The ZenRUN Podcast

Michelle Frost
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

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

  1. 20h ago

    Episode 639 - MFYU Mini Series - Nagiska Mayes’ Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Journey - 30 Yards, 200K and One Very Wise Husband

    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 breakthrough Nagiska shares honestly about not growing up sporty and building her running from scratch We talk about fear, self-doubt, comparison, and the pressure we put on ourselves There’s a beautiful story of Jack supporting Nagiska through the hardest yards Nagiska reaches 30 yards and 200K, doubling her distance PB You’ll hear what it means to share a huge running moment with your husband and best friend It’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 story How Covid, gym closures and Jack helped start her running journey Her first 100K at Surf Coast Century Why she wanted to find her limit at MFYU The leap from a 14-hour backyard PB to 30 yards Yard 24 and her first ever 100 miler The emotional moment where she worried about letting Jack down The role of her crew and brother-in-law Peter Turkish delight, V, Vegemite sandwiches and ultra-running food logic The mental battle between being done and going one more yard How Jack helped her reframe the story in her head Reaching 200K with Jack and Rach The beautiful “we make a good team” moment What Nagiska learned about herself through the event Mentioned In This Episode Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Ultra Series Australia Shaun Kaesler Surf Coast Century Wild Dog Backyard Ultra You Yangs 100 Miler Hardcore Harry’s King of the Hill The Prom Wonthaggi Daft Punk’s “One More Time” Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Event Website https://www.melbournefyu.com.au/ Interested in the 2027 Melbourne Frontyard Ultra? Entries are open now for Saturday 1 May 2027 - and if 2026 is anything to go by, it’s going to be bigger, better, and likely to sell out. Enter here: https://www.melbournefyu.com.au/ 💛 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 1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations. 2️⃣ 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.

    42 min

  2. 2d ago

    Episode 638 - MM - 224 - Do one thing in slow motion

    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

    3 min

  3. 3d ago

    Episode 637 - Peta Moore: DNFs, Dirt Naps, Emergency Twisties & the Joy of Coming Back

    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 town Her path into wildlife biology, zoo medicine, and vet nursing Running in Alice Springs, Vietnam, Perth, Spain, the Blue Mountains and WA trails Her first trail events and how she got sucked into the ultra world Why the WA trail running community became her second family Her first 200 miler at Unreasonable in the Blue Mountains Sleep deprivation, aid station meltdowns, and emergency Twisties The injury rollercoaster: shoulder surgery, knee surgery, stress fractures and comebacks Her 2026 Delirious West 200 miler DNF Why stopping can sometimes be the strongest decision The strange grief that can come after a DNF Why 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 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.

    3h 4m

  4. 4d ago

    Episode 636 - Be Like Fred: Chris Atkinson on Winning Delirious West, Running Your Own Race & Loving the Long Way

    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 town How running became part of his life from a young age Moving from track, cross country and rugby into trail and ultra running Why trail running felt more soulful and less injury-prone than road or club racing Chris’s first 200 miler at Delirious West Winning the 2026 Delirious West 200 miler in 67 hours and 30 minutes Starting at the back and naturally moving through the field Managing knee pain early in the race Running without sleep for the whole event Hallucinations, spiderwebs, kangaroos and late-night trail weirdness The role of Dee, Chris’s wife and crew Nutrition strategies, including instant mash, soup, maltodextrin and slow-cooked lamb Getting lost near Cozy Corner and being guided out by Scott Bunny Why Delirious felt both physically and mentally complex The importance of staying calm and solving one problem at a time Running your own race - in running and in life Why big ultra races are never really solo events Chris’s love of trails, quiet, nature and freedom Why 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, and people who believe you can keep going. Get outside. Chris’s motivation tip is beautifully simple: put your shoes on, head outside, and spend time in nature. Run, walk, explore, notice the birds, breathe the fresh air. Something is better than nothing. Be Like Fred. Stay curious. Keep moving. Try new things. Tell stories. Stay young in your mindset. And keep loving the trails for as long as you possibly can. 💛 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.

    2h 19m

  5. May 20

    Episode 635 - MM - 223 - Wake up your ankles

    This week’s mindful moment brings your attention right down to the foundation of your movement: wake up your ankles. Before you head out for a run, a walk, or even just start your day, take a minute to gently circle each ankle. Move slowly, without forcing anything—just explore the range. Notice what feels smooth, what feels tight, and how each direction differs. Then switch sides. Your ankles quietly do a huge amount of work every single day, especially when you’re running, and this simple check-in is a way to reconnect and support them. When you start paying attention to these small, often overlooked areas, your whole body can begin to move with more ease. 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 ⸻ ✨ Run easy. Run happy. ZenRUN Club is a relaxed space for runners who want consistency without pressure — guided runs, simple tools, and runners who get it. 👉 https://zenrun.club

    3 min

  6. May 19

    Episode 634 - MFYU Mini Series - Margie Hadley’s Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Journey - 48 Yards, Grass Angels and One More Time

    Welcome to the first episode in our brand-new 2026 Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Mini-Series on the ZenRUN Podcast. This series is a little different from our usual runner interviews. I was over at Melbourne Frontyard Ultra as one of the race directors, and while I was there, I followed a handful of athletes through their event - quick check-ins before the race, during the yards, in the tired middle-of-the-night moments, and then again after their race was done. And first up, we’re following the amazing Margie Hadley. Margie came into Melbourne Frontyard Ultra with a huge amount of experience in the backyard ultra format. She’s part of the incredible Perth ultra-running community, had a personal best already sitting deep in the 40-hour range, and arrived with big goals, a brilliant crew, and a very calm, steady energy. But as you’ll hear in this episode, even the most experienced runners still have to face the same question every hour: Can I get back to the start line one more time? This episode captures Margie’s journey from the early relaxed yards, through rain, niggles, crew chaos, toe-taping, attempts at tiny naps, second-night fatigue, and the constant sound of Daft Punk’s “One More Time” reminding everyone that yes - another yard was coming. Margie went on to hit a new PB of 48 yards, become the last woman standing, and still had the courage to start yard 49 - even when she knew she had given almost everything to get back from yard 48. There are funny moments, tired moments, practical crew realities - including some very honest portaloo chat - and one of my favourite moments of the whole episode: Margie lying on the grass doing “grass angels” during yard 49 before deciding whether she could keep moving. In our wrap-up chat, Margie reflects on what worked, what didn’t, the power of crew, why sleep became such a challenge, how her nutrition was a huge win, and why sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply start - even when you’re not sure what will happen next. Why You’ll Love This Episode You’ll get a real inside look at what a Frontyard Ultra actually feels like You’ll hear the difference between results on paper and the real story behind them Margie shares what it’s like to chase big goals in the backyard ultra format We talk crew, sleep, nutrition, mental toughness, and tiny decisions There are raw check-ins from during the event, not just polished reflections afterward You’ll hear why this format is brutal, fascinating, funny, and strangely beautiful And yes… you’ll never hear “One More Time” the same way again A Few Favourite Themes One yard at a time The format is simple: 6.7km every hour until only one person is left. But simple does not mean easy. Crew matters Margie’s crew played a massive role - from food and foot care to tough love and getting her back out there when she didn’t want to go. Sleep changes everything Margie’s nutrition went brilliantly, but sleep became the one-percenter she now wants to work on. You don’t always know what’s possible Margie talked beautifully about how quickly things can shift in endurance events - one moment you’re done, the next moment something changes. Just start One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the power of starting the next yard, even if you’re not sure you’ll finish it. Listen In For Margie’s running background and how she grew into running as an adult Why she keeps coming back to backyard ultras Her previous PB of 47 hours and her goal to push beyond 50 Early race check-ins and the very wobbly bridge Joel’s crew update after very little sleep Rain, slippery course conditions, and a few leg niggles Crew realities, including the great portaloo discussion Toe-taping with 11 minutes to go A tiny nap attempt in the middle of the night The 1am music chat Margie’s 48-yard PB Yard 49, grass angels, and the moment she knew she was done Her reflections on nutrition, sleep, crew, and what comes next Interested in the 2027 Melbourne Frontyard Ultra?  Want to see how many 6.7km yard you can tick off? Entries are open now for the 2027 event to be held on Saturday 1 May 2027 - and if 2026 is anything to go by, it’s going to be bigger, better, and likely to sell out. Enter here: https://www.melbournefyu.com.au/ ⸻ 💛 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   1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations. 2️⃣ 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.

    59 min

  7. May 18

    Episode 633 - From Mexico to Delirious: JP’s 200-Mile Adventure & Love of Life

    In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I sit down with the incredibly warm, thoughtful and inspiring Juan Pablo Rodriguez - better known as JP - to chat about his journey from Mexico to Australia, his experience at Delirious WEST, and the deeper meaning he’s finding through running, movement and adventure. What started as a race recap quickly turned into one of those beautiful conversations that goes far beyond running. JP shares what it felt like taking on the Delirious 200 Miler, the emotional highs and lows of the event, and why the experience left such a huge mark on him. We also dive into life, gratitude, travel, community, pushing yourself into the unknown, and the simple gift of being able to move your body. There’s something really special about JP’s outlook on life. He has this beautiful way of reminding us not to take movement, health or adventure for granted. At one point he says: “Go take advantage of your blessing.” ❤️  And honestly… that pretty much sums up this entire episode. We also chat about: What drew JP from Mexico to Australia His Delirious WEST experience and lessons from the trail Why the Delirious community is so special The emotional side of ultra running Gratitude, perspective and staying present Why movement is something to celebrate The explosion of running and outdoor adventure post-COVID What might be next for JP (including possibly returning to Delirious 👀) Why You’ll Love This Episode JP’s positive outlook on life is genuinely infectious A beautiful reminder to appreciate what our bodies can do Honest reflections from a Delirious 100-mile athlete A mix of deep conversation, laughs and trail stories A lovely episode for anyone needing motivation to get moving again Tips from JP Don’t take movement for granted Adventure is worth the discomfort Community makes hard things possible Sometimes the biggest growth comes from doing something that scares you Be grateful for the simple ability to move your body This episode feels less like an interview… and more like sitting around after a huge adventure chatting about life. I absolutely loved this conversation and I think you will too 😊 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 If you’re looking for a little more support with your running, I also offer personalised ZenRUN coaching - simple weekly structure, guidance, and encouragement to help you stay consistent and enjoy your running again. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/zenrun-personalised-run-coaching/ ⸻ 🙏 A couple of big favours 1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations. 2️⃣ 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.

    3h 6m

  8. May 16

    Episode 632 - Delirious Wrap - Bianca O’Neill: 100 Miles, Mum Miles & the Longest Finish Chute in History

    In this Delirious WEST 2026 athlete wrap-up episode, I’m chatting with the fabulous Bianca O’Neill about her 100-mile adventure - and honestly, this one has a bit of everything. Bianca takes us through her race from the slightly questionable pre-race preparation of champagne, beach walks and buying far too much food, through to the night start, the Monkey Rock “zombie train”, emotional moments on the trail, aid station chaos, freezing cold naps that didn’t quite happen, and the beautiful final stretch into Albany. This year was extra special because Bianca ran alongside her mum, Sue, which brought a whole extra layer of fun, support, worry, laughter, and probably a few “slow down” wheezes along the way. There’s something pretty amazing about sharing 100 miles with your mum - even when neither of you has had enough sleep and your feet are well and truly over it. Bianca also shares the deeper “why” behind her race, running in support of her friend Danielle, who is going through brain cancer. That emotional thread runs through the episode beautifully - the reminder that sometimes when things get hard, remembering why you’re there can be the thing that keeps you moving. We also talk about all the important ultra-running things… like stale hot cross buns, toasties that hit the spot, maple syrup as race nutrition, chafing tips, emu export at Shaz’s, windmills that feel like there are 900 of them, and that final road section that felt much longer than it had any right to. Bianca finished in 50 hours and 1 second - yes, one second - and somehow that feels perfectly Bianca. A little note on this episode: we had a few audio gremlins along the way. We’ve cleaned it up as much as we can, and rather than making Bianca re-live the whole 100 miles again, we’re sharing it as it is - real, honest, slightly imperfect, and full of brilliant stories. Why You’ll Love This Episode You’ll love this chat if you enjoy stories about: Running huge distances with family The emotional side of ultra-running Why sleep matters so much in 100-mile races Aid station food, drop bag chaos and nutrition lessons The Delirious WEST community and all the people who make the race special Keeping going when your feet are burning, your brain is tired, and the finish line feels like it has moved further away Laughing at the ridiculous things that happen when you’ve been awake for far too long Tips from Bianca A few little gems from Bianca’s race: Don’t overpack your drop bags. Bianca bought heaps of food, but ended up sticking mostly to a few reliable favourites. Find nutrition you can actually keep using when tired. Precision hydration and chews worked well for her because she could keep getting them down. Sleep is worth practising. Bianca’s biggest challenge wasn’t fitness - it was not being able to switch off and nap properly during the race. Have simple go-to foods. Soup, toasties, burritos and bread became easier than trying to force random snacks. Use distraction when things hurt. Bianca looked for whales near the windmills to take her mind off her feet. Remember your why. When things got tough, Bianca came back to the reason she was out there - her friend Danielle. Chafe tip! Bianca swears by putting Bepanthen on before showering if you’re badly chafed, to help stop that horrible shower sting. 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 If you’re looking for a little more support with your running, I also offer personalised ZenRUN coaching - simple weekly structure, guidance, and encouragement to help you stay consistent and enjoy your running again. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/zenrun-personalised-run-coaching/ ⸻ 🙏 A couple of big favours 1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations. 2️⃣ 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

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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

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Frost
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    648
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The ZenRUN Podcast

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