This week’s mindful moment invites you to reconnect with the ground beneath you—walk barefoot across different textures. If it’s safe and comfortable, take off your shoes and explore the surfaces around you: kitchen tiles, carpet, floorboards, grass, concrete. Notice the temperature, the texture, the way your feet adjust with each step.

Your gait will shift, your awareness will heighten, and your body will subtly respond. It’s a simple practice that awakens the senses and nourishes your nervous system. Barefoot time is grounding, calming, and a beautiful way to return to the present—one step at a time.

💛 Want running (and life) to feel a little lighter? If you loved this Mindful Moment, you’ll enjoy The ZenRUN Reset Collection — a simple set of guided audios and tools to help you reset your running rhythm, clear your head, and get back to enjoying movement again. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

Help us spread the word:

1️⃣ Enjoying the podcast? A quick like or review really helps other runners find it.

2️⃣ Got a story - or know a runner we should chat with? Message us on Facebook or Instagram, or email hello@zenrun.club

✨ Run happy. Run easy. ZenRUN Club is a relaxed space for runners who want consistency without pressure — guided runs, simple tools, and people who get it. 👉 zenrun.club

🎧 Explore all episodes:

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

In this third check-in, I catch up with Ben Pyman as the Delirious WEST 2026 countdown slips into double digits – and the Adelaide heat turns things up a notch.

Ben shares how December really went (spoiler: life was busy, but consistency still won), why he’s happy with his mileage despite a few missed runs, and how he’s thinking about training smarter this year – not just harder. We talk openly about heat management, why long flat road runs can be more fatiguing than trails, and the importance of not trying to “catch up” missed sessions (a lesson learned the hard way last year).

This episode also dives deep into gear – from pack changes and shoe upgrades to battery stress, phone charging drama, and why small logistics can quietly drain energy during a multi-day event. Ben reflects on what worked at Delirious last year, what he’s simplifying this time around, and how a few thoughtful upgrades can remove unnecessary mental load.

There’s also plenty of banter – park run competitiveness, age-group honesty, finishing-line fantasies, and a shared appreciation for keeping things simple as race day gets closer.

A grounded, practical, and very real check-in from an athlete who knows exactly what matters at this stage of the journey.

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🏃‍♂️ Why You’ll Love This Episode

• Real talk about training through heat and disrupted weeks • Why consistency beats “catch-up” mileage every time • Trail running vs long flat road runs – recovery matters • Smart decisions around events, tapers, and temptation • Practical gear insights (packs, shoes, batteries, head torches) • The mental load of navigation, tech, and tiny details • Honest reflections from someone doing Delirious again – wiser this time

Delirious WEST event Website – https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/ Event Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

💛 Want your running to feel lighter again?

If this conversation resonated, you’ll love The ZenRUN Reset Collection — a set of guided audios and simple tools to help you reset your running 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 like and review the podcast — it helps more runners discover it.

2️⃣ Come on the podcast and share your running journey, or refer someone you’d love me to interview (even if you don’t know them personally!). Let’s stop keeping the power of running a secret.

Find me on Facebook or Instagram at 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.

✨ Run easy. Run happy.

ZenRUN Club is a relaxed space for runners who want consistency without pressure — guided runs, simple tools, and people who actually get it.

👉 zenrun.club

🎙️ Explore all episodes:

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

In this Check-In 3 episode of the Delirious WEST 2026 series, I catch up with the wonderfully tough and straight-talking Sym Mercer – who is deep in the messy middle of training… with a not-so-cooperative hip.

Since we last spoke, Sym’s training took an unexpected turn after a big block led to a hospital visit, scans, bursitis, and a cyst that might be masking a stress fracture. Not ideal – especially with 13 weeks to the start line (less now!). But if there’s one thing Sym brings in spades, it’s attitude.

We talk about adjusting training on the fly – swapping running for gym, swimming, riding, paddling, and carefully reintroducing runs without blowing things up. There’s also a big focus on mindset: staying in motion when rest messes with your head, trusting the long game, and accepting that sometimes the goal is simply to get to the start line in one piece.

Sym also shares a behind-the-scenes look at planning the epic drive to WA, crew logistics, border biosecurity dramas (goodbye tomatoes and avocados 😅), FIFO work life, heat training in the Barkly, and why 13 weeks sounds manageable… but 92 days sounds terrifying.

This is a real, raw check-in about adapting, not quitting – and showing up even when the plan gets ripped up.

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You’ll hear: • What happens when a big training block backfires • Training around injury without losing momentum • Why doing nothing can be harder than training • Creative ways to maintain aerobic fitness when running is limited • Heat training advantages (even when you hate the cold) • Crew planning, road trips, and WA border food confiscations • The power of attitude when things don’t go to plan

One thing’s clear – Sym is getting to the start line. How she gets there? That’s the story we’re watching unfold.

Delirious WEST event Website – https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/ Event Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

💛 Want your running to feel lighter again? If this conversation resonated, you’ll love The ZenRUN Reset Collection — a set of guided audios and simple tools to help you reset your running 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 like and review the podcast — it helps more runners discover it. 2️⃣ Come on the podcast and share your running journey, or refer someone you’d love me to interview (even if you don’t know them personally!). Let’s stop keeping the power of running a secret.

Find me on Facebook or Instagram at 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.

✨ Run easy. Run happy. ZenRUN Club is a relaxed space for runners who want consistency without pressure — guided runs, simple tools, and people who actually get it. 👉 zenrun.club

🎙️ Explore all episodes:

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/