In this wrap-up episode, Kevin “Big Kev” Matthews takes us deep into the heart of his fifth Delirious West finish—sharing all the highs, lows, and hilarious moments that made 2025’s edition “The Hilly Year” one to remember.

From Mandalay-to-Mount Clare misery (times two) to epic pasta dishes and the infamous “magic hill” at Shelley Beach, Kev recounts a race that was tough on the legs but full of soul. He talks about how he managed his energy, stayed social on the trail, and learned the value of proper food over sugar-packed snacks.

This episode is packed with Kev’s signature wit, wisdom, and warmth—and a very entertaining sprint finish inspired by a cheeky WhatsApp message.

Key Highlights:

•Why Mandalay to Mount Clare “sucked both ways”

•The value of mid-race sleep, real food, and ditching the gels

•That time Kev hallucinated SUVs on a dike near Lowlands

•Jet ski in the dark, steak and onions at Peaceful Bay, and the ultimate nap at Shelley

•Kev’s take on why we all keep coming back—even when we swear we won’t

•The sprint finish sparked by a phantom Charles in the group chat

Connect with Us:

If you’re into smart race strategy, community spirit, and laughing at yourself while doing something epic—Kev’s your guy. Tune in, subscribe, and share your favourite Kevin-ism with us.

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

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In this wrap-up episode, Stuart Rainbow takes us through his unforgettable Delirious West 2025 experience—a journey filled with epic scenery, wild mishaps, emotional highs, and some truly hilarious trail moments.

After a DNF the previous year, Stuart returned stronger and more determined than ever, and his storytelling doesn’t disappoint. From an early fall and a missed turn just 2.7km into the race, to a broken watch at the 175km mark and a surreal encounter with a jet-ski delivery and Wonder Woman (a.k.a. Darlene Dale) powering past, Stuart’s recap is full of grit, gratitude, and a good dose of Aussie humour.

He shares how he made peace with tech failures, why his custom gaiter setup was a total win, and what it meant to share miles with loved ones and strangers who became trail family.

Key Highlights:

•Overcoming early chaos: fall, wrong turn, and lightheadedness at 5km

•Strategic sleep stops, crew coordination, and jocks-based recovery hacks

•Gear win of the race: custom-fitted Raidlight gaiters—zero sand, zero regrets

•That time his Garmin died mid-race, and how he reframed the frustration

•Unexpected support: surprise friends from his hometown cheering him on

•The emotional moment of returning to Perry’s Beach—the scene of last year’s DNF

•Finishing with pride, presence, and some incredible sunset memories

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Stuart’s story is a masterclass in perspective and trail magic. If you’ve ever faced a tough trail, a tech fail, or a race that meant more than just miles—this one’s for you. Don’t forget to subscribe and share!

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

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

In this deeply personal and powerful wrap-up episode, James Sawyer shares how his Delirious West 2025 unfolded across four days, 79 hours, and hundreds of emotional highs and lows. From the outside, James’ run was smooth—no gear drama, no major disasters—but what made it remarkable was the mental depth, emotional vulnerability, and sheer human connection along the way.

Running shoulder-to-shoulder with his mate Ben, James talks about their pacing, their sleep deprivation strategy (or lack thereof!), and how a bacon and egg sandwich diet powered him through more than 300km. He opens up about an emotional breakdown around the 301km mark—a raw, sobbing moment that felt like shedding a lifetime of masks—and why that moment is, in many ways, his highlight.

This is a story about showing up as yourself, leaning into the adventure, and discovering what’s possible when you let go of control and let the trail guide you.

Key Highlights:

•Starting strong with no real plan—and somehow executing it perfectly

•The mental crash at 150km, and the power of a 60-minute nap and a teddy bear

•Fuel of choice: 27+ bacon and egg sandwiches and mango chicken fried rice

•Crew love, pacer magic, and the joy of running with someone who just “gets it”

•An unplanned perfect finish—James and Ben, reunited at the end

•Emotional truths: what James uncovered about himself when no one was watching

Connect with Us:

If you’ve ever run from something—or towards something—this is the episode for you. Tune in, share it with a trail buddy, and tell us: what’s the mask you dropped on the trail? Delirious WEST event Website - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/ Event Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

In this laugh-out-loud and surprisingly heartfelt episode, Glen Smetherham unpacks his seventh (!!) Delirious West 200-miler—and it just might be his most satisfying yet.

Despite going in with a painful heel niggle and a patched-up knee, Glen navigated the course with a unique combination of trail smarts, dry humour, and sheer stubbornness. Alongside his race buddy Felix, Glen ran the full 200 miles with plenty of silliness at aid stations, a couple of shared hallucinations (mandatory pumpkin, anyone?), and even a pastry and coffee delivery mid-race.

He opens up about pacing, pain management, the art of being kicked out of every aid station, and why this race, despite being his slowest, meant more than ever. Plus, some practical coaching takeaways and the joy of helping his athletes thrive on the trail.

Key Highlights:

•Starting the race with heel bursitis and a torn patella tendon

•Aid station antics, shared naps, and pastry deliveries

•Hallucinations galore: Christmas capsules, Blues Brothers, and… forgotten pumpkins

•Pain peaks, emotional lows, and how a well-placed joke got him through

•Trail wisdom from seven finishes—and why he’s still not done

•The power of coaching and community in long-haul ultras

Connect with Us:

Love the wrap-ups? Subscribe and leave a review! And if Glen’s story made you laugh, cry, or start packing for next year—drop us a comment and tag your trail crew!

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

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

This week’s mindful moment is planting mindfulness, a grounding practice that connects you with nature. Whether you have a garden or just a small potted plant, take time to care for it with full awareness. Feel the soil in your hands, notice the textures of the leaves, and breathe in the earthy scent.

Engaging with plants through movement and touch is a simple yet powerful way to slow down, be present, and nurture both your surroundings and yourself.

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 ).

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In this powerful wrap-up episode, Mel Gregory shares the full, unfiltered story of her Delirious West journey—from last-minute logistics chaos to emotional lows, stunning trail highs, and a finish line moment that brought everything full circle.

Mel opens up about the unexpected challenges before the start line, including car breakdowns, solo travel, and forgotten snacks. But her ability to adapt and stay mentally strong set the tone for an event that tested her physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

From trailside meltdowns to epic sunrises, and the love of her crew and kids keeping her going, Mel’s story is a deeply moving reminder of what ultra running is really about: connection, resilience, and the moments that change us.

Key Highlights:

•Navigating chaos before the start: border closures, solo travel, and broken-down cars

•Choosing connection over pace: ditching race goals to run with friends

•Her toughest moment: night-time tears, a call to her husband, and finding strength in her kids

•Why Monkey Rock and Friday’s sunrise were unforgettable

•Physical challenges: hip pain, swollen feet, and learning to manage on the go

•The magic of a well-timed pacer, drop bags, and handwritten messages from friends

•The emotional finish: walking in with her kids and husband 💛

Connect with Us:

If you’ve followed the Delirious series, this wrap-up is a must-listen. Mel’s story will make you laugh, cry, and believe you can do hard things. Subscribe and share—this one’s from the heart.

Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/ Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

This week’s mindful moment is mindful arm swinging, a simple yet effective way to release tension and connect with your body. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and let your arms hang loosely at your sides. Gently swing them forward and backward, noticing the natural momentum and the way your shoulders relax. As you continue, sync the movement with your breath, allowing each swing to feel more intentional.

This easy practice brings awareness to your body, promotes relaxation, and offers a refreshing reset during your day.

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 ).

Don’t miss a single episode. Sign up for our email alerts.

In a delightful flip of roles, this episode brings you something special—Michelle Frost is in the hot seat, interviewed by none other than her daughter, Nikki, just days after finishing the epic Delirious West 200-miler. What unfolds is a beautiful, funny, and deeply honest conversation about what it’s really like to spend four days and nights on the trails, chasing dots, dodging frogs, navigating fatigue, and finding strength in unexpected places.

From music that sparked trail dancing to micro-naps while running, Michelle shares the mental highs, the physical challenges (blisters, hello), and the emotional power of community, family support, and the “why” that drove her forward.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever thought “could I?”—Michelle’s answer is “Yes. If I can, you can.”

Key Highlights:

•What it’s like to run for four days straight (and still be smiling!)

•The mental rollercoaster—self-doubt, joy, and music as a mindset shift

•Navigating logistics, gear chaos, and the power of a good crew

•Why she kept going: family support, community love, and a little bit of stubbornness

•Frogs, orb spiders, dirt naps… and the magic of trail friendships

•A fresh take on recovery, resilience, and redefining what we think is possible

Connect with Us:

If you’ve been following the Delirious series, this is the heartwarming, laugh-out-loud, inspiring wrap-up you didn’t know you needed. Subscribe, share, and drop a message—Michelle would love to hear your takeaways!

Check out the Delirious WEST event - https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/ Event Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/