In this Delirious 2026 athlete check-in, I catch up with Matthew Farrand as the start line gets very, very close. And wow - life is definitely not slowing down for him. Between peak training, a knee niggle, putting the house on the market, solo parenting part of the week, and all the chaos that comes with normal life, Matthew has had plenty going on. But as we know… sometimes all the messy, challenging stuff is just part of the training too.

We chat about the injury that forced him to back off at the right time, how he handled it sensibly with strength work and cross-training, and how he’s now feeling much more confident again. We also dive into the practical side of getting to Delirious from London - flights, packing, race prep, food plans, crew logistics, and the very important matter of British treats in a race vest. Think Cadbury Creme Eggs, Eccles cakes, Kendal mint cake… Matthew may end up being the most popular runner on course.

What I really loved in this chat was hearing what Matthew is most looking forward to - the landscape, the beauty of the course, the forests, the beach sections, and hopefully some memorable conversations out on the trail. He also shares a great tip about using the UltraPacer planning tool to map out crew access, sleep strategy, and pacing possibilities, especially when you’re trying to coordinate a big point-to-point race from the other side of the world. This one is a lovely mix of real-life juggling, practical prep, and that growing excitement that comes when something huge is suddenly just around the corner.

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

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💛 Want your running to feel lighter again?

If this conversation resonated, you might enjoy The Running Reset - a simple bundle of guided runs and practical tools to help you reset your rhythm, clear your head, and reconnect with why you run.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

If you’re looking for a little more support with your running, I also offer personalised ZenRUN coaching - simple weekly structure, guidance, and encouragement to help you stay consistent and enjoy your running again.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/zenrun-personalised-run-coaching/buy

⸻

🙏 A couple of big favours

1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations. 2️⃣ I’m always looking for runners to interview. If you (or someone you know) has a running story to share, I’d love to hear from you.

Find me on Facebook or Instagram @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 runners who get it.

👉 https://zenrun.club

This week’s mindful moment is a gentle reset for modern life: take a mindful micro-break from your screen. If you’re spending hours at a computer or on your phone, set a simple cue to pause every hour. Look away from the screen. Stand up. Stretch your arms, roll your shoulders, and take three long, steady breaths. It only takes 30–60 seconds, but it gives your nervous system a chance to recalibrate. This isn’t slacking off—it’s smart self-regulation. Presence fuels productivity far more than pressure ever will. A tiny pause can bring you back to clarity, energy, and calm.

This small habit can become a quiet anchor in your day — a moment to pause, breathe, and return to the present without needing to stop everything you’re doing.

Little moments like this add up. And often they’re the beginning of something bigger.

💛 Want your running (and your headspace) to feel a little lighter?

If you enjoyed this Mindful Moment, you might love The Running Reset — a simple bundle of guided runs and tools designed to help you clear your mind, reset your rhythm, and fall back in love with running.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

⸻

A couple of small favours 1️⃣ If you’re enjoying the podcast, a quick follow, like, or review helps more runners discover it. 2️⃣ Got a running story — or know someone we should chat with? I’d love to hear from you.

Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club

or email hello@zenrun.club

⸻

✨ Run easy. Run happy.

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

👉 https://zenrun.club

Karin Ridley is just 3 weeks out from the Delirious start line, and this check-in has a bit of everything - red dirt, FIFO life, physio wins, date nights, beer laps, and a whole lot of determination. Karin shares what it’s been like starting a new job in the Pilbara while still trying to train, including 2:30am wake-ups, hot evening walk-runs in 38 degrees, and finding a routine that actually works. She also gives a great update on her injury recovery, with the exciting news that her physio has basically “broken up” with her because she’s doing so well.

This chat is full of the real stuff that goes into preparing for a 200-mile race - not just the kilometres, but the food, sleep, planning, mindset, and the people around you who help make it possible. Karin talks about losing 5.7kg through better fuelling and cutting out alcohol, how that’s helped her body heal, and why her main goal now is simple: keep moving forward and get to the finish line. She and Ben have been fine-tuning their race plan, including aid station time limits, sleep stops, and how to avoid getting stuck chatting when it’s time to get moving again.

There are also some beautiful reminders in this episode about what makes ultra running so special. Karin talks about the Delirious community, the volunteers, the crew, the shared madness of it all, and why this sport really is for everybody. One of my favourite lines from this chat? Ultra running is basically a moving picnic. And honestly… she’s not wrong. If you love hearing how everyday runners pull big dreams together around work, life, injury, family and a lot of laughs, you’ll love this one.

A few standout takeaways from Karin:

•If you really want something, you find a way to make it work

•Doing the rehab properly really does pay off

•Better fuelling can change everything

•Aid stations are wonderful… but also dangerous if you love a chat

•In ultra running, finishing is always a brilliant goal

•We’re very lucky to be part of a sport with such a generous community

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 might enjoy The Running Reset - a simple bundle of guided runs and practical tools to help you reset your rhythm, clear your head, and reconnect with why you run.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

If you’re looking for a little more support with your running, I also offer personalised ZenRUN coaching - simple weekly structure, guidance, and encouragement to help you stay consistent and enjoy your running again.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/zenrun-personalised-run-coaching/buy

⸻

🙏 A couple of big favours

1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations.

2️⃣ I’m always looking for runners to interview. If you (or someone you know) has a running story to share, I’d love to hear from you.

Find me on Facebook or Instagram @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 runners who get it.

👉 https://zenrun.club