In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I catch up again with Delirious WEST 2026 athlete Nikki Frost as we enter the final stretch before the start line.
And as you’ll hear… the last few weeks haven’t exactly gone to plan.
Nikki has been managing a stubborn ITB injury, juggling moving house, searching for a new gym in Melbourne, and figuring out how to keep training without making things worse. The good news? The injury is improving — but it has meant missing events like Gone Nuts 75K, which brought a fair bit of FOMO along with it.
We also talk about the realities of preparing for a huge race when you’re still learning the ropes of ultra running — including nutrition experiments, gear that hasn’t quite been organised yet (much to my amusement), and the importance of practicing crew support with her sister Natasha before race day.
One of the more interesting ideas Nikki shares is “sleep banking” — deliberately maximizing sleep in the days leading up to the race to prepare for the inevitable sleep deprivation during the event.
There’s also discussion about:
• Managing an injury while still building confidence
• The mental challenge of skipping races when the bigger goal matters
• Practicing aid-station teamwork before race day
• The chaos of last-minute gear planning (or lack of it!)
• Training runs, including a planned practice 50K
• Nutrition ideas — including Nutella, Ferrero Rocher and pancakes
• Why sleep might be one of the most important race strategies
With just a month to go before Delirious WEST, the excitement is building — and like many athletes heading into their first big ultra, Nikki is balancing preparation, patience, and a healthy sense of humour.
And if you enjoy a bit of mother-daughter banter… this episode definitely delivers.
⸻
Why You’ll Love This Episode
• Honest talk about training through injury
• The emotional side of missing races (FOMO is real!)
• Practical ultra preparation ideas like sleep banking
• A behind-the-scenes look at crew planning
• A fun and very real conversation between mother and daughter preparing for the same race
⸻
Next Big Adventure
Nikki will be lining up at Delirious WEST 2026 in just a few weeks — one of Australia’s toughest trail ultra adventures through the forests of Western Australia.
We’ll be checking back in after the race to hear how it all unfolded.
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 hello@zenrun.club
⸻
🎧 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
