Episode 587 - Mel Clark - Blueberries, Triathlons, Backyard Ultras & Being Your Own Best Friend

In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I finally sit down with the wonderful Melissa (Mel) Clark — local legend, registered nurse, mum of twins, blueberry farmer, triathlete, ultra runner, and one of the most refreshingly honest humans you’ll ever hear on a run chat.

Mel and I wander through her life (as we do), from growing up with a twin, to juggling nursing shifts, farming, family life, triathlon training, and running — often late at night with a head torch once everyone else was in bed. This is a real, unpolished conversation about what it actually looks like to keep moving through busy seasons, hormonal chaos, mum guilt, fatigue, and self-doubt.

We talk triathlons, backyard ultras, farm strength, gym hesitations (and finally joining one!), why women are tougher than we give ourselves credit for, and how learning to be kind to yourself might just be the most important training tool of all.

If you’ve ever felt like you should be doing more… or wondered how “everyone else” fits it all in — this episode will feel like a deep exhale.

🏃‍♀️ Why You’ll Love This Episode

• Mel’s very real journey into running and triathlon — no pedestal, no ego

• How farming, strength work, triathlon training, and running all support each other

• Why late-night runs became her sanity-saving ritual

• Honest chat about hormones, cycles, and why women shouldn’t fear them

• Backyard ultra lessons (including “pretend calories” and survival brain!)

• Letting go of guilt and putting your health first — especially as a mum

Links mentioned in this episode:-

Coop Secure - https://www.coopsecure.com.au/

Wild Acres Berry Farm - https://www.facebook.com/WildAcresTas

Patto’s podcast - https://backyardultrapodcast.podbean.com/

Holly Ranson’s podcast episode - https://fitmindfitbody.co/episode-156-running-increases-your-self-efficacy-holly-ranson/

💛 Want your running to feel lighter again?

If this conversation resonated, you’ll love The ZenRUN Reset Collection — a set of guided audios and simple tools to help you reset your running rhythm, clear your head, and reconnect with why you run.

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

A couple of BIG favours: 1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please like and review the podcast — it helps more runners discover it. 2️⃣ Come on the podcast and share your running journey, or refer someone you’d love me to interview (even if you don’t know them personally!). Let’s stop keeping the power of running a secret.

Find me on Facebook or Instagram at ZenRUN.club, or email [e-mail]

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