Episodes

  • Episode 643 - Ben Ridley - From Parkrun to Delirious, Road Running, Big Feelings and Super Crewing Karin

    Episode 643 - Ben Ridley - From Parkrun to Delirious, Road Running, Big Feelings and Super Crewing Karin
    Jun 8 2026
    In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I chat with the wonderful Ben Ridley - Perth runner, Delirious West athlete, self-declared road runner, proud husband of Karin Ridley, and possibly one of the most committed “super crew” members in the ultra-running world. Ben’s story starts with a childhood full of sport - footy, swimming, surf lifesaving, T-ball, basketball - basically everything except running. Because running? Absolutely not. Ben grew up with chronic asthma, tricky knees, and a very strong dislike of running. But life has a funny way of circling back. After years of work, family life, health challenges, weight struggles, FIFO, mental health battles, and a major lifestyle shift, Ben and Karin found themselves at parkrun. And that changed everything. What started as a Saturday morning “why would anyone do this?” moment slowly became 5Ks, 10Ks, trails, half marathons, Feral Pig, Delirious West, 100 milers, 200 miler attempts, big DNFs, big lessons, big friendships, and a running life Ben never expected. This episode is funny, honest, emotional, and very Ben. We talk about weight loss surgery, running for mental health, the magic of parkrun, the chaos of Delirious West, crewing Karin, hallucinations, chafing, broken tyres, beers at aid stations, podcast-fuelled road running, and why community might be the greatest thing running has given him. Why You’ll Love This Episode Ben shares: How he went from not being able to run a couple of hundred metres to becoming an ultra runnerWhy parkrun was the perfect no-pressure place to beginHow he and Karin rebuilt their health togetherThe reality of weight loss surgery - and why it was definitely not the “easy way out”His first 50K at Feral Pig and why he was “carrying on like a pork chop” halfway throughHis unforgettable Delirious West 100 miler finish with only 30 minutes to spareWhat it was like crewing Karin through her 200 miler after his own race endedThe grief and emotion of losing his mum during DeliriousWhy DNFs hurt, but don’t define youHow running has become one of his biggest mental health toolsWhy he’s currently loving road running, Melbourne Marathon training, and running into the MCGWhy running with mates, coffee after parkrun, and pub run friendships matter so muchWhy Delirious still has baggage, but also still has a pullHow he’s heading back to Delirious with mates for the Great Southern Beer Run Tips From Ben Ben shared some really practical, honest advice for runners who are struggling to get out the door: 1. Find your reason why Don’t just run because you “should.” Work out why it matters to you. Is it your mental health? Your fitness? Your friendships? A goal? A bit of space from life? That reason helps get you moving when motivation disappears. 2. Remember how you feel once you’re out there Ben says the hardest part is often getting out the door. Once you’re moving, things start to shift. Your head clears. Life feels a bit lighter. The run does what it came to do. 3. Use something that helps you get started For Ben, that might be a podcast, music, a book, or just being out on the trail listening to birds and trees. The point is simple: make the run easier to begin. 4. Run with people when you can Community has been huge for Ben. Parkrun, pub run, trail events, Ultra Series, coffee after runs - these people have become lifelong friends. Sometimes running is less about the running and more about who it brings into your life. 5. Walking counts Ben’s reminder is simple and brilliant: Half an hour is better than nothing. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t do the full plan, do something. It still matters. 6. Strength training helps Ben is a big believer in strength work for runners, especially if you want to keep running longer distances, reduce injury risk, and avoid the post-run “can’t sit down on the toilet” situation. Very practical. Very true. A Beautiful Reminder From Ben’s Story Ben’s story is a reminder that running doesn’t have to start perfectly. You don’t need to grow up as “a runner.” You don’t need to be fast. You don’t need to have it all together. You can start with one parkrun. You can walk. You can struggle. You can DNF. You can come back. And somewhere along the way, running might become less about proving something - and more about finding your people, clearing your head, and becoming someone you never expected to be. Connect With Ben You’ll most likely find Ben at parkrun, pub run, crewing Karin, running roads, signing up for something ridiculous with mates, or preparing for his next Delirious adventure. And if you see him at an aid station, he may remind you: You did choose to do this. Delirious WEST event Website - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/ Interested in the 2027 DW? Go join the event Facebook Group so you don’t miss when the race opens for entries in June for new runners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387 💛 Want your ...
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    2 hrs and 20 mins
  • Episode 642 - ZenRUN Moment 1: Notice the First Minute of Your Run

    Episode 642 - ZenRUN Moment 1: Notice the First Minute of Your Run
    Jun 3 2026

    Most runners think a run starts when they press start on their watch.

    But what if the most important part of your run is actually the first minute?

    In this first ZenRUN Moment, we’re focusing on something incredibly simple: noticing the beginning of your run. Not your pace. Not your distance. Not whether today’s run is going to feel easy or hard. Just the first sixty seconds.

    As you head out the door, bring your attention to what’s actually happening right now.

    Notice your breathing. Listen to the sound of your feet touching the ground. Feel the temperature of the air on your skin.

    Check in with your body. Do your legs feel fresh, heavy, stiff, or full of energy today?

    There are no right or wrong answers - just information.

    Most of us start running while our mind is still somewhere else. We’re thinking about work, family, errands, emails, or the rest of the day ahead.

    This simple practice helps you arrive properly. It helps you settle into the run you’re actually having, instead of the one you’re thinking about.

    On your next run, don’t rush through the beginning. Treat the first minute as a doorway. Step through it deliberately and see what changes.

    Running often feels different when we stop trying to get somewhere and start noticing where we already are.

    Small moments of awareness like this can completely change the experience of a run.

    💛 Want your running and your headspace to feel a little lighter?

    If you enjoyed this ZenRUN Moment, you might love The Running Reset - a simple bundle of guided runs and tools designed to help you clear your mind, reset your rhythm, and fall back in love with running.

    👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

    A couple of small favours

    1️⃣ If you’re enjoying the podcast, a quick follow, like, or review helps more runners discover it.

    2️⃣ Got a running story - or know someone we should chat with? I’d love to hear from you.

    Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club

    Or email hello@zenrun.club
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    3 mins
  • Episode 641 - Suzanne Rath - Running, Resilience & Really Big Adventures

    Episode 641 - Suzanne Rath - Running, Resilience & Really Big Adventures
    Jun 2 2026
    In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I chat with the wonderful Suzanne Rath - Irish farm girl, physio, business owner, leadership coach, trail runner, adventure collector, and someone who seems to casually say yes to things like cycling across South America, running from Sydney to Newcastle, and possibly signing up for Delirious WEST. As you do. Suzanne grew up on a farm in Wexford, Ireland, where resilience, self-reliance, and a “how hard can it be?” attitude were basically part of daily life. From there, her story takes us through physio study, hospital work, Uganda, Sydney, a serious cycling accident, concussion recovery, Katherine in the Northern Territory, and eventually Cairns - where she now runs a multidisciplinary allied health clinic. But this conversation is much more than a running story. It’s about what happens when life knocks you sideways. It’s about rebuilding after injury. It’s about adventure, identity, leadership, values, community, and learning that running doesn’t have to be about pace, PBs, or proving anything. Sometimes running becomes the place where we get space to think. Sometimes it becomes the thing that reminds us what we’re capable of. And sometimes it becomes the reason we find ourselves surrounded by people who think running 270km from Sydney to Newcastle sounds like a perfectly reasonable personal challenge. Which, obviously, it is not. But also… I get it. Why You’ll Love This Episode In this conversation, Suzanne shares: What it was like growing up on a farm in IrelandHow running first became part of her life through community and connectionHer time working as a physio in UgandaThe serious bike accident that led to a broken jaw, post-concussion symptoms, pain, anxiety, and a long recoveryWhy trail running helped her fall back in love with runningHow she built a whole-person allied health clinic in CairnsWhy running and leadership have more in common than most people thinkHer Sydney to Newcastle trail adventure - including flash flooding, leeches, getting lost, wet feet, and a very patient support crewWhy she believes organised 200-mile races might actually be easier than self-supported chaosHow she fits running, business, travel, speaking, leadership coaching, and big adventures into real lifeWhy motivation is not the thing to rely onWhy running is a privilege - especially when it’s hard Suzanne’s Running Tips Suzanne shared so many great reminders in this episode, including: Minimise the friction. Have your gear ready. Know what you’re doing. Remove as many tiny obstacles as possible so getting out the door doesn’t become a negotiation. Put your running in the calendar first. Suzanne plans her week around the things that matter - including training, adventure, family, and recovery - rather than waiting to “find time” later. Don’t rely on motivation. As Suzanne says, if she waited until she felt motivated, she might never run again. Make it easier to start instead. Have something to aim for. It doesn’t have to be a huge event. It can be a small goal, a race, a trail, an adventure, or simply something that gives your running a little spark. Stay connected when you’re injured. If you can’t run, don’t disappear. Go to breakfast. Cheer people on. Stay part of the running community. Remember what a privilege it is. Even when it’s hard, even when you’re tired, even when your feet are wet and your brain is questioning your life choices - it’s still a privilege to be able to move, explore, and do these things. A Favourite Moment One of my favourite parts of this conversation was Suzanne talking about how the joy came back into running when it became aligned with her values. Not when she got faster. Not when she ticked off another race. Not when she proved anything. But when running became connected to adventure, community, potential, and living in a way that felt true to her. And honestly, that feels very ZenRUN. Listen To This Episode If… You’ll love this episode if you’ve ever: Come back from injuryLost your running mojoWanted more adventure in your lifeFelt like your business, work, or responsibilities were swallowing all your timeUsed running as thinking spaceWondered whether trail runners are all slightly unhingedSigned up for something before fully understanding the logisticsNeeded a reminder that running can be about joy, freedom, and possibility This is such a rich, funny, thoughtful conversation with a woman who has lived a lot of life, taken a lot of brave turns, and somehow still has more adventures planned. I loved this chat. And I think you will too. Suzanne’s practice in Cairns - Wellness Embodied: https://www.wellnessembodiedcairns.com/ 💛 Want your running to feel lighter again? If this conversation resonated, you might enjoy The Running Reset - a simple bundle of guided runs and practical tools to help you reset your rhythm, clear your head, and reconnect with why you run. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/...
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    1 hr and 51 mins
  • Episode 640 - Astrid Volzke: The Woman Behind the Lens at Delirious West

    Episode 640 - Astrid Volzke: The Woman Behind the Lens at Delirious West
    Jun 1 2026
    In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I chat with the wonderful Astrid Volzke — runner, photographer, professional stickybeak, and the official photographer behind so many of the iconic images from Delirious West. If you’ve ever run Delirious, followed the event online, or changed your Facebook profile photo to one of those stunning trail-running shots, chances are Astrid was behind the camera. But this chat isn’t just about photography. Astrid shares her story of growing up in Singapore, moving to Western Australia, camping adventures with her family, finding her way into photography, and eventually becoming part of the trail running world. Her journey includes early morning boats with fishermen, newspaper photojournalism, community storytelling, trail running, Birdy’s Backyard, and of course, many long days and nights capturing the raw emotion of Delirious West. We talk about how photographing a 200-mile event is an endurance event in itself — the planning, the mental focus, the sleep deprivation, the gear, the editing, the sandy night drives, and the constant decision-making that happens behind the scenes. Astrid says she’s either shooting or editing for most of the week, often chasing sunrise, sunset, emotional moments, funny poses, and the gritty reality of what runners go through. Astrid also shares what running means to her personally. She started trail running through a team at Margaret River Ultra, found herself hooked by the people and adventure, and has since become part of the wider ultra-running community in a very unique way — sometimes as a runner, often as the photographer, and always as someone deeply immersed in the story. One of my favourite parts of this conversation is Astrid’s reflection on motivation. Her advice is simple and very ZenRUN: You don’t have to feel motivated first. You just have to start. Whether it’s running, photography, or any creative project, Astrid says momentum often comes after you begin — not before. Tie the shoelaces. Step outside. Pick up the camera. Start with the first step, and the rest often follows. This is a relaxed, funny, behind-the-scenes chat with someone who has seen Delirious West from a perspective most of us never will — behind the lens, in the dark, on the beach, in the dust, at the finish line, and sometimes crying behind the camera. In this episode, we chat about: Growing up in Singapore and moving to Perth as a childHow Astrid found photography after realising agribusiness wasn’t quite her thingLife as a photojournalist and freelance photographerWhy photography is really about storytellingHow trail running entered her lifeThe origins of Birdy’s BackyardWhy photographing Delirious West is its own kind of endurance eventThe mental load of capturing a multi-day ultraThe hilarious runner poses Astrid has captured over the yearsWhy runners don’t have to run when they see the photographerThe emotion, grit, joy and humanity of 200-mile eventsWhy Astrid would love to run a point-to-point adventure event one dayHer simple motivation tip: just start Astrid’s Tip for Runners Don’t wait until you feel motivated. Just start. Go outside. Take the first step. Begin slowly. Often the motivation comes once you’re already moving. And if you’re out on course and see Astrid with her camera? You don’t have to run. But apparently, most of us do anyway 😆 Connect with Astrid Follow Astrid on Instagram Delirious WEST Delirious WEST event website: https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/ Interested in the 2027 DW? Go join the event Facebook Group so you don’t miss when the race opens for entries in June for new runners: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387 💛 Want your running to feel lighter again? If this conversation resonated, you might enjoy The Running Reset — a simple bundle of guided runs and practical tools to help you reset your rhythm, clear your head, and reconnect with why you run. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset 🙏 A couple of big favours If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast — it helps more runners discover these conversations.I’m always looking for runners to interview. If you or someone you know has a running story to share, I’d love to hear from you. Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club or email hello@zenrun.club 🎧 Don’t miss an episode Subscribe to the ZenRUN Podcast in your favourite podcast app so new conversations land straight in your ears.
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Episode 639 - MFYU Mini Series - Nagiska Mayes’ Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Journey - 30 Yards, 200K and One Very Wise Husband

    Episode 639 - MFYU Mini Series - Nagiska Mayes’ Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Journey - 30 Yards, 200K and One Very Wise Husband
    May 29 2026
    Welcome to the next episode in the 2026 Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Mini-Series on the ZenRUN Podcast. This series follows a handful of athletes through their actual Melbourne Frontyard Ultra journey - not just the polished version after the event, but the little check-ins along the way. The tired bits. The funny bits. The snack updates. The “what on earth am I doing?” moments. And eventually, the wrap-up chat when their race is done. In this episode, we’re following the wonderful Nagiska Mayes. And this one has heart. A lot of heart. Nagiska didn’t grow up as a runner. In fact, she was very clear that running was absolutely not her thing as a kid. No school cross-country glory. No sporty childhood origin story. More like “please write me a note so I can sit this one out” energy. But years later, after getting married, joining a gym, Covid closing everything down, and her husband Jack suggesting they “just go for a run,” things slowly started to shift. First it was 200 metres. Then 1.1 kilometres to the footy oval. Then 2K. Then 3.5K. Then somehow, as these things tend to happen, Nagiska found herself running ultras. As you do. By the time she arrived at Melbourne Frontyard Ultra, Nagiska had already completed Surf Coast Century 100K and had fallen into the wonderfully strange world of ultra-running, largely helped along by Jack, her best friend Rach, and a healthy dose of “if they can do it, maybe I can too.” Her previous backyard ultra PB was 14 hours. At Melbourne Frontyard Ultra, she went on to reach 30 yards and 200 kilometres. That is not a small jump. That is a giant, emotional, slightly ridiculous leap into “holy moly, look what I just did” territory. In this episode, you’ll hear Nagiska before the race, full of nervous excitement and ready to find her limit. You’ll hear her around yard 24, about to reach her first ever 100 miler and already well past anything she’d done before. You’ll hear the emotional wobble around yard 26, when the doubts started creeping in and the support from her crew became everything. And then in the wrap-up, you’ll hear the full story of how she made it to yard 30 - not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. This is a conversation about big goals, self-doubt, comparison, love, teamwork, the stories we tell ourselves, and what can happen when someone who knows you well refuses to let you quit on yourself too soon. There are tears. There is swearing. There is Turkish delight and V. There is a Vegemite sandwich. There is a very wise husband. There is a best friend. There is a 200K bell ring. And there is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the biggest achievement is not just the distance you cover, but the story you rewrite along the way. Why You’ll Love This Episode You’ll hear the raw, real version of a huge Frontyard Ultra breakthroughNagiska shares honestly about not growing up sporty and building her running from scratchWe talk about fear, self-doubt, comparison, and the pressure we put on ourselvesThere’s a beautiful story of Jack supporting Nagiska through the hardest yardsNagiska reaches 30 yards and 200K, doubling her distance PBYou’ll hear what it means to share a huge running moment with your husband and best friendIt’s funny, emotional, honest, and very very human A Few Favourite Themes You don’t have to start as “a runner” Nagiska’s story is such a good reminder that you don’t need a sporty childhood or a perfect running background to do big things. Tiny steps can become massive adventures From 200 metres around the block to 200 kilometres at Melbourne Frontyard Ultra. That’s a pretty solid progression. The stories we tell ourselves matter One of the strongest parts of this episode is Nagiska talking about the narration in her own head - and how that story nearly convinced her she was done. Crew can change everything Jack, Rach, Peter and the rest of the support crew weren’t just practical help. They became part of the reason Nagiska kept going. You can be proud and still process it all Sometimes the emotion hits before the pride does. This episode captures that beautifully. Listen In For Nagiska’s “running was not my thing” childhood storyHow Covid, gym closures and Jack helped start her running journeyHer first 100K at Surf Coast CenturyWhy she wanted to find her limit at MFYUThe leap from a 14-hour backyard PB to 30 yardsYard 24 and her first ever 100 milerThe emotional moment where she worried about letting Jack downThe role of her crew and brother-in-law PeterTurkish delight, V, Vegemite sandwiches and ultra-running food logicThe mental battle between being done and going one more yardHow Jack helped her reframe the story in her headReaching 200K with Jack and RachThe beautiful “we make a good team” momentWhat Nagiska learned about herself through the event Mentioned In This Episode Melbourne Frontyard UltraUltra Series AustraliaShaun KaeslerSurf Coast CenturyWild Dog Backyard ...
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    42 mins
  • Episode 638 - MM - 224 - Do one thing in slow motion

    Episode 638 - MM - 224 - Do one thing in slow motion
    May 27 2026

    This week’s mindful moment is a powerful reset: do one thing in slow motion. Choose a simple, everyday action - making your coffee, tying your shoes, closing the car door - and deliberately slow it right down. Slower than feels natural. As you move, notice each step involved, the movement of your hands, your breath, your posture. It’s amazing how much we rush without even realising.

    By slowing just one thing, you create a small pocket of awareness where time feels like it stretches… just a little. And in that space, you reconnect with yourself. No extra time needed - just a different pace.

    This small habit can become a quiet anchor in your day - a moment to pause, breathe, and return to the present without needing to stop everything you’re doing.

    Little moments like this add up. And often they’re the beginning of something bigger.

    💛 Want your running (and your headspace) to feel a little lighter?

    If you enjoyed this Mindful Moment, you might love The Running Reset - a simple bundle of guided runs and tools designed to help you clear your mind, reset your rhythm, and fall back in love with running.

    👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

    A couple of small favours

    1️⃣ If you’re enjoying the podcast, a quick follow, like, or review helps more runners discover it. 2️⃣ Got a running story - or know someone we should chat with? I’d love to hear from you.

    Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club or email hello@zenrun.club
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    3 mins
  • Episode 637 - Peta Moore: DNFs, Dirt Naps, Emergency Twisties & the Joy of Coming Back

    Episode 637 - Peta Moore: DNFs, Dirt Naps, Emergency Twisties & the Joy of Coming Back
    May 26 2026
    In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I chat with the wonderful Peta Moore - wildlife lover, ultra runner, Perth Zoo vet nurse, trail adventurer, and fellow member of the 2026 Delirious West DNF crew. Peta’s story starts in a small coal mining town in Central Queensland, where she definitely did not grow up thinking she was sporty. There was a bit of T-ball, some Highland dancing, a serious Muay Thai phase, and eventually a life built around animals, wildlife, conservation, and the odd capybara obsession. From wildlife biology to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, bear rescue work in Vietnam, zookeeping in Alice Springs, and eventually Perth Zoo, Peta’s life has been full of animals, adventure, and a very healthy amount of chaos. And then running arrived. What started as a Couch to 5K attempt on the trails around Alice Springs - complete with hills, heat, sunsets, and a dog by her side - slowly turned into trail running, ultra running, 100 milers, 200 milers, injury comebacks, big adventures, and a very deep love for the WA trail running community. We talk about Peta’s first ultras, her love-hate relationship with backyard events, finishing her first 200 miler in the Blue Mountains, crying at aid stations, eating emergency Twisties for breakfast, getting through terrifying cliff sections with the help of “Spider Lady”, and the weird way ultra runners can suddenly find themselves saying things like, “There’s only 80k to go!” Of course, we also talk about Delirious West 2026, where Peta went in with one of her best training blocks, a year of injury-free running behind her, and plenty of confidence - only to fall off a boardwalk just 3km into the race. From there, she managed pain, problem-solved, kept moving, questioned her sanity more than once, and eventually made the hard decision to stop at Treetop when the joy had gone and the risk felt too high. This conversation is honest, funny, emotional, and full of the real stuff that happens between start lines and finish lines - including the grief of a DNF, the fear of more injury, the pull of community, and the deep love that keeps bringing us back to the trails. Why You’ll Love This Episode You’ll hear about: Peta growing up in a tiny Central Queensland mining townHer path into wildlife biology, zoo medicine, and vet nursingRunning in Alice Springs, Vietnam, Perth, Spain, the Blue Mountains and WA trailsHer first trail events and how she got sucked into the ultra worldWhy the WA trail running community became her second familyHer first 200 miler at Unreasonable in the Blue MountainsSleep deprivation, aid station meltdowns, and emergency TwistiesThe injury rollercoaster: shoulder surgery, knee surgery, stress fractures and comebacksHer 2026 Delirious West 200 miler DNFWhy stopping can sometimes be the strongest decisionThe strange grief that can come after a DNFWhy running is still worth it, even when it breaks your heart a little Tips from Peta’s Story 1. Community matters more than we realise. Peta talks beautifully about finding her people through trail running. When injury kept her from racing, she stayed connected by volunteering, crewing, cheering and showing up. 2. A DNF still contains a huge amount of courage. Peta’s Delirious West didn’t end the way she hoped, but she still pushed through a massive amount of pain, made smart decisions, and protected her future running. 3. Don’t ignore pain just because you’re tough. Ultra runners are excellent at tolerating discomfort - sometimes too excellent. Peta’s story is a good reminder that pain is information, especially when there’s a history of injury. 4. Cross-training can be a gift. During injury recovery, Peta discovered cycling and realised it made her stronger. Sometimes the thing we’re forced into becomes part of the bigger picture. 5. Running will wait for you. One of the loveliest reminders from this episode is that if you need a break, running is still there. The trails are still there. The community is still there. 6. It’s okay to grieve the race you didn’t get to finish. A DNF can feel like losing the version of the story you’d been imagining. Peta speaks honestly about needing to process that. 7. Keep coming back - but come back wisely. Peta’s story isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about healing, rebuilding, adjusting, and still believing there are more adventures ahead. Delirious WEST event website: https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/ Interested in the 2027 DW? Go join the event Facebook Group so you don’t miss when the race opens for entries in June for new runners: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387 💛 Want your running to feel lighter again? If this conversation resonated, you might enjoy The Running Reset - a simple bundle of guided runs and practical tools to help you reset your rhythm, clear your head, and reconnect with why you run. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset 🙏 A couple of ...
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    3 hrs and 4 mins
  • Episode 636 - Be Like Fred: Chris Atkinson on Winning Delirious West, Running Your Own Race & Loving the Long Way

    Episode 636 - Be Like Fred: Chris Atkinson on Winning Delirious West, Running Your Own Race & Loving the Long Way
    May 25 2026
    In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I chat with Chris Atkinson - teacher, lifelong runner, trail lover, proud New Zealander, Cairns local… and the 2026 Delirious West 200 miler winner. Chris and I met at Delirious West this year, and I loved having the chance to sit down properly and hear more about his running journey, his life, and what led him to take on his very first 200-mile race. We start right back at the beginning, with Chris growing up in a tiny town at the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island, where running, rugby, fishing and community were all part of life. From primary school runs along dirt roads, to athletics clubs, cross country, rugby injuries, teaching, travel, trail running in New Zealand, Tasmania, Europe, Hong Kong and now Queensland - running has followed Chris through every chapter. And then, of course, we dive into Delirious. Chris went into Delirious West thinking he might finish somewhere around 80 hours. Instead, he moved steadily through the field, managed knee pain, hallucinations, getting lost, no sleep, long stretches alone, and still crossed the finish line first in 67 hours and 30 minutes. As you do. What I loved most about this conversation was how calm and thoughtful Chris is about the whole thing. He didn’t go into Delirious with a huge ego or a dramatic race plan. He went in curious. Could he do 200 miles? Could his body and mind work through the problems? Could he keep moving, stay calm, and solve one thing at a time? Turns out… yes. Very much yes. Chris shares so many brilliant insights from the race, including how he planned conservatively, how his wife Dee crewed him through the event, how they refined the plan as they went, what worked nutrition-wise, why he didn’t sleep, what it was like running alone at the front, and how important it was to eventually team up with Dom in the later stages when fatigue and hallucinations were really kicking in. We also talk about the deeper stuff running gives us - freedom, identity, resilience, connection, and that feeling of being completely alive out on the trails. Chris shares one of his favourite lessons from running: run your own race. Not just in events, but in life. And then there’s Fred. Fred is Chris’s 78-year-old running friend from New Zealand who still runs, travels, tries new things, tells stories, and lives with the kind of young, adventurous mindset we could all learn from. Honestly, I think we may have accidentally started a new movement in this episode: Be Like Fred. This is a beautiful, funny, thoughtful conversation about trail running, ultra running, teaching, family, adventure, crewing, nutrition, sleep deprivation, community, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is put your shoes on and head out the door. In this episode we chat about: Chris growing up in a small New Zealand townHow running became part of his life from a young ageMoving from track, cross country and rugby into trail and ultra runningWhy trail running felt more soulful and less injury-prone than road or club racingChris’s first 200 miler at Delirious WestWinning the 2026 Delirious West 200 miler in 67 hours and 30 minutesStarting at the back and naturally moving through the fieldManaging knee pain early in the raceRunning without sleep for the whole eventHallucinations, spiderwebs, kangaroos and late-night trail weirdnessThe role of Dee, Chris’s wife and crewNutrition strategies, including instant mash, soup, maltodextrin and slow-cooked lambGetting lost near Cozy Corner and being guided out by Scott BunnyWhy Delirious felt both physically and mentally complexThe importance of staying calm and solving one problem at a timeRunning your own race - in running and in lifeWhy big ultra races are never really solo eventsChris’s love of trails, quiet, nature and freedomWhy we should all aim to “Be Like Fred” Tips from Chris Run your own race. Chris says this is the advice he gives his son, and it applies to life as much as running. Listen to others, learn what you can, but in the end it’s your body, your legs, your pace, and your decisions. Have a plan, but don’t cling to it. Chris had a spreadsheet, pacing estimates, food ideas and crew notes - but the race still changed almost immediately. The plan gave him something to work from, but he stayed flexible. Practise your nutrition before race day. Chris worked with Erin from Ultra Appetites after struggling with GI issues in previous races. Getting his nutrition right made a huge difference at Delirious. Keep things simple when you’re tired. By later in the race, Chris and Dee had a rhythm: instant mash, soup, protein shakes, electrolytes, maltodextrin, charging gear, strapping the knee, then back out again. Simple wins when your brain is fried. Let people help you. Chris makes a beautiful point that Delirious might look like an individual event, but it really isn’t. You need crew, aid stations, race directors, volunteers, other runners, nutrition advice...
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    2 hrs and 19 mins