In this third check-in with Delirious WEST 2026 athlete Craig Jeffrey, we dive deep into what long-term ultra preparation really looks like – not just the kilometres, but the thinking behind them.

Craig shares stories from icy Christmas runs along the Hudson River (including borrowed shoes and a reminder to always carry your runners on flights), back-to-back 50km days on the Yarra, and why those tired-leg weekends actually build confidence rather than break it. We talk about block-style training, mixing intervals and tempo with long efforts, and why repeating huge long runs every weekend doesn’t work for everyone.

We also unpack poles strategy, pack setup for uncrewed runners, HRV trends after big races, and the strange mental states that can show up deep into a 200-miler – including Craig’s unforgettable four-hour memory gap from last year’s Delirious.

As always, it’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about training smarter, adapting with age, and embracing the adventure of Delirious WEST – uncertainty and all.

In this episode we cover: • Running through winter in New York and training through travel • Achilles niggles, shoe choices, and why carrying your runners matters • Back-to-back long runs and confidence on tired legs • Block training vs weekly long runs • Tempo, intervals, and staying efficient over long distances • Poles strategy and arm fatigue • HRV, recovery, and what Delirious does to the body • Sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and altered brain states • Why Delirious is as much mental as it is physical

📌 Delirious WEST logistics & support:

Craig is flying into Perth on Monday 6 April and is looking for a lift from Perth to Northcliffe.

He’s also open to having a pacer for the second half of Delirious WEST.

If you’re heading down that day or interested in pacing, please reach out and let us know.

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

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

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