In this Delirious WEST 2026 wrap-up episode, I catch up with Ben Pyman after his 100-mile adventure - and what a run he had.

Ben takes us right back to the start line in Walpole, the nervous energy, the familiar faces, the late-night race briefing, and that feeling of finally being let loose into the dark. From there, we follow him through the beautiful, brutal, hilarious and slightly ridiculous journey that is Delirious WEST.

There’s the early buzz of running with others, meeting fellow podcast guests Warren Page and Jason, the stunning sections through Conspicuous Cliffs, Peaceful Bay and Boat Harbour, and of course - the very important aid station food reviews. Risotto, creamy chicken and potato, bacon and egg sandiches, soup, brownies… honestly, this episode may make you hungry as well as inspired.

But it wasn’t all smooth running. Ben talks honestly about the soft sand that absolutely smoked him, the long lonely night sections, the hallucinations, the sleepy shuffle from Lowlands to Cosy Corner, and the very real difference a pacer or crew can make when your brain has gone on holiday.

One of the most powerful parts of this chat is hearing Ben describe how he came good again after a short sleep, food, rest and sunrise. After hours of dragging himself along, he suddenly found himself running freely through the windmills, feeling like it was a brand-new day - and then, somehow, finishing the final stretch with strength, emotion and a massive sense of pride.

Ben finished the 100 miler in 39 hours and 37 minutes, hitting his secret sub-40 goal and coming away with a whole lot of lessons, a black toenail caused by a chair rather than the race, and a very strong suspicion that the 200 miler might be next.

We talk about what worked, what he’d change, why sand training may need to become a thing, how his feet survived almost perfectly, and why Delirious WEST is about so much more than just the kilometres.

This is a beautiful, funny, honest episode about community, resilience, food, fatigue, emotion, and those strange ultra moments where you wonder how on earth you’re still moving - and then suddenly realise you’re running better than you thought possible.

Previous episodes mentioned: Jason Phillips - https://fitmindfitbody.co/episode-600-running-through-lifes-toughest-moments-jason-phillips-journey-back-to-the-start-line/ Warren Page - https://fitmindfitbody.co/episode-583-warren-page-walk-the-hills-build-the-legs-play-the-long-game/

Delirious WEST event Website – https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/

Interested in the 2027 DW? Go join the event Facebook Group so you don’t miss when the race opens for entries in June for new runners – 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/

🙏 A couple of big favours

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

2. 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.

In this Delirious WEST 2026 wrap-up episode, I catch up with Kylie Bell after her 100-mile adventure - and as always, Kylie brings such a calm, honest and experienced perspective to the conversation.

Kylie has done plenty of big ultras before, but this year surprised her in one very specific way: she got properly tired. Not just “ultra tired” but weaving-on-the-trail, seeing-smiley-faces-in-rocks, cupboards-and-benches-in-the-bushes tired. 😄

We talk about the moment she decided to let go of the “I don’t nap in 100 milers” ego, take a 10-minute sleep at Cosy Corner, have a coffee and toastie, and get herself back on track. Sometimes the most experienced runners aren’t the ones who push blindly - they’re the ones who know when to reset.

Kylie also shares what she loved about the course, including the technical Monkey Rocks section, the beach running, the rhythm of moving through the night, and the strange quietness of this year’s race where she spent a lot of time alone.

We chat gear, shoes, socks, nutrition, gel fatigue, the incredible Delirious aid stations - which are basically like being invited into someone’s kitchen for dinner - and that slightly cruel moment near Albany where runners get close to the finish line… then have to turn away from it again. Rude. Very rude.

And of course, Kylie’s finish line involved champagne, a cheeky fireball, a sleep, and then - because apparently running 100 miles wasn’t enough - she came back the next day and set up a massage table to help other runners recover.

This episode is full of everything we love about Delirious: the humour, the hallucinations, the food, the community, the “I’m not coming back next year” comments that no one really believes, and the beautiful madness of ultra running.

Why You’ll Love This Episode - Kylie’s very funny hallucination story involving smiley-face rocks and imaginary furniture - The power of a tiny 10-minute nap in a massive race - Why even experienced runners still get surprised by ultras - The magic of Delirious aid stations and the “moving picnic” energy - Kylie’s thoughts on the 7pm start and running through the night - Gear and nutrition lessons from the 100 miler - Why the Delirious community feels like one big family - Kylie’s next adventures, including Birdy’s Backyard and GPT100 in the Grampians

Tips from Kylie’s 100-Mile Adventure 1. Don’t be too proud to reset - a 10-minute nap, coffee and a toastie can change everything. 2. Know your own race style - Kylie doesn’t obsess over watch distance or aid station kilometres. She focuses on where she is and what comes next. 3. Nutrition works best when it has variety - gels helped, but too many sweet things can lead to serious gel fatigue. 4. Test your gear, but also trust what works - Kylie stuck with her usual Hoka Challenger ATRs and toe socks, and had a great result with no blisters or toenail drama. 5. The race isn’t just the race - the finish line, the volunteers, the chats, the community, and even helping others the next day are all part of the experience.

Delirious WEST event website: https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/

Interested in the 2027 DW? Go join the event Facebook Group so you don’t miss when the race opens for entries in June for new runners: 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/

🙏 A couple of big favours

1. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations. 2. 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.

This week’s mindful moment invites you to slow down inside a stretch. Instead of rushing through your usual routine, choose one simple stretch—after a run, when you wake up, or anytime during the day—and hold it a little longer than usual. Not to force it. Not to chase flexibility. Just to breathe. As you stay there, notice what shifts. What feels tight? What softens? What feels surprisingly good? Let your body guide the depth and the release.

This practice isn’t about performance—it’s about presence. When you hold a stretch with curiosity and kindness, it becomes more than physical. It becomes a pause for your whole nervous system.

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

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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

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✨ 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

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