The ZenRUN Podcast

What do you get when you combine a lifelong mover, a mum of five, a GP, and an ultra-runner with a big heart and a quiet determination?

You get Libby Oakley.

In this episode, Libby shares her journey from being a “strong” gymnast (bars and vault were her jam!) to discovering running later in life—and then falling all the way down the ultra rabbit hole.

From her first reluctant...

This week’s mindful moment is a wonderfully simple one: feel your feet when you wait. Whether you’re standing at the kettle, in line at the café, or waiting at the checkout, use those micro-moments to drop into your body instead of reaching for your phone. Bring your awareness to your feet—feel the soles inside your shoes, the subtle shift in weight, and the steady support of the ground beneath you.

This...

From phosphate dust in Nauru to the trails of Western Australia—and even a 200-miler past Stonehenge—Alexis Oosterhoff has taken the scenic (and slightly insane) route into ultra running.

In this episode, Alexis shares: •How a casual desire to run a marathon at 40 was nearly derailed by a cancer diagnosis •Why he traded in a private plane for a pair of trail shoes •His love of raw, unmarked ultra races (...

This week’s mindful moment adds a playful twist: do a task with your non-dominant hand. Whether it’s stirring your tea, brushing your teeth, or opening a jar, switching hands interrupts your routine and demands your full attention. It feels awkward—maybe even a little clumsy—and that’s the point.

You have to slow down, concentrate, and notice every small movement. This simple shift wakes up your brain, g...

This week’s guest is 15-year-old Juliet King, and trust me—this is one episode that’ll leave you speechless, smiling, and maybe a little bit teary.

Juliet started running at the age of four alongside her mum and hasn’t looked back. Despite a hip condition that kept her out of team sports, Juliet found freedom and purpose on the trails. She ran her first ultra at 10 years old, finished the grueling Margar...

This week’s mindful moment flips the script with a surprising approach: use your phone as a mindfulness anchor. Instead of trying to avoid your device, turn it into a tool for presence. Each time you reach for your phone today, pause for just one breath. Feel its weight, notice your grip, check your posture—then breathe in slowly.

That tiny moment of awareness can interrupt auto-pilot habits and bring mi...

This week, we’re joined by the amazing Harmony Waite—a Perth-based ultra runner, mum of two, and someone who’s taken the scenic (and sometimes rocky!) route into the world of long-distance running.

From delivering car parts and driving haul trucks in WA’s mining industry to rediscovering herself through running after becoming a mum, Harmony’s story is full of heart, humour, and honesty. Told she’d never ...

This week’s mindful moment is a powerful yet simple one: slow down one everyday movement. Instead of rushing through your daily routine, pick one ordinary action—like putting on your shoes, brushing your hair, or opening the fridge—and do it just a little slower. Pay attention to the sensation, the rhythm, the sound, and your breath. Notice what muscles are involved and how it truly feels to move.

This p...

This week, I’m joined by Mark Backhouse—a fellow Delirious WEST athlete, a trail runner from Perth’s hillside trails, and a man who balances 4 kids, a full-time job, and midnight trail runs with a grin.

Mark’s running journey has been anything but ordinary. From his first marathon on the cobbled streets of Rome to 3am trail runs before school lunches and work meetings, he’s all about chasing the mental a...

This week’s mindful moment is mindful rocking, a gentle and soothing practice to help you unwind. Whether you’re in a rocking chair or simply swaying in place, focus on the rhythm of the movement. Pay attention to the back-and-forth motion, the way your body feels, and the calming effect it creates.

Rocking mindfully is a beautiful way to relax, reset, and bring your attention back to the present—especia...

In this episode, I chat with the vibrant and inspiring Jess Peil — and trust me, you’re going to fall in love with her story. From childhood runs in the Saudi Arabian desert, to chasing Puffing Billy in Melbourne, and now taking on seven marathons in seven states for Bravehearts, Jess brings passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart to her running.

We cover: 🏃‍♀️ How a mile-long kids race in the desert...

This week’s mindful moment invites you to enjoy a mindful bicycle ride, transforming your travel time into a peaceful practice. As you pedal, tune into the steady rhythm of your legs and the breeze brushing against your skin. Notice the sounds around you—the turning wheels, birds, or passing trees—and take in the changing scenery with fresh eyes.

Riding with awareness connects you to the present moment, ...

In Part Two of this two-part series, we pick up where we left off with the remarkable John Herzfeld—and dive into the wild ride that was his Delirious WEST 200-miler.

From pacing his mate Gabe through heatwaves, hallucinations, and chest pains, to crossing his own Delirious finish line with 96.5 hours on the clock and a heart full of emotion—this episode captures everything we love about ultra running: t...

In this first episode of a special two-part conversation, we meet the ever-curious and wonderfully humble John Herzfeld—fellow Delirious WEST runner, mechanical engineer, storyteller, and lifelong volunteer.

Before John took on a 200-mile ultra, he was building go-karts in the hills of Darlington, designing signs with technical flair, and volunteering in remote Papua New Guinea. This episode dives into J...

This week’s mindful moment is mindful ladder stepping, a focused practice that brings awareness to movement and balance. Using a sturdy ladder or step stool, climb slowly and deliberately, paying close attention to how your legs engage and how your hands grip for support. Notice the sensation of each step—the shift in weight, the texture beneath your feet, and the rhythm of your breath.

This simple activ...

This week’s guest is an absolute powerhouse—Laura Firth, ultra runner, Bravehearts champion, and Guinness World Record holder for being the first woman to run an ultra event with a stoma bag.

Originally from the UK, Laura’s story is one of grit, humour, and serious determination. After serving in the army, living through life-changing health challenges, and moving across the world with her young family, ...

This week’s mindful moment is mindful handwriting with a quote, a creative and calming way to bring presence into your day. Pick a favourite quote or affirmation and write it out slowly, paying attention to each stroke of your pen and the shapes of the letters.

Let the meaning of the words sink in as you write, turning this simple act into a thoughtful, meditative experience. It’s a beautiful blend of mi...

This week, we’re chatting with Craig Jefferys—quiet achiever, determined runner, and proud Delirious WEST finisher. I first met Craig the day before the race, and it’s safe to say we were both a little nervous about the epic adventure ahead.

Craig’s ultra story is one of heart, humility, and deep mental strength. He’s not out there for headlines or glory—he’s in it for the personal challenge and the peac...

This week’s mindful moment is an eye movement exercise, a gentle way to care for your vision and bring mindfulness into your day. Sit comfortably and slowly move your eyes left, right, up, and down. Then, trace a figure-eight shape with your gaze, paying attention to how your eyes feel as they move.

This simple practice helps relieve eye strain and invites presence by focusing on the ofte...