Episode 591 - 2026 Delirious Series - Sym Mercer’s Delirious Check-In #4 - High-Vis, 47 Degrees & a Teddy Bear

#4 Sym Mercer checks in this month… live from a 47-degree audit site, in high-vis, somewhere in outback Queensland 😅   And honestly? She sounds calm. Strong. Ready.   In this episode we talk injury management, heat acclimatisation, race planning squeezed between remote jobs, and that very familiar feeling of: “Can we just start already?” Sym has been modifying her training but still knocked out 34km with 1000m elevation and pulled up well – which is a huge confidence boost at this stage. She’s managing the injury rather than obsessing over it – and that mindset shift alone is powerful. We also dive into: • How she handles 44-degree afternoon runs (yes… 44 😳) • Travel logistics when you won’t be home until just before you leave for WA • Banking work time now so she can “spend it” on adventure later • The simplicity of ultra thinking – just get to the next checkpoint • And… the real star of the episode… Ranga 🧡 For those new here, Ranga is Sym’s 39-year companion – a soft toy from the 80s who travels to every event and waits at checkpoints with the crew. He has his own T-shirts. He has front seat privileges. He does not go in the backpack (because we don’t get him wet). It’s quirky. It’s human. And it’s actually beautiful. Because this is what these long-distance adventures are really about – rituals, meaning, loyalty, community… and getting yourself to the start line in whatever way works for you. There are many paths to Delirious. Sym’s just happens to include high-vis, 47 degrees, and a 40-year-old Elf. And I love it. ⸻ 💛 Why You’ll Love This Episode •Real talk about managing niggles without spiralling •Practical heat adaptation mindset •Planning under pressure (when work is full-on) •A beautiful reminder to focus on what you can control •The story of Ranga – Delirious’ unofficial emotional support crew member ⸻ 🏃‍♀️ Sym’s Quiet Wisdom When things aren’t perfect: • Don’t overthink it • Focus on what you can do • Manage, don’t obsess • Get to the next checkpoint Simple. Powerful. Ultra mindset at its finest. Delirious WEST event Website – https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/ Event Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387 💛 Want a steady plan - and someone in your corner? If you’re ready for more structure, clarity, and personalised support, I offer one-on-one ZenRUN coaching. No pressure. No ego. Just a plan that fits your real life - and keeps running feeling like the best part of your week. 👉 Learn more about ZenRUN Personalised Run Coaching https://www.zenrun.app/courses/zenrun-personalised-run-coaching/ 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 [email protected] 🎧 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/