In this Delirious WEST 2026 wrap-up episode, I catch up with Ben Pyman after his 100-mile adventure – and what a run he had.
Ben takes us right back to the start line in Walpole, the nervous energy, the familiar faces, the late-night race briefing, and that feeling of finally being let loose into the dark. From there, we follow him through the beautiful, brutal, hilarious and slightly ridiculous journey that is Delirious WEST.
There’s the early buzz of running with others, meeting fellow podcast guests Warren Page and Jason, the stunning sections through Conspicuous Cliffs, Peaceful Bay and Boat Harbour, and of course – the very important aid station food reviews. Risotto, creamy chicken and potato, bacon and egg sandiches, soup, brownies… honestly, this episode may make you hungry as well as inspired.
But it wasn’t all smooth running. Ben talks honestly about the soft sand that absolutely smoked him, the long lonely night sections, the hallucinations, the sleepy shuffle from Lowlands to Cosy Corner, and the very real difference a pacer or crew can make when your brain has gone on holiday.
One of the most powerful parts of this chat is hearing Ben describe how he came good again after a short sleep, food, rest and sunrise. After hours of dragging himself along, he suddenly found himself running freely through the windmills, feeling like it was a brand-new day – and then, somehow, finishing the final stretch with strength, emotion and a massive sense of pride.
Ben finished the 100 miler in 39 hours and 37 minutes, hitting his secret sub-40 goal and coming away with a whole lot of lessons, a black toenail caused by a chair rather than the race, and a very strong suspicion that the 200 miler might be next.
We talk about what worked, what he’d change, why sand training may need to become a thing, how his feet survived almost perfectly, and why Delirious WEST is about so much more than just the kilometres.
This is a beautiful, funny, honest episode about community, resilience, food, fatigue, emotion, and those strange ultra moments where you wonder how on earth you’re still moving – and then suddenly realise you’re running better than you thought possible.
Previous episodes mentioned:
Jason Phillips – https://fitmindfitbody.co/episode-600-running-through-lifes-toughest-moments-jason-phillips-journey-back-to-the-start-line/
Warren Page – https://fitmindfitbody.co/episode-583-warren-page-walk-the-hills-build-the-legs-play-the-long-game/
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
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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/
🙏 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.
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