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) for his first 200-miler

🧂 The “magic” combo of lemonade and choc milk (yes, really)

🛌 Why sleep is just as important as pace in a race this long

🌪️ What it’s like running through beach storms, wind tunnels, and sandy staircases

💬 The power of dot-watching and how it brought his entire workplace together

🎉 Why finishing Delirious was never about a medal—but about the people cheering him on

John’s Ultra Running Wisdom:

✅ Sleep before you hallucinate caravans in the bush

✅ Finish lines matter—but the moments between matter more

✅ You can run a 200-miler… even if your training plan is mostly blank pages

This episode is full of heart, humour, and some truly memorable trail tales. Don’t forget to check out Part One to hear about John’s background, his adventures in PNG, and the wild story of how this all started.

🎧 Start listening now—and relive the magic of Delirious WEST through John’s eyes.

A couple of BIG favours: 1) please like and review this podcast so more people will discover it :) 2) come on the podcast and talk about your running journey and/or refer someone you’d love me to interview (whether you know them or not :) ) Lets not keep the power of running a secret any more! Hit me up on Facebook/Instagram (FitMIND FitBODY) or send me an email - Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co

Don't miss an episode of the FitMind FitBODY Podcast. Sign up to our email list and get notified when new episodes are released.

💛 Looking for more running motivation?

Check out ZenRUN Club (https://zenrun.club/) —a low-pressure space for runners of all levels. With simple training plans, guided runs, and monthly challenges, it’s all about stress-free progress and community support. Come join us when you’re ready!

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

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, go-kart races, and early memories of running

🌱 His incredible family roots—from German refugees to Quaker change-makers

✈️ How he found himself teaching, hiking, and catching dugout canoes in Papua New Guinea

🛠️ His path through engineering, sign-making, and community-building

🌍 Why “doing rather than talking” has become a guiding value in his life

John’s Life Wisdom:

✅ Sometimes adventure starts with a hill trolley and four pram wheels

✅ The best kind of legacy is built on service and stories

✅ Be the one who shows up—even if it means hosting a Parkrun at 80

John’s warmth and quiet drive will leave you inspired, and this episode is just the beginning…

🎧 Tune in now—and don’t forget to catch Part Two where we dive deep into John’s Delirious WEST experience!

A couple of BIG favours: 1) please like and review this podcast so more people will discover it :) 2) come on the podcast and talk about your running journey and/or refer someone you’d love me to interview (whether you know them or not :) ) Lets not keep the power of running a secret any more! Hit me up on Facebook/Instagram (FitMIND FitBODY) or send me an email - Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co

Don't miss an episode of the FitMIND FitBODY Podcast. Sign up to our email list and get notified when new episodes are released.

💛 Looking for more running motivation?

Check out ZenRUN Club (https://zenrun.club/) —a low-pressure space for runners of all levels. With simple training plans, guided runs, and monthly challenges, it’s all about stress-free progress and community support. Come join us when you’re ready!

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

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 bring calm and clarity to your day.

For more mindfulness ideas, head over to our ebook with 24 Simple Mindfulness strategies: https://fitmindfitbody.co/books/

Help us spread the mindfulness: 1️⃣ If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave a like and review. Your support helps others discover the joy of mindful running. 2️⃣ Have a story or know a runner who'd be perfect for our podcast? Reach out to us on Facebook/Instagram or email (Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co ).

💛 Looking for more running motivation?

Check out ZenRUN Club (https://zenrun.club/) —a low-pressure space for runners of all levels. With simple training plans, guided runs, and monthly challenges, it’s all about stress-free progress and community support. Come join us when you’re ready!