The ZenRUN Podcast

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...

In her final check-in before toeing the start line at Delirious West, Melissa Gregory reflects on a training block that’s left her feeling strong, organised, and—for the first time—injury-free and excited. From back-to-back long runs to downhill training on her local hill (aka the “Friday stress run”), Melissa has fine-tuned both her body and mind for the upcoming 100-miler. Melissa shares how wri...

This week’s mindful moment introduces the five-finger trace, a simple yet powerful way to calm your mind and refocus. Hold out one hand, palm facing you, and use the index finger of your other hand to slowly trace around the edges of your fingers. Inhale as you trace up a finger, exhale as you trace down.   Pay close attention to the sensations—the feeling of touch, the texture of your skin, and e...

In this sixth check-in, Gabe Alves takes us through his biggest training test yet—a 90K race simulation that included heat training, night running, and an important lesson in mid-race recovery. From hitting a massive energy crash at 30K to bouncing back with chocolate milk and lemonade, this was an invaluable test of physical and mental endurance.   Gabe also shares how he’s tackling pre-race nigg...

In this sixth check-in, Andy and Del Thompson reflect on their biggest training test yet—the Tarawera Ultra 100K in New Zealand! From navigating a packed race field to experiencing stunning volcanic landscapes (and some serious humidity), this adventure was the perfect lead-up to Delirious West. They share lessons on hydration, nutrition, and fatigue management, including a tough moment of dehydra...

This week’s mindful moment is mindful stair climbing, a simple way to bring awareness to an everyday movement. As you walk up or down stairs, focus on each step—how your foot makes contact, the push-off, and the rhythm of your movement. Sync your breath with your steps, inhaling as you lift your leg and exhaling as you step down. Feel the strength in your legs and the support beneath you. This pra...

In this special episode, we shift the focus from the athletes to the unsung heroes behind the scenes—the crew! Shannon Dale, crew chief for his wife, ultrarunner Darlene Dale, joins us to share what it takes to support a runner through a gruelling 200-mile event like Delirious West.   Shannon shares his experiences from multiple ultras, breaking down the key elements of successful crewing, includi...

In this sixth check-in, Stuart Rainbow gives us an inside look at his final training block leading up to the Delirious West 200-miler. With a 12-hour run on the schedule, a deep dive into blister prevention strategies, and a heavy focus on gear refinement, Stuart is making sure he leaves nothing to chance. He shares insights from his latest long runs, including tackling Melbourne’s scorching heat,...

In this fifth check-in, James Sawyer shares his final training push as Delirious West 200-miler draws near. While he’s been balancing a mix of rest, recovery, and focused training, he’s also been crewing for his wife during her Rottness solo swim, proving that endurance runs in the family! James opens up about the mental side of ultra racing, discussing how long runs and fatigue teach runners to p...

This week’s mindful moment introduces a simple yet effective practice: hand movement meditation. Sit comfortably with your hands resting on your lap, palms facing up. Slowly open your fingers wide as you inhale, and gently close them into a fist as you exhale. Focus on the sensations in your hands—the stretch of your skin, the movement of your fingers, and the rhythm of your breath.   This groundi...

This week, we welcome Todd Crush, an ultra-runner, author, and mental health advocate whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Todd’s story isn’t just about running—it’s about survival, resilience, and transformation.   After battling schizophrenia and spending years living in the wilderness, Todd found healing through running. What started as fearful laps around his block evolved into 50-...

In this fifth check-in, Glen Smetherham shares how he’s tackling his biggest challenge yet—preparing for the Delirious West 200-miler without running! After a heel and ankle injury forced him to rethink his approach, Glen has fully embraced cycling as his primary training tool, logging nearly 500km and 5,000m of elevation over the last four weeks.   Despite the setback, Glen remains positive, trea...

In this fifth check-in, Darlene Dale shares the highs and lows of her training journey leading up to the Delirious West 200-miler. From managing plantar fasciitis to taking an unexpected detour—straight into a fence on a bike ride—Darlene has faced her fair share of challenges. But despite it all, she’s keeping her spirits high and staying focused on smart training and recovery.   Darlene reflects...

This week’s mindful moment focuses on balance practice, a simple yet powerful way to cultivate mindfulness. Begin by standing on one foot, using a wall or chair for support if needed. Once you feel steady, lift the other leg slightly off the ground and notice how your body adjusts—your toes gripping the floor, your core activating, and your arms helping you stabilise. Hold the pose for as long as...

  This week, we sit down with Kevin Walker, a former team sports athlete turned endurance runner, whose journey into the world of ultramarathons is nothing short of inspiring. Kevin didn’t grow up running track or cross country—instead, he was all about basketball, soccer, and even badminton! But after reading Living with a SEAL by Jesse Itzler, his perspective on endurance completely changed.   S...

With just weeks to go before Delirious West 100, Melissa Gregory is in full-on juggling mode—balancing school runs, family commitments, and a packed training schedule. In this episode, she shares how she’s adapting her routine, making early morning runs a habit, and leaning into meditation and breathwork to stay grounded through the chaos. Melissa reflects on an eye-opening long run where she expe...

In this third check-in, Kevin Matthews shares his unique approach to training for the Delirious West 200-miler—one that prioritises strength, experience, and efficiency over extreme mileage. While many runners are ramping up their distance, Kevin has taken a different approach, focusing on quality over quantity, strength training, and mental preparation. He discusses his recent 24 parkruns in 24 h...

This week’s mindful moment is perfect for anyone who spends a lot of time sitting: gentle chair yoga. Start by sitting at the edge of your chair with your feet flat on the ground. Begin with a seated cat-cow stretch—inhale as you arch your back and open your chest, then exhale as you round your spine and tuck your chin.   Follow this with a seated twist, placing one hand on the opposite knee and g...

In this fifth check-in, we catch up with Gabe Alves as he navigates the final stages of his preparation for the Delirious West 200-miler. From embracing Perth’s summer heat with 35°C+ training runs to experimenting with gear like blister prevention patches (Engo blister patches) and anti-chafing creams, Gabe is leaving no stone unturned.   Gabe shares how he’s been testing his limits with split lo...

In this episode, James Sawyer updates us on his progress as he prepares for the Delirious West 200-miler. Balancing work, family, and training during the scorching summer has been no small feat, but James is determined to stay on track. From creative beachside training sessions to planning long runs on tired legs, his approach highlights resilience and smart adaptations.   James reflects on lesson...

This week’s mindful moment is all about mirror breathing, a practice that helps you tune into your breath and deepen your connection with yourself. Find a mirror and sit or stand comfortably in front of it. Look into your own eyes with curiosity and kindness, and observe the natural rhythm of your breathing. Notice how your body moves with each inhale and exhale—your chest rising, shoulders shifti...

This week, we check in with Andy and Del Thompson, who are deep into their preparations for the Delirious West 200-miler. From training in scorching summer conditions to tackling overnight running challenges, Andy and Del’s journey is one of determination, teamwork, and thoughtful planning. Andy shares his “shock weekend” training experience, including long hours on challenging trails, and Del ope...

In this week’s check-in, Melissa Gregory shares how she’s juggling holiday travels, family adventures, and training for the Delirious West 200-miler. Despite a minor hiccup during her family road trip, Melissa has maintained remarkable consistency in her running, leveraging caravan life to simplify her routine.   Melissa reflects on adapting her schedule to fit around family life, experimenting wi...

In this special event check-in, we sit down with Delirious West 200 race director Sean Kaesler to get the inside scoop on how preparations are coming together for 2025’s biggest ultra-adventure. With record-breaking participation, new race control systems, and a course that promises a mix of challenges and breathtaking scenery, this year’s event is set to be unforgettable. Sean shares insights int...

This week’s mindful moment is about mindful walking with a purpose. Choose a destination—whether it’s your mailbox, a nearby park, or a simple loop around your home—and fully immerse yourself in the act of walking. Feel the sensation of your feet meeting the ground, the rhythm of your breath matching your steps, and the details of your surroundings. Notice the textures, sounds, and even the breeze...