Episode 608 - Red Dirt, Rehab and the Moving Picnic - Karin Ridley’s Delirious Check-In 5

Karin Ridley is just 3 weeks out from the Delirious start line, and this check-in has a bit of everything - red dirt, FIFO life, physio wins, date nights, beer laps, and a whole lot of determination. Karin shares what it’s been like starting a new job in the Pilbara while still trying to train, including 2:30am wake-ups, hot evening walk-runs in 38 degrees, and finding a routine that actually works. She also gives a great update on her injury recovery, with the exciting news that her physio has basically “broken up” with her because she’s doing so well.  This chat is full of the real stuff that goes into preparing for a 200-mile race - not just the kilometres, but the food, sleep, planning, mindset, and the people around you who help make it possible. Karin talks about losing 5.7kg through better fuelling and cutting out alcohol, how that’s helped her body heal, and why her main goal now is simple: keep moving forward and get to the finish line. She and Ben have been fine-tuning their race plan, including aid station time limits, sleep stops, and how to avoid getting stuck chatting when it’s time to get moving again.  There are also some beautiful reminders in this episode about what makes ultra running so special. Karin talks about the Delirious community, the volunteers, the crew, the shared madness of it all, and why this sport really is for everybody. One of my favourite lines from this chat? Ultra running is basically a moving picnic. And honestly… she’s not wrong. If you love hearing how everyday runners pull big dreams together around work, life, injury, family and a lot of laughs, you’ll love this one.  A few standout takeaways from Karin: •If you really want something, you find a way to make it work •Doing the rehab properly really does pay off •Better fuelling can change everything •Aid stations are wonderful… but also dangerous if you love a chat •In ultra running, finishing is always a brilliant goal •We’re very lucky to be part of a sport with such a generous community 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 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 If you’re looking for a little more support with your running, I also offer personalised ZenRUN coaching - simple weekly structure, guidance, and encouragement to help you stay consistent and enjoy your running again. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/zenrun-personalised-run-coaching/buy ⸻ 🙏 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 [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 runners who get it. 👉 https://zenrun.club