The FitMIND FitBODY Podcast

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.

...

This week’s mindful moment is mindful cleaning, a beautiful way to turn everyday chores into moments of presence and gratitude. Pick a simple task, like washing dishes or sweeping the floor, and give it your full attention.

Notice the feel of the soap and water, the sound of the broom moving, or the patterns that form as you clean. By focusing on the sensations and movements, you transform routine cleaning into a calming, mindful practice that honours and cares for your space.

Spend just five minutes with this practice, and see how it can br...

In this wrap-up episode, Kevin “Big Kev” Matthews takes us deep into the heart of his fifth Delirious West finish—sharing all the highs, lows, and hilarious moments that made 2025’s edition “The Hilly Year” one to remember.

From Mandalay-to-Mount Clare misery (times two) to epic pasta dishes and the infamous “magic hill” at Shelley Beach, Kev recounts a race that was tough on the legs but full of soul. He talks about how he managed his energy, stayed social on the trail, and learned the value of proper food over sugar-packed snacks.

This episode is packed with K...

In this wrap-up episode, Stuart Rainbow takes us through his unforgettable Delirious West 2025 experience—a journey filled with epic scenery, wild mishaps, emotional highs, and some truly hilarious trail moments.

After a DNF the previous year, Stuart returned stronger and more determined than ever, and his storytelling doesn’t disappoint. From an early fall and a missed turn just 2.7km into the race, to a broken watch at the 175km mark and a surreal encounter with a jet-ski delivery and Wonder Woman (a.k.a. Darlene Dale) powering past, Stuart’s recap is full of grit, gratitude, and a...

In this deeply personal and powerful wrap-up episode, James Sawyer shares how his Delirious West 2025 unfolded across four days, 79 hours, and hundreds of emotional highs and lows. From the outside, James’ run was smooth—no gear drama, no major disasters—but what made it remarkable was the mental depth, emotional vulnerability, and sheer human connection along the way.

Running shoulder-to-shoulder with his mate Ben, James talks about their pacing, their sleep deprivation strategy (or lack thereof!), and how a bacon and egg sandwich diet powered him through more than 300km. He opens up about an emotional breakdown around...

In this laugh-out-loud and surprisingly heartfelt episode, Glen Smetherham unpacks his seventh (!!) Delirious West 200-miler—and it just might be his most satisfying yet.

Despite going in with a painful heel niggle and a patched-up knee, Glen navigated the course with a unique combination of trail smarts, dry humour, and sheer stubbornness. Alongside his race buddy Felix, Glen ran the full 200 miles with plenty of silliness at aid stations, a couple of shared hallucinations (mandatory pumpkin, anyone?), and even a pastry and coffee delivery mid-race.

He opens up about pacing, pain management, the art of be...

This week’s mindful moment is planting mindfulness, a grounding practice that connects you with nature. Whether you have a garden or just a small potted plant, take time to care for it with full awareness. Feel the soil in your hands, notice the textures of the leaves, and breathe in the earthy scent.

Engaging with plants through movement and touch is a simple yet powerful way to slow down, be present, and nurture both your surroundings and yourself.

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

In this powerful wrap-up episode, Mel Gregory shares the full, unfiltered story of her Delirious West journey—from last-minute logistics chaos to emotional lows, stunning trail highs, and a finish line moment that brought everything full circle.

Mel opens up about the unexpected challenges before the start line, including car breakdowns, solo travel, and forgotten snacks. But her ability to adapt and stay mentally strong set the tone for an event that tested her physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

From trailside meltdowns to epic sunrises, and the love of her crew and kids keeping her going, Me...

This week’s mindful moment is mindful arm swinging, a simple yet effective way to release tension and connect with your body. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and let your arms hang loosely at your sides. Gently swing them forward and backward, noticing the natural momentum and the way your shoulders relax. As you continue, sync the movement with your breath, allowing each swing to feel more intentional.

This easy practice brings awareness to your body, promotes relaxation, and offers a refreshing reset during your day.

Spend just five minutes with...

In a delightful flip of roles, this episode brings you something special—Michelle Frost is in the hot seat, interviewed by none other than her daughter, Nikki, just days after finishing the epic Delirious West 200-miler. What unfolds is a beautiful, funny, and deeply honest conversation about what it’s really like to spend four days and nights on the trails, chasing dots, dodging frogs, navigating fatigue, and finding strength in unexpected places.

From music that sparked trail dancing to micro-naps while running, Michelle shares the mental highs, the physical challenges (blisters, hello), and the emoti...

This week’s mindful moment is mindful water drinking, a simple yet powerful way to bring awareness to an everyday action. Hold a glass of water in your hands and notice its weight, temperature, and even the condensation on the surface. As you take a slow sip, feel the water move across your tongue and down your throat, imagining it nourishing your body with every swallow.

By fully focusing on this small moment, you transform a routine habit into a grounding and refreshing mindfulness practice.

Spend just five minutes with this prac...

In their final check-in before Delirious West, ultra couple Andy and Del Thompson are keeping it real, calm, and kind of hilarious. With their house in full packing chaos, kids to prep for while they’re away, and lists galore, Andy shares their thoughtful, practical, and sometimes cheeky approach to pre-race prep.

This episode covers everything from 5K-a-day fundraising for brain cancer, to managing early signs of plantar fasciitis with tape, to building a camper-van aid station that’s part spreadsheet, part snack shop. They also unpack the new course direction, discuss pacing tips for the notoriously toug...

In this fourth check-in, Big Kev (Kevin Matthews) brings his trademark honesty, humour, and ultra wisdom to the mic as he faces down his sixth Delirious West—aka what he’s dubbed “The Hilly Year.”

Despite battling a cold and a calf injury, Kev is all systems go. From talking about his almost-gold-buckle chase, hilarious misadventures with March flies, and why this reversed course is both brutal and brilliant, this episode is packed with perspective, laughter, and valuable ultra-running advice.

Kev shares how he’s managing final prep with lower weekly mileage, mor...

In this final check-in, Stuart Rainbow is all-in for Delirious West—even if it means being stalked by a fox mid-run, gluing his shoes to keep the sand out, and completely reworking his race strategy after a last-minute course change.

He shares the highs of a smooth 75K night training run (with donut aid stations, naturally) and the lows of a brief knee scare that had him resting just weeks before the race. Stuart talks logistics, from jetboils and battery backups to his meticulously reinforced shoes, stitched and Velcroed to fight back against the WA san...

This week’s mindful moment is perfect for anyone who spends long hours at a desk: a mindful stretch session. Start by rolling your shoulders forward and backward, noticing the tension releasing with each movement. Then, interlace your fingers and stretch your arms overhead, feeling the length in your spine. Finally, gently twist to each side, focusing on your breath and how your body feels.

These simple stretches not only help with stiffness but also bring awareness to the present moment, offering a refreshing reset for your mind and body.

Spend just five minutes with th...

In his final pre-race check-in, James Sawyer brings his signature low-fuss, high-heart approach to the mic as he prepares to line up for the Delirious West 200-miler. From night runs with his brother to a back-to-back weekend of endurance capped off by a 25K mental health fundraiser walk, James shares how he’s gotten his mental game right—even if he still feels like he’s “not done enough.”

With a minimalist gear strategy, a no-nonsense approach to planning, and his whole family rallying behind him, James is ready to embrace whatever the trail throws at him. Fro...

In his seventh and final check-in before Delirious West, Gabe Alves shares how he’s navigating a pre-race curveball—a fractured little toe just four weeks out from race day. Instead of pushing through, Gabe’s leaned into rest, mindfulness, and perspective, choosing recovery over panic.

With help from an ultra-running doctor (who casually offered to “fix it after the race if it snaps again”), Gabe’s embraced the ultra mindset: “get to the start line, adapt, and do the thing.” He talks about the recent course change due to fire damage, and how the reversed course l...

In her final check-in before the big event, Darlene Dale shares her honest, grounded perspective on what it takes to show up for a 200-miler when things aren’t going perfectly. With plantar fasciitis still lingering, Darlene has shifted from chasing a PB to simply focusing on finishing strong and smart.

She talks through her adjusted taper strategy, the role her husband and crew chief Shannon plays in their now well-oiled setup, and her top priority at aid stations: ICE! From cold water in her insulated bladder to avoiding long stops, Darlene’s race plan is about mana...

This week’s guest is the energetic, big-hearted Matt Dingjan—a husband, dad of four, small business owner, and now… 24-hour runner! 🏃‍♂️ But Matt’s story goes way beyond the track.

After hitting rock bottom battling stress, burnout, and alcohol, Matt turned to running as a lifeline. What started with a single run has evolved into marathons, life transformations, and now a massive goal: running for 24 hours straight on a 400m track to raise $100,000 for the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life, in memory of his beautiful mum.

In this powerful and motivating episod...

This week’s mindful moment is all about mindful shadow play, a fun and creative way to bring awareness into the present moment. Find a light source, like the sun or a lamp, and observe your shadow. Move your hands, arms, or legs, and notice how your shadow shifts and changes. Play with shapes or simply watch the interaction of light and movement.

This practice sparks curiosity and a sense of wonder, reminding us that mindfulness can be both simple and joyful.

Spend just five minutes with this practice, and see how it can bring ca...

In his final check-in before Delirious West, Glen Smetherham brings a powerful mix of honesty, humour, and hard-earned strategy to the mic. Despite an ongoing heel injury, Glen has been balancing short trail runs, high-volume cycling on Zwift, and mental prep to ensure he can still toe the start line with confidence.

This episode dives deep into the practical and psychological side of ultrarunning. Glen shares how he’s planning around pain, sleep strategy rituals (complete with melatonin and weighted blankets), and his multi-layered approach to gear, nutrition, and crew support. He even breaks down his sock st...