Episode 563 - 2026 Delirious Series - Spain, Steep Mountains & Unfinished Business – Karin Ridley’s Check-In #2

Karin is back… and wow, she’s packed a LOT into this check-in. Since we last spoke, Karin has been adventuring her way through Spain, France and the UK — hiking 20–30km a day, tackling a seriously brutal mountain race in Spain, and discovering just how different real mountains are compared to “hills” back home in WA 😅 In this episode, Karin shares what it was like to miss a race cutoff by less than three minutes, why that DNF hit hard, and how it’s lit a fire to come back stronger. We also chat about travel fitness, time on feet, jet lag, silly season strategies, and why she’ll never complain about hills again. This is a real, honest, funny and very human check-in — full of perspective, learning, laughter, and a bit of unfinished business. Why you’ll love this episode •🇪🇸 Running (and hiking!) through Spain’s mountains and villages •⛰️ 900m of climbing in the first 4km… yes, really •😭 Missing a cutoff by 2 minutes 50 seconds — and what that does to your head •💪 Why DNFs can become powerful motivators •🚶‍♀️ 200km of walking in 3 weeks and why it helped fitness •✈️ Travel legs, swollen calves, jet lag and the reality of post-travel running •🎄 Karin’s “Christmas Cracker Challenge” to stay consistent over December •🎉 Why European races celebrate everyone — especially the last runner •🔥 Big goals, hill training plans, and Delirious WEST 2026 momentum building Karin’s takeaway You don’t need everything to go perfectly to move forward. Sometimes a tough race, a missed cutoff, or a hard lesson is exactly what sharpens your focus and makes you stronger for what’s next.   🎧 Listen now and come along for the ride as Karin builds toward Delirious WEST 2026 with grit, humour and a whole lot of heart.   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/