In this Check-In 3 episode of the Delirious WEST 2026 series, I catch up with the wonderfully tough and straight-talking Sym Mercer – who is deep in the messy middle of training… with a not-so-cooperative hip.

Since we last spoke, Sym’s training took an unexpected turn after a big block led to a hospital visit, scans, bursitis, and a cyst that might be masking a stress fracture. Not ideal – especially with 13 weeks to the start line (less now!). But if there’s one thing Sym brings in spades, it’s attitude.

We talk about adjusting training on the fly – swapping running for gym, swimming, riding, paddling, and carefully reintroducing runs without blowing things up. There’s also a big focus on mindset: staying in motion when rest messes with your head, trusting the long game, and accepting that sometimes the goal is simply to get to the start line in one piece.

Sym also shares a behind-the-scenes look at planning the epic drive to WA, crew logistics, border biosecurity dramas (goodbye tomatoes and avocados 😅), FIFO work life, heat training in the Barkly, and why 13 weeks sounds manageable… but 92 days sounds terrifying.

This is a real, raw check-in about adapting, not quitting – and showing up even when the plan gets ripped up.

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You’ll hear: • What happens when a big training block backfires • Training around injury without losing momentum • Why doing nothing can be harder than training • Creative ways to maintain aerobic fitness when running is limited • Heat training advantages (even when you hate the cold) • Crew planning, road trips, and WA border food confiscations • The power of attitude when things don’t go to plan

One thing’s clear – Sym is getting to the start line. How she gets there? That’s the story we’re watching unfold.

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’ll love The ZenRUN Reset Collection — a set of guided audios and simple tools to help you reset your running rhythm, clear your head, and reconnect with why you run. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

A couple of BIG favours: 1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please like and review the podcast — it helps more runners discover it. 2️⃣ Come on the podcast and share your running journey, or refer someone you’d love me to interview (even if you don’t know them personally!). Let’s stop keeping the power of running a secret.

Find me on Facebook or Instagram at ZenRUN.club, or email hello@zenrun.club

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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 people who actually get it. 👉 zenrun.club

🎙️ Explore all episodes:

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

This week’s mindful moment invites you to slow down a simple transition: put on something slowly and deliberately. Whether it’s your socks, a jacket, or your favourite jumper—take your time. Notice the texture of the fabric, the way your body moves into it, and the moment your skin meets cloth.

We move through these everyday moments on autopilot, but they’re full of opportunities to reconnect. Let this become a full-body check-in—a pause where breath and movement come together. Even the act of getting dressed can become a quiet ritual of awareness.

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

If you loved this Mindful Moment, you’ll enjoy The ZenRUN Reset Collection — a simple set of guided audios and tools to help you reset your running rhythm, clear your head, and get back to enjoying movement again.

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

Help us spread the word: 1️⃣ Enjoying the podcast? A quick like or review really helps other runners find it. 2️⃣ Got a story - or know a runner we should chat with? Message us on Facebook or Instagram, or email hello@zenrun.club

✨ Run happy. Run easy.

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

👉 zenrun.club

🎧 Explore all episodes:

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

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

💛 Want your running to feel lighter again?

If this conversation resonated, you’ll love The ZenRUN Reset Collection — a set of guided audios and simple tools to help you reset your running rhythm, clear your head, and reconnect with why you run.

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

A couple of BIG favours:

1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please like and review the podcast — it helps more runners discover it.

2️⃣ Come on the podcast and share your running journey, or refer someone you’d love me to interview (even if you don’t know them personally!). Let’s stop keeping the power of running a secret.

Find me on Facebook or Instagram at 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 people who actually get it.

👉 zenrun.club

🎙️ Explore all episodes:

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/