In this Delirious W.E.S.T. 2026 athlete wrap-up episode, I catch up with Matthew Farrand after his huge journey from London to Western Australia to take on the 200 miler.
And what a journey it was.
Matthew arrived from the other side of the world, dealt with jet lag, pre-race nerves, cold nights, rain, tracker issues, tired legs, sore knees, sleep deprivation, and the small matter of trying to keep moving for more than 100 hours.
As Matthew says in this episode, Delirious doesn’t really feel like four days. It feels like one very, very, very long day – with some day and night mixed in.
We talk about the early calm at the start line, the mental battle that hit much earlier than expected, the moment he questioned whether he was out of his depth, and the advice from Scott and Shaun that helped get him back up and moving again.
From Broke Inlet to Mandalay, Walpole, Giant Tingle Tree, Conspicuous Cliffs, Peaceful Bay, Monkey Rocks, Lowlands, Cozy Corner and finally into Albany – Matthew takes us through the highs, lows, odd little moments, painful steps, and unexpected boosts that carried him forward.
There were sleep stops in marquees, on air mattresses, in tents, and even a glorious little dirt nap on a sand dune. There were double espressos from his dad, beautiful volunteers, hot food, pancakes, Eccles cakes, whales, wind turbines that seemed to go on forever, and a knee that decided to make the second half of the race “interesting”.
But this episode is also about much more than sore legs.
It’s about resilience.
It’s about family.
It’s about how far the body can go when the mind has already tried to quit several times.
And it’s about the power of having a reason to keep going – including a note from Matthew’s daughter reminding him not to forget to bring home that medal.
Matthew also shares how the Delirious podcast helped him believe this race was even possible in the first place, which honestly made me a little emotional. Because that really is what this series is all about – showing that everyday people can take on extraordinary things when they train, believe, keep moving, and surround themselves with the right people.
This is a beautiful, funny, honest, and very real 200-mile wrap-up.
And yes, Matthew may have said he’s retired from 200 milers.
We’ll see 😆
Why You’ll Love This Episode
- Matthew’s honest account of travelling from London to WA for a 200-mile race
- The mental wobble that hit surprisingly early – and how he kept going
- The role of volunteers, sweepers, race directors, and other runners in getting him through
- The brutal knee pain that followed him for the second half of the race
- His first ever dirt nap – and why it was surprisingly lovely
- The beautiful support from his dad along the course
- The note from his daughter that helped pull him toward the finish line
- The strange relief of finally seeing the finish arch
- A reminder that ultra running is rarely neat, tidy, or glamorous – but it is deeply meaningful
Tips from Matthew’s Journey
1. Break the race down.
Matthew quickly got into “one aid station at a time” mode. When the whole distance feels impossible, the next checkpoint becomes the only job.
2. Sleep can save the race.
A couple of hours at Broke Inlet, an hour here and there, and even a dirt nap on a sand dune all helped Matthew keep moving.
3. Volunteers matter more than you think.
Hot food, blankets, alarms, encouragement, blister care, and simple kindness became a massive part of Matthew’s race.
4. Your mind may quit before your body does.
Matthew says his mind gave up long before his body did – but he kept stepping forward anyway.
5. Have a reason to keep going.
For Matthew, one of those reasons was bringing home the medal for his daughter. Sometimes the smallest note can become very powerful at 2am.
6. Crew changes everything.
Matthew had support from his dad during the day, but reflected that having crew available more consistently – especially for sleep – would have made a big difference.
7. Never underestimate the final stages.
Cozy Corner may feel close to home, but those wind turbines and final kilometres still make you earn every step.
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/
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🙏 A couple of big favours
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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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