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The ZenRUN Podcast

The ZenRUN Podcast

By: Michelle Frost
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All things mental and physical health! You’ll find in-depth interviews with runners as we delve into why they run and what keeps them running. And interviews with specialists on the brain and the effects of exercise on it – chemically and physically. Plus tips to keep you moving with a positive mindset.. So much goodnessCopyright 2021 All rights reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Running & Jogging
Episodes
  • Episode 648 - Simon Poli - ultra running, beer, Delirious, busted ankles, and finding your people

    Episode 648 - Simon Poli - ultra running, beer, Delirious, busted ankles, and finding your people
    Jun 22 2026
    In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I chat with the wonderfully dry, very funny, and deeply embedded-in-the-Delirious-world Simon Poli. Simon is one of those people who seems to quietly sit behind the scenes making things happen - which is possibly a terrible description because he also has a habit of casually doing ridiculous things like 200 milers, running from Bunbury to the start of Delirious, drinking beers mid-ultra, and helping race direct some of the most loved Ultra Series events in WA. As you do. Simon grew up in Bunbury, spending weekends playing in the bush with his brother Felix, climbing through quarries, exploring trails, and somehow surviving childhood adventures that would probably cause modern parents to faint. Running wasn’t really the plan at the start. There was soccer, hockey, speed skating, basketball, indoor soccer, obstacle racing, and eventually trail running - thanks partly to Felix inviting him to a night trail race called Moon Shadow. And that was it. Simon was hooked. We talk about his early life, becoming a dad young, building a long career in supermarkets, moving to Kalgoorlie, finding community, discovering trail running, and the deep friendships that have come through the ultra running world. Of course, we also talk about Delirious. Simon shares how he first got involved with Ultra Series, what it’s like being part of the team behind the events, and why he loves seeing runners finish something they never thought they could do - whether that’s a short trail race, a backyard lap, or a 200 miler. There are also some brilliant stories in this episode, including: his brother Felix and their very unique trail adventuresthe unofficial “16K ultra” idea at Lake Ballardmeeting Peter through runninggetting married in Spain around a mountain racerunning 200 milers like moving picnicswhy 100 milers feel more like raceswhy he does not understand the appeal of the beachhis current ankle recovery after finally listening to the expertsStar Wars Legobeermore beerand the joy of finding your people Simon’s running story is funny, honest, very Aussie, and full of that beautiful ultra running truth - it’s not always about the race result. Sometimes it’s about the people, the ridiculous ideas, the stories, the community, and the places running takes you. Tips from Simon Simon shared a few simple but very useful reminders: If you roll your ankle - rest. Simon is currently recovering from ankle surgery after years of rolling, ignoring, strapping, and continuing on. His advice is very clear: don’t keep running on something that needs time to heal. Find your why. If motivation is missing, Simon says it helps to come back to why you want to do it in the first place. And if running isn’t the thing that lights you up right now, that’s okay too. Find something that does. Get involved in the community. Running can open the door to incredible friendships, adventures, and support. Simon talks beautifully about how much the ultra community has given him. Volunteer at an event. Even if you’re not running, volunteering can give you a huge buzz. Helping someone else reach their goal is pretty special. Don’t overcomplicate it. Just get out there, enjoy it, and be part of it in whatever way you can. Pass the Baton Simon has also given us the first “Pass the Baton” question for the next runner interview: What’s the one food you wouldn’t share with someone, even if they were really struggling in an ultra? Which feels very Simon, honestly. 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 🙏 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.
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    2 hrs and 16 mins
  • Episode 647 - ZenRUN Moment 3: Listen to your footsteps

    Episode 647 - ZenRUN Moment 3: Listen to your footsteps
    Jun 17 2026

    Have you ever really listened to your footsteps while you run?

    This week’s ZenRUN Moment is all about tuning into one of the most overlooked parts of running - the sound your feet make as they meet the ground. It sounds simple, but it can completely change the way you experience a run.

    As you head out on your next run, spend a few minutes listening to your footsteps. Are they light or heavy? Fast or slow? Smooth or uneven? Don’t worry about changing anything straight away. Just notice. Your footsteps can tell you a lot about how you’re moving and how you’re feeling. They often reveal when you’re carrying tension, rushing, settling into a rhythm, or starting to fatigue.

    The beauty of this practice is that it gives your mind something simple and useful to focus on. Instead of getting caught up in pace, distance, work, life, or the hundred other thoughts competing for attention, you begin to tune into the run itself. Many runners find that when they focus on the rhythm of their footsteps, their breathing settles and their mind becomes quieter too.

    On your next run, let your footsteps become your soundtrack. Listen to the rhythm, notice what it tells you, and see what happens when you spend a little less time thinking and a little more time experiencing.

    Small moments of awareness like this can completely change the way running feels.

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

    If you enjoyed this ZenRUN 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
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    3 mins
  • Episode 646 - MFYU Mini Series - Jason Rantall’s Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Journey - 45 Yards, 300K and Move the Body, Shift the Mind

    Episode 646 - MFYU Mini Series - Jason Rantall’s Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Journey - 45 Yards, 300K and Move the Body, Shift the Mind
    Jun 16 2026
    Welcome to the next episode in the 2026 Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Mini-Series on the ZenRUN Podcast. This series follows a handful of athletes through their actual Melbourne Frontyard Ultra journey - not just the neat and tidy version after the event, but the little check-ins along the way. The early excitement. The crew moments. The tired bits. The food dramas. The “how are you still going?” moments. And eventually, the wrap-up chat when their race is done. In this episode, we’re following the wonderful Jason Rantall. And this one is powerful. Jason came into Melbourne Frontyard Ultra with huge energy, a big smile, and a deep love for the backyard ultra format - not just because of the running, but because of the community, the connection, and the movement. In fact, Jason was at the event the day before it even started, helping set things up. Which says a lot, really. For Jason, this format is about more than just how far you can go. It’s about showing up fully. Being present. Connecting with others. Moving the body. Shifting the mind. And that phrase - move the body, shift the mind - really sits at the heart of this episode. Jason shares openly about growing up with serious mental health challenges from a very young age, later being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, OCD and psychosis, living with addiction, and eventually finding running again at the age of 44. But he’s also very clear that running hasn’t always been healthy for him. At first, he says he was using running to put pain into his body because physical pain felt easier to manage than emotional pain. That’s a big thing to say out loud. And it’s also one of the reasons I loved this conversation so much. Because now, Jason runs from a very different place. He runs because he loves it. He runs because movement, connection and community support the life he has built. He runs because he’s learned to be present. And he runs because, in his words, if he starts the lap, he finishes it. At Melbourne Frontyard Ultra, Jason had a big support crew around him, including his son Ryder, Crazy Running Man, mates, family, and his nutritionist Jess. And he needed them. Because this event threw plenty at him. He battled gut issues for hours. He struggled to keep food down. His crew tried honey, lollies, carb mix, electrolytes, medication, Krispy Kreme donuts, and probably a few prayers to the ultra-running gods. At one point, he was feeling absolutely rubbish, but still completely clear on one thing: If he got back in time, he was going out again. And he did. Jason made it to 45 yards - around 300 kilometres - before timing out on yard 46 after cramps, vomiting, energy loss and a huge battle with the body. But what stood out in his wrap-up wasn’t disappointment. It was calm. It was perspective. It was gratitude for his crew. It was curiosity about what needs to change next time. And it was that same clear presence he spoke about before the event even began: When he’s in something, he’s in it. And when it’s done, it’s done. This episode is honest, thoughtful, raw, funny in places, and full of the kind of wisdom you only really get when someone has lived through hard things and found a way to keep moving. Why You’ll Love This Episode Jason speaks openly about mental health, addiction, recovery and runningWe talk about when running helps - and when running can become unhealthyYou’ll hear what “move the body, shift the mind” really means to JasonJason’s son Ryder gives a gorgeous little crew update while Jason is asleepThere’s a very real look at stomach issues, nutrition problem-solving and ultra-running food chaosYou’ll hear the crew trying to get Jason through one more yard with a Krispy Kreme donutJason reflects honestly on reaching 45 yards and 300KIt’s a strong reminder that sometimes the real story is not just the result, but how someone keeps showing up A Few Favourite Themes Move the body, shift the mind Jason’s story is such a strong example of how movement can support mental health - not as a magic fix, but as one important part of a much bigger picture. Running is not always automatically healthy Jason talks honestly about how he once used running to create physical pain because it felt easier than emotional pain. That honesty matters. Community changes everything Backyard and frontyard ultras bring people together in such a unique way. For Jason, that connection is a huge part of why he loves this format. Presence is a skill Jason’s whole approach is about staying where he is - not drifting into the chair, the next lap, the finish, the past or the future. Crew are everything Jason’s team kept problem-solving long after things got messy. Food, fuel, encouragement, tough love, donuts - they were all in. Listen In For Jason’s childhood in GisborneHis early love of sport and wanting to run like Carl LewisHis experience with mental health challenges from a young ageHow running re-entered his life at ...
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    40 mins
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