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!

This week’s guest is an absolute powerhouse—Laura Firth, ultra runner, Bravehearts champion, and Guinness World Record holder for being the first woman to run an ultra event with a stoma bag.

Originally from the UK, Laura’s story is one of grit, humour, and serious determination. After serving in the army, living through life-changing health challenges, and moving across the world with her young family, she found running—sort of by accident. Now, she’s doing what many never would have thought possible… and loving every second of it.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

💪 How Laura found running after a life-changing medical diagnosis and surgery

🎖️ Her transition from army chef to personal trainer and ultra runner

🥇 The moment she officially became a Guinness World Record holder

🏃‍♀️ Why she’s returning to run 7 marathons in 7 states in 7 days for Bravehearts this June

🩹 The unique challenges of running ultras with an ileostomy—and how she’s learned to manage them like a pro

💛 How running has helped her spread awareness and healing through movement

Laura’s Running Wisdom:

✅ It’s okay to wing it—just don’t forget to hydrate!

✅ You don’t have to be fast to be fierce

✅ The “why” behind your run will carry you farther than any fuel

Whether you’re training for your first 5K or chasing your own crazy ultra dreams, Laura’s raw and real story will leave you inspired to get out there and run with heart.

👉 Support her Bravehearts fundraising here: https://fundraise.bravehearts.org.au/fundraisers/laurafirth

🎧 Listen now and be inspired! 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—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 handwriting with a quote, a creative and calming way to bring presence into your day. Pick a favourite quote or affirmation and write it out slowly, paying attention to each stroke of your pen and the shapes of the letters.

Let the meaning of the words sink in as you write, turning this simple act into a thoughtful, meditative experience. It’s a beautiful blend of mindfulness and inspiration that leaves you with something meaningful to reflect on.

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.

This week, we’re chatting with Craig Jefferys—quiet achiever, determined runner, and proud Delirious WEST finisher. I first met Craig the day before the race, and it’s safe to say we were both a little nervous about the epic adventure ahead.

Craig’s ultra story is one of heart, humility, and deep mental strength. He’s not out there for headlines or glory—he’s in it for the personal challenge and the peace that running brings. But that doesn’t mean it’s been easy. During the final 30 to 40 kilometres of Delirious, Craig battled brutal sleep deprivation and full-blown delirium. Still, he kept putting one foot in front of the other, all the way to that finish line.

In this episode, we chat about: 🛏️ Sleep monsters and what running 200 miles really does to your brain 🧠 The mental strategies that helped Craig power through when everything felt fuzzy 📆 How the Delirious podcast series helped shape his training 👟 His no-fuss approach to running, gear, and preparation 🫶 Why connecting with the community was one of the biggest highlights of his race

Craig’s Running Wisdom: ✅ Trust your training—and your instincts ✅ Stay calm when the brain goes foggy (literally) ✅ Never underestimate the power of sharing your story

Here is an article Craig wrote about his Delirious experience for the Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/may/17/i-started-seeing-robots-what-happens-when-you-run-nearly-nonstop-for-three-days

Whether you’re training for a big goal or wondering how anyone survives a 200-miler, Craig’s story is a brilliant reminder that every runner faces doubts—but those who keep showing up find their finish line.

🎧 Listen now and be inspired! *Photo credit to Astrid Volzke

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.

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

This week’s mindful moment is an eye movement exercise, a gentle way to care for your vision and bring mindfulness into your day. Sit comfortably and slowly move your eyes left, right, up, and down. Then, trace a figure-eight shape with your gaze, paying attention to how your eyes feel as they move.

This simple practice helps relieve eye strain and invites presence by focusing on the often-overlooked sense of sight. It’s a calming way to reset—especially if you’ve been staring at a screen! 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.

This week’s guest is Travis Ireland—ultra-runner, backyard ultra fan, and the brains behind the wildly popular app Run the World. But before he created a global running movement, Travis was just a kid running cross-country with his mates in country New South Wales… and later, a guy trying to rebuild his life after hitting rock bottom.

In this episode, we dive into the honest, hilarious, and powerful story behind the app that’s helped thousands of runners stay motivated for life.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

🌍 How a virtual run around Australia turned into a global movement with 7,000+ members

🛠️ The journey from gym instructor to building his dream one spreadsheet at a time

🎲 How Travis turned to running to overcome addiction and reclaim joy

🏃‍♂️ His love for slow running, long distances, and the beautifully weird world of backyard ultras

📅 Why he designed his app to help runners (and walkers!) stay active for decades

💡 What it’s like when world record holders like Phil Gore casually sign up

Travis’ Running Wisdom:

✅ Motivation looks different for everyone—your “why” matters most

✅ Walk, shuffle, jog—just keep moving

✅ Progress isn’t always about speed; it’s about showing up

This episode is full of heart, humour, and inspiration. Whether you’re just starting out or running ultras, Travis’ story will make you want to lace up and log a few KMs.

🎧 Tune in now

👉 Check out Run the World: https://www.runsoftheworld.com/

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.

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/