In this Delirious 2026 athlete check-in, I catch up with Gabe Alves with just four weeks to go until the big dance - and as always, Gabe brings the perfect mix of thoughtful insight, calm perspective and delightfully nerdy stats. This time we dive into his fascinating experiment with continuous glucose and ketone monitoring, where he shares what he learned about food, focus, fatigue, exercise and even how mentally demanding work can create a response similar to a hard run. It’s a brilliant reminder that no two bodies are the same, and that understanding your own body might just be one of the most powerful tools you can take into an ultra.

We also talk about Gabe’s big back-to-back training weekend, how the numbers helped him tell the difference between a real physical problem and his brain just having a little wobble, and why building your own personal “toolkit” matters so much in an event like Delirious. There’s plenty here for runners who love the detail, but also for anyone who knows that ultras are never just physical - they’re mental, emotional and wildly personal too. Gabe shares how he’s using data to guide recovery, stay healthy, and keep showing up consistently without tipping over the edge.

Of course, we also get into the ever-changing Delirious course, crew planning, pacing possibilities, campervan logistics, sleep strategy, taper plans, and the strange but comforting truth that almost everything in life somehow becomes “Delirious training” at this stage. It’s a fun, honest chat about preparation, problem-solving and doing your best to arrive at the start line healthy, steady and ready for whatever unfolds. Gabe is in a strong place, but he’s also realistic - which is probably exactly where you want to be this close to a 200-mile race.

Delirious WEST event Website – https://deliriouswest200miler.com.au/

Event Facebook Page – 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/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

⸻

🎙️ Explore all episodes:

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

This week’s mindful moment is beautifully simple and surprisingly powerful: speak one sentence slowly. Choose a sentence—like “I have time to breathe”- and say it aloud with intention. Pause between each word. Feel how the sound vibrates in your body and how your breath naturally steadies as you slow down. We often rush our words when our minds are racing, but your voice can become a tool to calm your nervous system.

Whether you try it before a meeting, in the car, or while doing the dishes, this small practice can shift your whole state. Slowing your speech gently reminds your body that there is space… and there is time.

This small habit can become a quiet anchor in your day — a moment to pause, breathe, and return to the present without needing to stop everything you’re doing.

Little moments like this add up. And often they’re the beginning of something bigger.

💛 Want your running (and your headspace) to feel a little lighter?

If you enjoyed this Mindful Moment, you might love The Running Reset — a simple bundle of guided runs and tools designed to help you clear your mind, reset your rhythm, and fall back in love with running.

👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset

⸻

A couple of small favours 1️⃣ If you’re enjoying the podcast, a quick follow, like, or review helps more runners discover it. 2️⃣ Got a running story — or know someone we should chat with? I’d love to hear from you.

Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club

or email hello@zenrun.club

⸻

✨ 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

⸻

🎧 Explore all episodes

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/

In this fifth Delirious 2026 check-in, Sym Mercer joins me fresh off a very eventful few days - including flood-affected roads, an unexpected overnight stop, and arriving home just in time for our chat. As always, Sym takes it all in her stride. We talk about her latest training block, racing at Hell of the West, dealing with heat, humidity, and a lingering injury that thankfully isn’t stopping her moving forward.

There’s also plenty of classic Sym humour in this one - from her poor damaged bike, to retirement from swimming, to practical race wisdom like not overthinking the packing and remembering that if you forget something… Western Australia does, in fact, have shops. 😄

What really stands out in this episode is where Sym’s head is at now. She’s done the work, she’s packed most of the bag, and she’s ready to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and get to that start line. It’s a great chat about adaptation, resilience, and the strange relief that comes when all you need to do is put one foot in front of the other for a few days.

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

⸻

🎙️ Explore all episodes:

https://fitmindfitbody.co/podcast/