Episode 598 - 2026 Delirious Series - Karin Ridley - Undercover Ultra Runner, TFL Tears & Red Dirt Sunrises

This week on the ZenRUN Podcast, I’m checking back in with Delirious 2026 athlete Karin Ridley — and wow… this one is full of grit, humour, and real-life curveballs.

Since our last chat, Karin discovered that her “niggly hip” wasn’t just tendinopathy — it was a 4.8–9cm tear in her TFL 😳

Yes. A tear. In a tiny little muscle.

And instead of spiralling (okay… maybe just briefly), she did something radical…

She listened to her physio.

For the first time ever, she followed medical advice to the letter — and it’s working. She’s now back to gentle run-walk sessions, stacking strength work, biking like an “undercover ultra runner,” and carefully loading the body so it doesn’t re-tear.

We talk about: • The difference between fatigue and pain (and why that matters right now) • Why strength training is her non-negotiable • How going alcohol-free has dramatically improved recovery and energy • The mental game of starting underdone… and backing yourself anyway • Smart drop bag strategy (labelled Woolies bags and all 😉) • Sleep hacks (including why she sleeps on her stomach mid-ultra!) • And… casually starting FIFO work in the Pilbara 7 weeks before race day 😅

There’s something powerful about watching an experienced athlete adapt instead of panic.

Karin knows it’s going to hurt.

She knows she won’t feel perfectly prepared.

But she also knows she has the skills, the support, and the mindset to get to that start line.

And sometimes… that’s enough.

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

Event Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428304207182387

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