In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I chat with Jason Phillips – a runner whose journey into endurance running has been shaped by resilience, adventure, and some deeply personal challenges.
Jason grew up in a sailing family near Newcastle in New South Wales. Boats, windsurfing, and life around the water were a huge part of his childhood. Running, on the other hand… not so much. In fact, as a kid he was a sprinter and absolutely hated cross-country running.
Fast forward a few decades and Jason has found himself drawn to longer distances and big adventures.
But his running journey hasn’t been straightforward.
In 2024 Jason was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which led to surgery and a long road back to fitness. During that time he lost a lot of the speed and conditioning he’d built over the years, and had to start again almost from scratch.
Instead of giving up, Jason decided to channel his energy into something meaningful.
He organised a run of the Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia, finishing on Anzac Day, raising funds and awareness for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
And now he’s preparing for an even bigger challenge – the Delirious WEST 100 miler.
This race carries a deeply personal reason. Jason is running it to raise funds and awareness for the Liver Foundation, after his father Brian passed away suddenly last year from liver cancer.
It’s a powerful reminder of how running can become more than just a sport. Sometimes it becomes a way to process grief, honour loved ones, and do something positive in the face of life’s hardest moments.
Jason also shares what it’s really like to rebuild fitness after illness – including starting again with very simple training and learning to trust the slow process of base building.
This conversation is honest, raw, and incredibly inspiring.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
• Growing up in a sailing family and discovering running later in life
• Why Jason hated cross-country running as a kid (and how that changed)
• His prostate cancer diagnosis and the long road back to running
• Running the Cape to Cape Track to raise awareness for prostate cancer
• Training again from scratch after surgery
• Why he’s running the Delirious WEST 100 miler to honour his father
Tips from Jason
• Start small and build gradually. Even experienced runners sometimes need to go right back to basics.
• Don’t rush fitness after illness or injury. The body needs time to rebuild.
• Slow training builds the foundation. Jason spent months running very slowly to rebuild his aerobic base.
• Trust the process. Progress can feel frustratingly slow – until one day it suddenly starts to click.
Jason’s story is a beautiful reminder that running isn’t just about races or times.
Sometimes it’s about healing, honouring people we love, and simply putting one foot in front of the other.
Jason’s fund raising page – https://www.mycause.com.au/page/388321/running-for-bryan-100-miles-for-the-liver-foundation
The MAF Method mentioned – https://philmaffetone.com/method/
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💛 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
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🙏 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
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✨ 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
