it—balancing kids, work deadlines, Christmas chaos, end-of-year functions, tired mornings, and still somehow squeezing in her runs… or gentle walks… or naps… or the occasional lunchtime wine 😉
Here’s what we dive into:
⭐ Life is a workout too
Eve shares how mental fatigue has been hitting hard, and how she’s learning (slowly!) to treat her brain and body as one energy system—not two separate boxes. Her honesty about feeling...
Episode 559 - 2026 Delirious Series - From roller-coaster chaos to Coco Pops superpowers - Nikki’s training block has been wild.
In this episode, I catch up with my daughter and fellow Delirious W.E.S.T. 2026 runner, Nikki Frost, who’s had a very… colourful four to six weeks of training. And by colourful, I mean she left half her stomach contents scattered across the Dandenongs. 🤢😂
But as always, she’s honest, funny, and refreshingly optimistic about the whole adventure.
Get ready for:
•The disastrous Roller Coaster Ultra where Nikki started vomiting at 10km… and didn’t stop until the finish line
•Why sticking with “the gels that once worked” backfired in spectacular fashion<...
Episode 558 - Valerie Wong: From Hong Kong to Hundred Milers – A Journey of Curiosity, Grit & Giggles
This week, I’m so excited to introduce you to my friend and fellow UESCA-qualified ultra coach… Valerie Wong!
Val’s story is a brilliant mix of determination, adventure, and laugh-out-loud honesty — from growing up in Hong Kong, boarding school in the UK, studying atmospheric science (yes, weather patterns! ☁️), running her first Boston loops, to discovering ultras during the pandemic.
She’s now an ultra-runner, triathlete, mountain lover, channel swimmer (!!), mum of two, and one of the funniest people I’ve met in our coaching cohort.
This episode is full of real talk, wisdom, and some...
Episode 557 - MM - 199 - Swing your arms like a child
Spend just five minutes with this practice, and see how it can bring calm and clarity to your day.
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Episode 556 - 2026 Delirious Series - When the Mind Says No: Gabe Alves’ Honest Check-In After Feral
In this Delirious W.E.S.T. 2026 check-in, I sit down with the wonderful Gabe Alves, who has had—hands down—one of the most honest and powerful training months of the entire series.
Gabe walks us through his experience at Feral, a race that started brilliantly for him… until it didn’t. Physically, he was flying. The climbing strength, the pacing, the hills, the timing — everything was lining up for his best Feral yet. But then the mental load of a tough year caught up with him, and the second half of the race became a battle wit...
Episode 555 - 2026 Delirious Series - Cold Mornings, Long Runs & London Lights – Matthew Farrand’s First Check-In
In this month’s Delirious W.E.S.T. 2026 athlete check-in, we head all the way to London to catch up with our one and only non-Aussie runner, Matthew Farrand — who’s juggling dark winter mornings, school drop-offs, and some seriously solid training momentum.
Matthew shares how his fitness is quietly (and satisfyingly!) building — those long runs now feel easier and the patella niggle that haunted him in August has settled right down. He talks about the mental side of ultra prep too…the boredom voice, the planning, the “where should I run this weekend?” puzzle, and why...
Episode 554 - MM - 198 - Take a breath before you pick something up
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...
Episode 553 - 2026 Delirious Series - Heat, Hills & Triathlon Thrills – Sym Mercer’s Check-In #2
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...
Episode 552 - 2026 Delirious Series - Kylie Bell’s Wild Gravel Marathon, Pneumonia Curveball & Big Kosci Dreams
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...
Episode 551 - MM - 197 - Do a movement you loved as a child
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...
Episode 550 - 2026 Delirious Series - Burnout, Toasties & Trail Grit: Bianca O’Neill’s Wild Ride to Feral and Beyond
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...
Episode 549 - 2026 Delirious Series - Eve Knudson: Finding Joy in the Juggle — Running, Kids, and a Whole Lot of Life
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...
Episode 548 - MM - 196 - Look up when you walk
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...
Episode 547 - 2026 Delirious Series - From Stairs to Sky Races: Karin Ridley’s Mountain Adventure Before Delirious 2026
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
Episode 546 - 2026 Delirious Series - Plodding with Purpose: Craig Jeffrey’s Big-Mileage Build for Kosciuszko & Beyond
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...
Episode 545 - MM 195 - Lean against something
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...
Episode 544 - 2026 Delirious Series - Bee Stings, Grit & Gait Fixes – Gabe’s Road to Delirious West 2026
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!)
...