Episode 640 - Astrid Volzke: The Woman Behind the Lens at Delirious West

In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I chat with the wonderful Astrid Volzke — runner, photographer, professional stickybeak, and the official photographer behind so many of the iconic images from Delirious West. If you’ve ever run Delirious, followed the event online, or changed your Facebook profile photo to one of those stunning trail-running shots, chances are Astrid was behind the camera. But this chat isn’t just about photography. Astrid shares her story of growing up in Singapore, moving to Western Australia, camping adventures with her family, finding her way into photography, and eventually becoming part of the trail running world. Her journey includes early morning boats with fishermen, newspaper photojournalism, community storytelling, trail running, Birdy’s Backyard, and of course, many long days and nights capturing the raw emotion of Delirious West. We talk about how photographing a 200-mile event is an endurance event in itself — the planning, the mental focus, the sleep deprivation, the gear, the editing, the sandy night drives, and the constant decision-making that happens behind the scenes. Astrid says she’s either shooting or editing for most of the week, often chasing sunrise, sunset, emotional moments, funny poses, and the gritty reality of what runners go through. Astrid also shares what running means to her personally. She started trail running through a team at Margaret River Ultra, found herself hooked by the people and adventure, and has since become part of the wider ultra-running community in a very unique way — sometimes as a runner, often as the photographer, and always as someone deeply immersed in the story. One of my favourite parts of this conversation is Astrid’s reflection on motivation. Her advice is simple and very ZenRUN: You don’t have to feel motivated first. You just have to start. Whether it’s running, photography, or any creative project, Astrid says momentum often comes after you begin — not before. Tie the shoelaces. Step outside. Pick up the camera. Start with the first step, and the rest often follows. This is a relaxed, funny, behind-the-scenes chat with someone who has seen Delirious West from a perspective most of us never will — behind the lens, in the dark, on the beach, in the dust, at the finish line, and sometimes crying behind the camera. In this episode, we chat about: Growing up in Singapore and moving to Perth as a child How Astrid found photography after realising agribusiness wasn’t quite her thing Life as a photojournalist and freelance photographer Why photography is really about storytelling How trail running entered her life The origins of Birdy’s Backyard Why photographing Delirious West is its own kind of endurance event The mental load of capturing a multi-day ultra The hilarious runner poses Astrid has captured over the years Why runners don’t have to run when they see the photographer The emotion, grit, joy and humanity of 200-mile events Why Astrid would love to run a point-to-point adventure event one day Her simple motivation tip: just start Astrid’s Tip for Runners Don’t wait until you feel motivated. Just start. Go outside. Take the first step. Begin slowly. Often the motivation comes once you’re already moving. And if you’re out on course and see Astrid with her camera? You don’t have to run. But apparently, most of us do anyway 😆 Connect with Astrid Follow Astrid on Instagram Delirious WEST 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 If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast — it helps more runners discover these conversations. 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.