Episode 556 - 2026 Delirious Series - When the Mind Says No: Gabe Alves’ Honest Check-In After Feral

In this Delirious W.E.S.T. 2026 check-in, I sit down with the wonderful Gabe Alves, who has had—hands down—one of the most honest and powerful training months of the entire series. Gabe walks us through his experience at Feral, a race that started brilliantly for him… until it didn’t. Physically, he was flying. The climbing strength, the pacing, the hills, the timing — everything was lining up for his best Feral yet. But then the mental load of a tough year caught up with him, and the second half of the race became a battle with looping thoughts, emotional overwhelm, and the kind of mental crash only ultra-runners truly understand. This episode covers: • When your legs feel great but your brain taps out • How life-stress can empty your “resilience tank” before you even start the race • The power of pacers, support crews, and someone to break you out of a mental loop • Why physical fitness alone isn’t enough in a miler • Post-race recovery, fragility, and the slow climb back • What Gabe’s learned — and how he’s preparing smarter for Delirious 2026 It’s raw, real, and incredibly relatable. And honestly? These are the conversations runners need to hear. Big love to Gabe for showing up with such honesty — there’s gold in this episode for every ultra-runner who’s ever hit the “why am I doing this?” moment.   Delirious WEST event Website – https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/ Event Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387   A couple of BIG favours: 1) please like and review this podcast so more people will discover it :) 2) come on the podcast and talk about your running journey and/or refer someone you’d love me to interview (whether you know them or not :) )  Lets not keep the power of running a secret any more!  Hit me up on Facebook/Instagram (ZenRUN.club) or send me an email - Hello @ zenrun.club   Don't miss an episode of the ZenRUN Podcast. Subscribe to the podcast on your podcast player :)   💛 Want running to feel lighter again? Join the ZenRUN Club — a chill space where progress happens without pressure. Get simple plans (coming soon), guided runs, and a crew who actually gets it. 👉 zenrun.club — come run happy.   https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/