In this Delirious WEST 2026 wrap-up episode, I catch up with Kylie Bell after her 100-mile adventure – and as always, Kylie brings such a calm, honest and experienced perspective to the conversation.
Kylie has done plenty of big ultras before, but this year surprised her in one very specific way: she got properly tired. Not just “ultra tired” but weaving-on-the-trail, seeing-smiley-faces-in-rocks, cupboards-and-benches-in-the-bushes tired. 😄
We talk about the moment she decided to let go of the “I don’t nap in 100 milers” ego, take a 10-minute sleep at Cosy Corner, have a coffee and toastie, and get herself back on track. Sometimes the most experienced runners aren’t the ones who push blindly – they’re the ones who know when to reset.
Kylie also shares what she loved about the course, including the technical Monkey Rocks section, the beach running, the rhythm of moving through the night, and the strange quietness of this year’s race where she spent a lot of time alone.
We chat gear, shoes, socks, nutrition, gel fatigue, the incredible Delirious aid stations – which are basically like being invited into someone’s kitchen for dinner – and that slightly cruel moment near Albany where runners get close to the finish line… then have to turn away from it again. Rude. Very rude.
And of course, Kylie’s finish line involved champagne, a cheeky fireball, a sleep, and then – because apparently running 100 miles wasn’t enough – she came back the next day and set up a massage table to help other runners recover.
This episode is full of everything we love about Delirious: the humour, the hallucinations, the food, the community, the “I’m not coming back next year” comments that no one really believes, and the beautiful madness of ultra running.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
– Kylie’s very funny hallucination story involving smiley-face rocks and imaginary furniture
– The power of a tiny 10-minute nap in a massive race
– Why even experienced runners still get surprised by ultras
– The magic of Delirious aid stations and the “moving picnic” energy
– Kylie’s thoughts on the 7pm start and running through the night
– Gear and nutrition lessons from the 100 miler
– Why the Delirious community feels like one big family
– Kylie’s next adventures, including Birdy’s Backyard and GPT100 in the Grampians
Tips from Kylie’s 100-Mile Adventure
1. Don’t be too proud to reset – a 10-minute nap, coffee and a toastie can change everything.
2. Know your own race style – Kylie doesn’t obsess over watch distance or aid station kilometres. She focuses on where she is and what comes next.
3. Nutrition works best when it has variety – gels helped, but too many sweet things can lead to serious gel fatigue.
4. Test your gear, but also trust what works – Kylie stuck with her usual Hoka Challenger ATRs and toe socks, and had a great result with no blisters or toenail drama.
5. The race isn’t just the race – the finish line, the volunteers, the chats, the community, and even helping others the next day are all part of the experience.
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
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/
🙏 A couple of big favours
1. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast – it helps more runners discover these conversations.
2. 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
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